Originally Posted by
Sachelis
I flew my touring bike to Europe last year on Delta and it cost $150us. I packed the bike in a cardboard "bike box" (i.e., wheels, seat, and handlebars off). Flying back on Air France (Delta's partner) cost 100E. Pricey indeed, but a relatively small cost compared to the great time I had cyclig across Spain and France.
A bit pricey yes: IMHO only fair for airlines to charge extra for bikes when they actually exceed normal size/weight limits: but things that get me are the uncertainty & inconsistency not to mention "security" hassles. IE
AFAIK no airports/airlines guarantee being able to buy a bike box so travelers are forced to get a bike box from local shops despite language problems, taxi fares etc. My new bike has S & S couplers but considering extensive time to break down/build up & necessity of special cases a definite PITA vs riding to the airport & sticking bike in a $20 box.