So far I have opted for simple trips leaving fro home to explore my immediately surroundings since I am new to this part of the country and the landscape here is amazing (Arizona). But I am thinking of more distant locations and how to get there. I have been daunted by the idea of handing over my bike to an airline baggage handler unless I put it in one of those bomb-proof hard shell bike cases which are quite expensive. And then I would have to find a place to store it while on location and would be obligated to return to that particular port of entry to retrieve mybike protection investment.

Does a cardboard box work? Is it safe enough? Do the airlines charge extra for such large items? Should I wait until I can afford one of those frames with couplings?

What has been your experiences?

Vadopazzo