Shipping Bikes
11-02-08, 01:23 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Shipping Bikes
Hello,
I'm planning a tour of New Zealand in January. I'd like to ship my bike from home (Toronto, Canada) to Auckland or Christchurch, wherever I choose to start. Anything I need to know regarding bike shipping? Costs, things to watch out for, etc.
Opinions appreciated!
I'm planning a tour of New Zealand in January. I'd like to ship my bike from home (Toronto, Canada) to Auckland or Christchurch, wherever I choose to start. Anything I need to know regarding bike shipping? Costs, things to watch out for, etc.
Opinions appreciated!
11-02-08, 01:39 PM
#2
cyclopath
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Hello,
I'm planning a tour of New Zealand in January. I'd like to ship my bike from home (Toronto, Canada) to Auckland or Christchurch, wherever I choose to start. Anything I need to know regarding bike shipping? Costs, things to watch out for, etc.
Opinions appreciated!
I'm planning a tour of New Zealand in January. I'd like to ship my bike from home (Toronto, Canada) to Auckland or Christchurch, wherever I choose to start. Anything I need to know regarding bike shipping? Costs, things to watch out for, etc.
Opinions appreciated!
11-02-08, 01:56 PM
#3
Member
Thread Starter
I'm open to either - it really comes down to which is safer and most dependable. I don't want my components damaged en route or anything, nor do I want it to be sitting there while I'm delayed in LAX as asuspected terrorist or some BS. I'm leaning towards bringing it on the plane.
Cost is also a factor.
Cost is also a factor.
11-02-08, 02:17 PM
#4
cyclopath
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I'd fly with my bike. As long as you pack it well you shouldn't have any problems with damage. The costs will depend on your airline, but I can't see shipping it separately being any cheaper. When you get to NZ it will be easier to deal with customs/immigration once for you and your bike rather than having to deal with the process at the airport and then collect your bike and deal with customs again.
There are no guarantees of course you bike can be damaged or lost no matter how much care you take when flying, but the same is true of shipping your bike.
There are no guarantees of course you bike can be damaged or lost no matter how much care you take when flying, but the same is true of shipping your bike.
11-02-08, 07:03 PM
#5
Every day a winding road
Unless you can get it on a container ship, shipping by air is going to be very expensive. It is expensive enough to have it fly with you.
11-02-08, 09:52 PM
#6
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It's probably changed, but a few years ago it was free to fly a bike to NZ and OZ.
Pack carefully (google / search here) or have a bike shop pack it for you. Cardboard box is fine. I arranged a stay my first & last nights in NZ at a hostel near the Aukland airport and they stored my cardboard box and extra duffel bag for me no charge.
Pack carefully (google / search here) or have a bike shop pack it for you. Cardboard box is fine. I arranged a stay my first & last nights in NZ at a hostel near the Aukland airport and they stored my cardboard box and extra duffel bag for me no charge.
11-03-08, 03:08 AM
#7
Senior Member
G'day
You may find the information contained at Audax Australia helpful. Also check with your airline re taking the bike with you. The cost will depend on the airline and its policies. For example, Qantas treat your bike as part of your checked baggage. If you exceed the baggage allowance they charge excess. One suggestion is to pack as much of you clothes etc in your box with the bike and then carry the balance as hand luggage. Means you only have one piece of luggage and you may keep within the baggage allowance.
Andrew
You may find the information contained at Audax Australia helpful. Also check with your airline re taking the bike with you. The cost will depend on the airline and its policies. For example, Qantas treat your bike as part of your checked baggage. If you exceed the baggage allowance they charge excess. One suggestion is to pack as much of you clothes etc in your box with the bike and then carry the balance as hand luggage. Means you only have one piece of luggage and you may keep within the baggage allowance.
Andrew
11-03-08, 03:38 AM
#8
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Yeah AirNZ treat bikes as normal luggage when flying through the US, it just counts as one piece of luggage (and you can take two 23kg each). Do check whoever you book with and print out the allowances because often they have no idea at checkin.
I've found these much more manageable than bike boxes.
I've found these much more manageable than bike boxes.
11-03-08, 02:53 PM
#9
Senior Member
Two years ago I shipped my touring bike and BOB Ibex to and from Australia (from Winnipeg) with the airline(s) I flew on. I started with Air Canada and paid the "bike fee" and got the bike and trailer to Cairns. Coming back from Sydney I apid Qantas about $200 in excess baggage fees (for 3 boxes that were overweight). In all cases I just used bike boxes from my LBS and from Qantas. No hassles at all and everything was fine - except when the TSA safety Nazis went through one box and mixed cookies, bike parts and books together while doing their "security checks". No bike/component damage though - and the bike is a custom built touring bike...
11-03-08, 09:22 PM
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Generally it is best to take your bike as one of the pieces of luggage. Here is how we've done the calculating.
1. Use one of the airline searches. I particularly like Yahoo Farechaser since they include most airlines. Also try a few of the regional airlines like Quantas and a few of the Chinese. Also, google "airlines fly to auckland" and search any with connections between Toronto and Auckland. There are not many. Get the cheapest few.
2. Google the airline name and the words "Sports equipment policy" or simply "Sports Equipment". It will take you to the airline's website and outline their policy on bikes. In general, in the recent past, bicycles counted as one piece of luggage. This has changed on some airlines. If they have a two bag allowance, the bike may count as one. It should say if the bike must be boxed or not. Read the weight limits carefully as the boxed bike may be overweight or oversized.
3. Call the airline directly and book with them. Double check the bike policy with the booking agent. Get a printout of the bike policy to take with you on the day you fly.
Often discount rates are internet only. In that case book directly with the airline through their website.
Avoid multi-airline flights if possible. It complicates the baggage issues. Also, check the prices for nearby airports. For instance, it can be far cheaper to fly out of New York or LA. Check prices for New York then rent a car with one-way drop off at the airport. I know it's a long way but it might save you $1000. You might consider flying to Australia then take one of the local airlines to Auckland but be sure to give yourself plenty of time in case your flight is delayed.
Have fun!
Arrive early for check-in. When you get up to the counter be very polite. The agent has a lot of leeway regarding baggage. Try, if possible, to carry some heavy stuff in your carry-on.
1. Use one of the airline searches. I particularly like Yahoo Farechaser since they include most airlines. Also try a few of the regional airlines like Quantas and a few of the Chinese. Also, google "airlines fly to auckland" and search any with connections between Toronto and Auckland. There are not many. Get the cheapest few.
2. Google the airline name and the words "Sports equipment policy" or simply "Sports Equipment". It will take you to the airline's website and outline their policy on bikes. In general, in the recent past, bicycles counted as one piece of luggage. This has changed on some airlines. If they have a two bag allowance, the bike may count as one. It should say if the bike must be boxed or not. Read the weight limits carefully as the boxed bike may be overweight or oversized.
3. Call the airline directly and book with them. Double check the bike policy with the booking agent. Get a printout of the bike policy to take with you on the day you fly.
Often discount rates are internet only. In that case book directly with the airline through their website.
Avoid multi-airline flights if possible. It complicates the baggage issues. Also, check the prices for nearby airports. For instance, it can be far cheaper to fly out of New York or LA. Check prices for New York then rent a car with one-way drop off at the airport. I know it's a long way but it might save you $1000. You might consider flying to Australia then take one of the local airlines to Auckland but be sure to give yourself plenty of time in case your flight is delayed.
Have fun!
Arrive early for check-in. When you get up to the counter be very polite. The agent has a lot of leeway regarding baggage. Try, if possible, to carry some heavy stuff in your carry-on.
