pammieellen

Hi, I wanted to post a thread (and I know we have had previous conversations) - what is your experience traveling with major airlines in 2012.

Here is mine - used hard case for Brompton - flew over to Honolulu from LAX - no problem - lucky I had a hard cases - a film company flew on my flight and had about 50 hard cases of photographic equipment - United - no extra "bike fees" and no problems. I was too nervous to check at gate and my bike seemingly would be a pain to take through security. January 2012 trip.

Delta - Orlando Trip - February/early March 2012 from LAX - no problem - no extra "bike" fees and no problems or damages. I checked it in hard luggage! I have trips planned to DC in May and Portland (probably United and Alaska) - I will report back then!

I have been loosening my handlebars and they seem to loosen during travel - so I do it before and take my allen wrenches. I have not been able to take a helmet (which is worrisome) to fit in the hard case. And my carryon and other bag is normally full (I fly with suits, and computers, darn it!). Any tips are appreciated!

What about you? Any new trips for anyone to report?

rex615

I flew with American in Dec Charlotte - Miami - Panama. Had a Dahon in a Samsonite suitcase. No problems.

In Feb I flew on Us Airways Charlotte - Philly - Madrid - Gran Canary. Again a Dahon in a Samsonite suitcase. No problems.

Funny thing is TSA opened my other suitcase (they put a little paper inside) but didn't open the one with the bike. I guess the X-Ray must make it obvious that a bike is inside, where as the other suitcase had some odd tools in it.

As for packing, I take the wheels off pull the top half of the stem out and unbolt the rear derailleur. I don't air down my tires, though the airlines say you should (too lazy to pump them back up).

pammieellen

Great tips! You had some really long trips too! Oops, never took the air down (but don't keep them fully inflated), and I like the idea about the stem. Make me think about taking my seat post out. . . (and maybe putting a helmet in).

EM42

friend of mine that travels with a brompton folds it up and checks it in like a stroller , wheelchair, mobility device and has never been questioned.

he said he never uses the word 'bicycle' as several airlines has directives saying that " bicycles " must be charged extra baggage fee which really just applies to full size bikes because of its bulk but most attendants don't know the difference and when they hear the word bicycle they assume chargeable fees.

all airlines have a spot in the cabin where they keep the wheelchairs, baby strollers, walking cane, mobility device for elderly so they're there ready to be picked up when the passengers disembark after the flight and he said thats where his brompton goes.

I don't know the current rules today about folding bikes and airlines as the rules keep changing because airlines are always looking for ways to make an extra buck on just about anything

snafu21

It was writted in a previous thread, that when facing inquisition by airline desk staff a folded bicycle might be described as 'sports equipment' to avoid use of the word b*c*cle and subsequent wallet-ectomies.

hopperja

I've heard:
* Sports Equipment
* Assistive Mobility Equipment

pammieellen

I like that - I was at the Delta gate and saw some strollers that were incredibly larger (almost larger than a full size bike, no kidding) - great tips. . . but to take the Brompton through LAX I'd might need a shoulder bag for it (I can sew well - so perhaps a project) - I've heard of the Ikea clear bag idea too.

Herb

Clip your helmet to the handle of your carryon. I have done this. No problem

rex615

That is a good idea, thanks.

I wonder what they would think if I wore mine as I boarded the plane.

rex615

* Bicycle parts.

pammieellen

Great idea re: Helmet!

RVD72

i thought the whole idea was to avoid using the "B" word...

snafu21

"B" word...

'Tubular Personal Transport Solution.'

I've kinda stopped flying anywhere, Britain's Heathrow aiport is now a place of horror and suspicion. The regional airports are worse and staffed by self-important dim-wits. My contact lens saline was confiscated last time I flew, in case I hammered down the amoured door to the cockpit and administered a soothing eye-wash to the flight crew.

cbike

Nothing, but it would protect your head when banging it on the overhead bins.

rex615

That is what you say in case you have to open a bag in front of airline personnel and they ask what it is, you say "bicycle parts." Technically you are not lying, it is disassembled into parts. There just happen to be enough bicycle parts to build exactly one bicycle.

I have had to redistribute stuff around from one bag to an other because one bag was overweight. Some airlines allow 50lbs others only 45. These days I carry a small scale with me to avoid surprises at the check in counter.

rex615

I still do that with disturbing frequency.

fietsbob

Inline wheelchair ..