Well, this story is getting repetitive, really. But I want to keep updating this thread, as evidence that this isn't some fluke.

The winter being over, time for another transcontinental Brompton flight! This time, flying out of SFO, I had a bag to check, as well as the Bromton to gate-check and the T-bag for a carryon. No problems at baggage claim; I don't think they looked twice at my rolling luggage.

The TSA attendant tried to rotate the bike the wrong way for the X-ray, so I said "May I help you with that, please?" (ALWAYS ASK!) and set it up the right way. He was somewhat delighted that it fit through. One of these days I may snap a picture, although the TSA is notoriously weird about that and I really don't want further attention. I got the usual thumbs-up and "nice bike!" that I tend to get in SFO, and no delays.

Checking the bike at the gate was trivial; the usual routine of strapping the handlebars down, getting a claim check, and walking it down the jetway. This flight had a transfer to a small feeder plane and I wasn't given the bike back between, which made me slightly nervous.

When I got the Brompton back at the small regional airport that was my destination, the handlebars were dirty, apparently from being left naked on the floor of the cargo bay. Nothing a bit of soap and water on a damp cloth didn't fix up in a hurry.

As always, no charge, no hassle, no damage; just the pleasure of having my bike ready to go at my destination.

Dahon.Steve, I can't claim credit for this 'discovery'. I would have been far too nervous to simply try this myself! Todd Fahrner, bicycle pundit extraordinary and inventor of the Stokemonkey, details gate-checking his Brompton on a flight to Beijing to inspect the motor factory for his product. It sounded so simple, and turns out to be so in practice. Good thing too, as I bought the Brompton largely on the strength of this recommendation.


The best bike to ride is the one you have with you. By this criterion, my Brompton is the best bike I've ever had.