Originally Posted by
Ozonation
Shoot. I bought the soft-sided, odd-looking Brompton cases. And yes, I believe AC would enforce the rules. Ah... guess I better take a look for some inexpensive hard cases that fit the Bromptons but still could qualify as checked luggage.
Any specific suggestions on make and model?
With the labour dispute they are having right now, they might have supervisors or managers working the counters at any one time, so it's an extra pain to fly with them and they are probably not in the best mood.
The odd-looking Brompton should be ok as long as the dimensions meet 62". Grab a tape measure now and measure the longish edges of the case and then see if it meets the regulation. Do not use Brompton's measurements as airlines like to measure the fattest part or the longest part of the case (most cases are tapered in some places these days) If it does, then if you contest with them at the check in counter (hopefully you don't have to), their tape measure will say the same. Bring a tape measure yourself just in case they misplace theirs!
If you want to buy a hard case, there's really very few cases that fit a Brompton M6L (no rack). And that's my Delsey 31" and that's slightly breaking airline regulation at the fattest and tallest part of the case at the bottom end which allows me to just fit the the M6L or M3L without taking it apart. So far no airlines had ever whip out a tape measure to check its dimensions because it looks like a normal suitcase. For M6R or M3R, you will need to take the rack off to fit in this case plus your helmet and shoes fit right in. I bought the Delsey in the hopes that someday I might get a Brompton. In the meantime, it's used for travel with either of my Dahons. So, it's multi-purpose. Here's the photo of it though the article mentioned 29", mine is a slightly larger 31"
http://utilitycyclist.blogspot.ca/20...o-airline.html
Now's the sad news. This type of case is no longer sold and as with any hard cases, they are shrinking even more to fit ever more stringent airline regulations. I was able to buy this case on closeout in a Las Vegas baggage store as they had it sitting there collecting dust next to the Rimowa 32" (talk about super expensive tough as nails case). I was so happy when the store manager decided to get rid of this pink case to me for $90! She thanked for me for buying the case and gave me some goodies to go with it. Errr -- I thank her for selling such a great case to me for cheaper than I can get with the new Tern Mini Airporter! Plus it's bigger being 31" as opposed to the article's 29".
By the way, the Samsonite Flite 31" that works with the Bike Friday will not fit your Brompton as it is tapered at the top end.