Originally Posted by
trailhound
We wanted to schedule our flight for the best arrival time into Zurich, so we can ride from the airport, so we arrive in the morning.
....
The closest airport other than Tucson is Phoenix, but due to the hassle of getting there, along with the 120 mile drive there and back along I-10, we nixed that idea.
If it were me personally, I wouldn't be so quick to nix it. You can fly wholly on BA or Air Canada from Phoenix to Zurich, with one connection in London or Toronto respectively. BA allows the bike free as one of your checked bag fees, Air Canada charges $50 each way, and both flights are within a few dollars of United from Zurich on the same days (randomly punched in a two week segment in September)
Can't remember when BA gets in, but AC arrived at 750am. Most transatlantic flights arrive in Europe in the AM, that should be pretty common, unless you get a layover on arrival somewhere. Also good keep in mind for planning, by the time you land and clear customs/immigration and retrieve and assemble the bike, you're likely adding two hours before getting out of the airport.