Originally Posted by
Quiglesnbits
Civilian, but the basic assumptions apply, as we are using the same services and didn't exactly get to choose. I feel like if I disassemble at all I'll have to go all the way. I worry that if I take the wheels off, then I'm asking for the derailleur hanger to get bent, or the fork to get sandwiched. I don't know that I have a particular issue with the "packed by owner" idea, because I DO get to watch them seal the crate at my house.
Yep, close enough. Just do it like box store bikes come, partially assembled. When I flew with mine the front wheel was removed, and handlebars removed and bubble wrapped and ziptied to the frame. Everything made it great without issues. Perhaps grab a few of the larger boxes from a bike shop and a large roll of bubble wrap and do it yourself. Then tape both boxes together and make sure the shippers don't stack stuff on top of them and they remain upright in the crates. Leave them open and let the shippers look inside and let them verify that it is a bike. Write your serials on the outside of the boxes so they can add them to the paperwork.
Where are you moving to?