General Cycling Discussion - Bringing a bike onto the plane

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unrelated
07-26-04, 04:12 PM
Has anyone done this before? What's the best way?

I have checked in a bike before but that was many many years ago. I am just wondering if airlines( such as north west) has special rules about bringing large bulky items like this. Is there any extra fee? Can I not dismentle it?

Guest
07-26-04, 06:29 PM
Check the Touring forum. There is plenty of discussion on the subject too!

I think it depends on the airline. If you are planning on bringing your bike, you'll have to call the airlines and check the luggage requirements. Each airline has their own rule as to dimensions, how it should be packed, etc.

Koffee
Flyingsquid
07-26-04, 10:57 PM
It seems most airlines that I have flown in the last year (Northwest, et al...) are charging $80 each way to check a bike. Absolutely ridiculous if you ask me. There have been flights that I have taken to Vegas where it has cost more to send my bike than myself! There is also a service that you can use
www.sportsexpress.com that will have the bike (if packed in a bike box) picked up & delivered directly to your destination. Seems to run a little more than the airlines charge , but might be worth it for the convenience. I have recently started shipping my bike via UPS Ground Insured in a hard-shell bike box. Within the US it will run $30-50 each way. I initiate the pick-up before I leave for my destination & have UPS pick it up the day I am set to return. I would be sure to insure it for the full value of the bike, any accessories & the case itself in case it gets lost in transit.

orguasch
07-27-04, 02:25 AM
I have seen a complete bike, just wrap in a thick plastic bag, the plastic bags are provided by the airline company, I have seen it with Air Canada flights.....down here at Pearson Airport (incoming passenger)
unrelated
07-27-04, 06:48 AM
Well I am flying it all the way from Taiwan to Detroit... That's 17 hrs worth of travel.
Anyways, I did call NWA and they told me the same thing. I figured that it is definitely cheaper to pay $80 then to spend hundreds on freight services and custom charges and wait for 2 months to get it.

BTW, the US custom law requires a wooden crate from any foreign country to be smoked for 24 hrs with certificate to prove that no bug will survive on it. That IS a hassle.

Anyways, I am asking my friend to do me the favour since I am in the US and he's flying over in a month.... hope he doesn't mind!