Recommendations: Flying with a Brompton or other folder
08-04-18 | 09:01 PM
#1
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Recommendations: Flying with a Brompton or other folder
Put a Brompton in a Cyclone Chubby (made by Radical Design, same outfit that makes the Brompton B-bag).
I have to go from USA to Honduras to USA to Spain.
Thus, have to pay three times for bike and/or overweight/oversize. Shipping direct to Spain is absurd: DHL wants almost enough to buy another one when I get there! FedEx $800 uninsured, UPS $852 insured.
Airline info on bikes invariably are for non-folders.
Would like to hear what y'all know about costs and handling. In the Chubby, the wheels and tongue come off and go inside with the bike. Size 118 x 81 x 50 cm (47.2 x 32.4 x 20"). Weight 23 kg if I remove all tools, patch kits, parts, etc.
I have to go from USA to Honduras to USA to Spain.
Thus, have to pay three times for bike and/or overweight/oversize. Shipping direct to Spain is absurd: DHL wants almost enough to buy another one when I get there! FedEx $800 uninsured, UPS $852 insured.
Airline info on bikes invariably are for non-folders.
Would like to hear what y'all know about costs and handling. In the Chubby, the wheels and tongue come off and go inside with the bike. Size 118 x 81 x 50 cm (47.2 x 32.4 x 20"). Weight 23 kg if I remove all tools, patch kits, parts, etc.
08-04-18 | 11:45 PM
#2
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From: France
Bikes: Brompton, Time, Bianchi, Jan Janssen, Peugeot
Take something like this https://www.amazon.com/RockBros-Bicy...mpton+bike+bag instead.
08-05-18 | 03:57 AM
#3
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From: Paris, France
This question has been discussed a few times.
Unless you absolutely want to ride with a trailer — although it's harder and less convenient than carrying all your stuff on the bike —, the cheapest and most practical solution is to stop at any Brompton dealership to get the original box for free; If none is available, stop by any bike store and perform surgery on a full-size bike box with scissors + duct tape to fit the Brompton. Then, you can chunk it at the aiport with no hard feelings. Repeat at your next flight.
If you do need a trailer, consider getting a Burley Travoy instead.
Unless you absolutely want to ride with a trailer — although it's harder and less convenient than carrying all your stuff on the bike —, the cheapest and most practical solution is to stop at any Brompton dealership to get the original box for free; If none is available, stop by any bike store and perform surgery on a full-size bike box with scissors + duct tape to fit the Brompton. Then, you can chunk it at the aiport with no hard feelings. Repeat at your next flight.
If you do need a trailer, consider getting a Burley Travoy instead.
08-05-18 | 06:06 AM
#5
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From: Suncoast, Florida
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This question has been discussed a few times.
.... stop by any bike store and perform surgery on a full-size bike box with scissors + duct tape to fit the Brompton. Then, you can chunk it at the aiport with no hard feelings. Repeat at your next flight....
.... stop by any bike store and perform surgery on a full-size bike box with scissors + duct tape to fit the Brompton. Then, you can chunk it at the aiport with no hard feelings. Repeat at your next flight....
This is what I have done...make your own box, use scraps to pad your bike..throw it away at destination.Only pay for a standard checked bag. Make another one when needed. When asked "whats in the box?" Say something like "mobility equipment". Furniture stores have big boxes to start with.
08-05-18 | 09:38 AM
#7
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From: NEW YORK, NY - USA
Bikes: 2014 BMC Gran Fondo, 2013 Brompton S6L-X
If the bike is in a suitcase and nearing(or over) the max weight; place some parts in your carry-on bag(s).
Saddle, spare tires + tubes, pedals(?), etc.
Have flown over a dozen times with my Bromptons over the years; just used a cardboard box. Even with the
standard Brompton(not superlight/X), never went over the size & weight limits. Because the box is very light;
I can stuff other items with the bike. Tools, clothes, spares(tire, tube), shoes, snacks, lights, etc.
Nagoya Station by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
One time I flew from New York City to Los Angeles. As my usual practice; I just used a factory box that I get
from my dealer for free(Thanks BFold!). Landed at LAX; threw the box and rode to my hotel in Anaheim. Return
flight; I made my own box from 2 smaller boxes that were going to the recycling bin:
Brompton folding bike; ready for check-in by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
Saddle, spare tires + tubes, pedals(?), etc.
Have flown over a dozen times with my Bromptons over the years; just used a cardboard box. Even with the
standard Brompton(not superlight/X), never went over the size & weight limits. Because the box is very light;
I can stuff other items with the bike. Tools, clothes, spares(tire, tube), shoes, snacks, lights, etc.
Nagoya Station by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
One time I flew from New York City to Los Angeles. As my usual practice; I just used a factory box that I get
from my dealer for free(Thanks BFold!). Landed at LAX; threw the box and rode to my hotel in Anaheim. Return
flight; I made my own box from 2 smaller boxes that were going to the recycling bin:
Brompton folding bike; ready for check-in by 1nterceptor, on Flickr
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08-05-18 | 10:22 AM
#10
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From: NEW YORK, NY - USA
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between checking-in or sending ahead as a package.
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08-05-18 | 12:58 PM
#11
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For US Domestic, I've used the Downtube bag a couple of times. I had to pay for a bag, but they didn't ding me for oversize (although it is). My bike is a 20" Dahon.
https://www.downtube.com/downtube-fo...soft-suitcase/
https://www.downtube.com/downtube-fo...soft-suitcase/
08-05-18 | 05:23 PM
#12
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
Put a Brompton in a Cyclone Chubby (made by Radical Design, same outfit that makes the Brompton B-bag).
Airline info on bikes invariably are for non-folders.
Would like to hear what y'all know about costs and handling. In the Chubby, the wheels and tongue come off and go inside with the bike. Size 118 x 81 x 50 cm (47.2 x 32.4 x 20"). Weight 23 kg if I remove all tools, patch kits, parts, etc.
Airline info on bikes invariably are for non-folders.
Would like to hear what y'all know about costs and handling. In the Chubby, the wheels and tongue come off and go inside with the bike. Size 118 x 81 x 50 cm (47.2 x 32.4 x 20"). Weight 23 kg if I remove all tools, patch kits, parts, etc.
Airlines often insist on applying rules for sports equipment, no matter whether the equipment folds or not. To claim that the rules apply to 'non-folders' only you need to find a spelled out exception within the posted rules.
While it does not provide you with a trailer one definite optimum in the packing is Vincita B132H bag.
08-05-18 | 09:41 PM
#13
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I do not know how you come up with this info. Your Chubby's size is grossly inflated. In my measurements the dimensions with e-thing inside were 31 x 25 x 13". It blew typical airline limit, but just a bit, sufficient to try one's luck. The problem is of running into an irritated agent who insists on rules to compensate for some mishap in their day. I do not recall a weight problem with Chubby.
Eventually, I found a different airport so I could fly Spirit FLL-SAL and back. That would be $75 each way, if I take it, but since I have to rent a car in El Salvador, I can leave the bike in FLL for those four days. Then Norwegian to Spain with an $80 fee for the bike and no idiotic size limits that only allow a non-folder.
08-06-18 | 02:54 AM
#14
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From: Paris, France
That's precisely the point: You ditch the trailer, and you don't carry the cardboard box during the trip. You just chunk it when deplaning, and get a new one for your next flight.
08-06-18 | 04:30 AM
#15
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How do you secure the dustbin to the bike? Great idea to look after the environment, don't get me wrong 
I'm with you on your weight comments. All up weight to Melbourne was 19 kg. The return was rather more, as I'd hit the Asian supermarkets in Box Hill, but still OK, just.
I'm with you on your weight comments. All up weight to Melbourne was 19 kg. The return was rather more, as I'd hit the Asian supermarkets in Box Hill, but still OK, just.
08-06-18 | 07:17 AM
#16
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First, I don't want to ditch the trailer. It is extremely useful. Second, I didn't say anything about dragging the box away from the airport.
08-06-18 | 11:05 AM
#17
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perhaps hijacking our initial posters thread, since they have made their choice, known.
but I saw this , It, itself , folds to be mailed, for less, to your departure town ,
last night booking ..
so as to not have to carry it while cycling along ...
....
but I saw this , It, itself , folds to be mailed, for less, to your departure town ,
last night booking ..
so as to not have to carry it while cycling along ...
....
08-13-18 | 07:33 AM
#20
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Which is pretty much like me. By the by, I was going to take my Brompton with me to Thailand later in the year. Unfortunately I booked my return flight with Air France, assuming there were no charges. Turns out it is cheaper to buy a Brompton copy in Thailand than to travel with the bike, so that's what I'm doing. You live, and occasionally you learn
08-14-18 | 10:07 AM
#21
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From: New England
Bikes: Brompton M6R, Specialized Tricross Comp, Ellsworth Isis, Dahon Speed P8
I have traveled with less, but I am homeless by choice, and when I cross an ocean and plan to be out of USA for three months or longer, I tend to take more than I need. And then it must roam with me unless I plan to make a circle.
First, I don't want to ditch the trailer. It is extremely useful. Second, I didn't say anything about dragging the box away from the airport.
First, I don't want to ditch the trailer. It is extremely useful. Second, I didn't say anything about dragging the box away from the airport.
Don't know if you've ever tried a Travoy, but they ride very nicely with weight and mirror the Brompton's fold and versatility. For example, you can easily store everything (bike/trailer/gear) inside a 2 man tent with you, both bike and trailer can be wheeled around indoors like luggage, and if you are in good shape (afterall, it's 50+kg total), in <30sec you can convert from riding to full backpack/hand carry for staircases, public transport, or a short bushwhacking hikes to secluded stealth camping.
If that's an option you'd be interested in, let me know.
Last edited by reppans; 08-15-18 at 08:56 AM.
08-15-18 | 06:30 PM
#22
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From: Carlsbad CA and Studio City CA
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro 26, Brompton
I remove the seat (have the telescoping post) and just put my Brompton in the nylon bag and into the overhead luggage compartment (Southwest, Virgin America, British Air):
Very old Southwest 737 (20 year old aircraft)
Virgin America
Virgin America
British Air
Very old Southwest 737 (20 year old aircraft)
Virgin America
Virgin America
British Air
08-15-18 | 08:25 PM
#23
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I have flown with a bromine a few times. Tbh I wouldn’t do it again. The hassle is massive in terms getting the bike, in a case to check in as is the extra cost for a second case or the loss of luggage space if you travel with only one. It was brilliant having a bike when I got to wherever. But could have hired a good bike many times from the LBS or even bought secondhand and it would have cost no more. I know that is not what I am supposed to say. But hey.
08-15-18 | 10:44 PM
#24
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The seat numbers suggest that you were flying first class. The air personnel is much more forgiving when you are in that category. I flew few times with a Brompton as a carry-on and found it far too much stress than it is worth. Even though I was successful I expect statistically to end up with charges for a bike or excess luggage and haggles with air personnel. Putting the bike into check-in luggage involves no stress if you meet all limits.
Last edited by 2_i; 08-15-18 at 11:10 PM.
08-16-18 | 09:45 AM
#25
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From: Carlsbad CA and Studio City CA
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro 26, Brompton
The seat numbers suggest that you were flying first class. The air personnel is much more forgiving when you are in that category. I flew few times with a Brompton as a carry-on and found it far too much stress than it is worth. Even though I was successful I expect statistically to end up with charges for a bike or excess luggage and haggles with air personnel. Putting the bike into check-in luggage involves no stress if you meet all limits.
1. British Air was coach plus.
2. Virgin was coach.
3. Southwest only has one fare.
One theory, and it may be a bit crazy, but since I am over 6' 2" and not slight, the bag may not appear so big in comparison.
I'd say out of all the airlines, Southwest was the easiest.
Also, at Heathrow security, I recommend letting them know that it is a British Made Brompton.
Security at San Francisco and most US Airports know about these bikes. I recommend getting onto TSA Pre-Check to make things easier.
Removing the seat/post (the telescoping one) makes it easy for the bike to get thru the scanners.
The packed bike:
FYI: Being able to do this was a MAJOR reason I bought a Brompton. I was doing a lot of business travel and I decided I wanted to have my own bike with me to avoid taxi/Uber fares. I also got pretty good at packing, being able to do a week or more with everything in a T or C bag, including laptop. In 2015/6 I probably did over a dozen flights with the Brompton (I was bi-costal for a time).
Now, less flying (thankfully) but with Amtrak's new bike policy the Brompton is the bike I have as my sole transportation during the week.
Last edited by bikingbill; 08-16-18 at 09:55 AM.