Greetings! I'm curious if anyone is privy to Alitalia's policy about traveling with bikes? Their website doesn't mention bikes specifically, yet I have heard stories from other cyclists that Alitalia requires one to use a bike bag. The prospect of placing a touring bike, which you will rely upon for an extended period of time, in a soft felt bag isn't the hottest of ideas, it seems. Any updates here? Also, how realistic would it be to lie outright about what's inside of the cardboard box to avoid hassle about a bike bag- "No, that's no bicycle, it's a box of pamphlets urging a curb to corruption in the Italian government, I assure you." Thanks!

Don't rely on "stories" heard from others. Call the airline direct and if they have a printed info sheet ask it to be sent to you
Stories by others are terribly NON-RELIABLE,
And in these days of hi security DON'T lie about what u have in the bag or box, it WILL be opened by secutrity

Excellent advice Travelingyurt.

As far as bags go, when I flew British Airways last summer with my Waterford, all that was required was a huge clear plastic bag I got at check in. I just removed my pedals, lowered my saddle, and turned the handlebars. I left my front&rear fenders&racks on.

The summer before, I flew Lufthansa with my Raleigh, and took my bike the same way-and no bagging was required. This is the easiest way to travel with a touring bike (in my opinion).

-If you are allowed to take a bike this way I'll add that it may be a good idea to remove the chain (easy if it has "quick" links)-and perhaps add some type of cardboard/tape reinforcing around the rear derraileur (to keep it from getting snagged). The airline handler at Logan suggested the derraileur idea to me-but I didn't have the time to deal with it.

[edit] Adding:

When flying for trekking/touring, I put a big sign (printed on 8x11 paper) inside the top of my checked duffle. It reads something of the likes: "Essential hiking/biking gear for extended trip-no fuel/matches. Please record any confiscated items". I attach a pen with scotch tape (to the sign).

I've no idea if the airport security folks even look at the sign, but it puts my mind at ease. I'd imagine some of my kit probably looks very suspiscous in an x-ray (eggbeaters pedals/pocket rocket stove/sets of AA-AAA batteries etc).