I will go to WA in Dec, and Yosemite next Spring break and would like to bring my bike along. Also, I will be going to move to another country for a while (2006) and would hate it if I have to sell my bike.

So anyone has any experiences in bringing bikes out of state and out of the country please share. To be more specific:
- How much do airlines charge?
- Do we have to take the bike apart?
- Do we have to pack the bike before get ting to the airport or just ride to the airport?
- Do they usually damage the bikes? Which part?

- Which airline is more/most bike friendly?

Another question: Is it cheaper to ship the bike before hand instead of dragging it on the plane with us?
If you shipped your bikes before, how did you shipped it.

Thanks.

You might find this particular website useful.

Luberger,

I used to work for an airline in the air cargo department. Don't know how many bags you are planning on taking but without doubt you will have to check your bike as carryons of its size are not allowed. A lot if not most airlines have a policy of one carry on and two checked bags. Anything additional to that would need to be shipped as air cargo at an additional cost. I would try to limit what I take so I could have the bike shipped as a checked bag. Also, most carriers will require you to dissasemble and package the bike so as to avoid damage to bike and and also the aircraft itself. The tires will also need to be deflated before shipping as per FAA regs. If you do end up having to ship the bike as cargo, I would plan on $150 being the average minum charge for shipping as well. For a trip to Washington I would probably recomend Northwest Airlines or United as your best bet. Oh, and BTW, the price for shipping your bike as cargo is going to be the same whether you travel with it or not. For conveniance, I would recommend traveling with it if possible.

Thanks for your reply barndog.

So basically if I have only one, or no checked bags then I can sure check the bike in as one? I always travel light so I usually don't have checked in bags on Seattle trips
And do the carriers provide boxes and tapes for the bike as they do for fishing rods ?

recently flew from philadelphia to st. george utah with my bike. i just got a regular bike box from a local shop and packed the bike in that, used some clothes i was taking for padding. it was a bit of a hassel luging it in and out of the airport, but not too bad.
flew delta and they charged me $80. for an oversized piece of luggage. everything worked out fine. i'd recommend calling the airline and ask if they have any specific policies. Delta had bicycle specific info on the FAQ section of they're web site.
when i returned to philadelphia i decided it might be easier just to ship the bike ups. i wish i'd taken it on the plane again, ups trashed the bike .

Yes, then you should be able to check your bike as baggage with no additional cost. I guess I didn't really specify fully when the airline would require you to ship as cargo. Its not necessarily when you have more than 2 checked bags. Most airlines will allow you to ship it as a 3rd checked bag at an additional cost but it is not nearly as high as the air cargo price. The poster who mentioned the $80 figure was pretty much right on for what most carriers will charge for the 3rd checked bag. They generally won't require you to ship it as cargo unless its over 75 lbs or exceptionally bulky. The airline I worked for did have bike boxes and tape. I'm pretty sure thats standard amongst most other airlines as well. I'd just recommend calling them directly and speaking to a customer service rep. to make prior arrangements and to inquire as to their specific policy. Also, I'd make sure to arrive early enough at the gate to allow for disassembly and packing of your bike.

One important tip (and FAA regulation): leave your CO2 cartridges at home. Those aren't allowed on planes.