We use the Pika Packworks soft cases. Many, many airline trips and zero damage.They're lightweight so it's pretty easy to keep them below the 50lb standard baggage limit, even with paking bicycle clothes, tools, etc. in them.
I bought ours before they offered a wheel option so I added wheels to ours, which is nice. However, I used them for several years without wheels and without any real difficulty.
Highly recommended.
Originally Posted by
LoriCycles
... it seems like TSA has a field day rummaging through my gear; I often land to find my bike box looking like a tornado hit it! Soft cases, though, haven't offered my bike the protection it deserves; the last one allowed some pretty gnarly damage over time. So, what's the buzz on a solid, reliable TSA-compliant bike box? I'm curious if anyone is head-over-heels for their Scicon or Thule. And what about other brands like Bike Box Alan, EVOC, or B&W International? Would love to hear your expert insights!
Originally Posted by
vane171
I flew with a bike overseas and at the airport I was told to take the bike over to the oversized luggage section where they made me open it up for inspection. Then it was also up to me to put it back together, zip it up...
I don't get it. This was in Canada international airport. Maybe US internal flights have different procedures? Like opening the bike luggage not in the presence of the owner?
Is there a "TSA compliant" case that they won't want to inspect the contents of? I doubt it. Please post if there's such a thing.
Every time we've traveled with ours, domestically in the US including Alaska and Hawaii, they've checked in as regular baggage for weight, and then sent us to schlep it to the oversized baggage area. At that point, we have always had the option of just dropping it off and letting them do their thing or standing by to repack it if they unpack it. I've done the latter without objection or controversy. I've never been not allowed to repack it myself. I have always gotten the impression that's what the oversized baggage personnel prefer.