Flying with your bike

If your bike is worth much I'd strongly suggest getting a special container to put it in. They are expensive but if you leave a nice bike to the mercy of baggage handlers you could really regret it.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by mjw_byrne
If your bike is worth much I'd strongly suggest getting a special container to put it in. They are expensive but if you leave a nice bike to the mercy of baggage handlers you could really regret it.

Of course I figured as much. Any recommendations?

check you LBS. There are a couple by me that will rent the out, rather than buying one. It will cost you to fly with a bike. Golf clubs are free, but a bike is considered extra luggage. I believe you have to pay by the pound.

Ron

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by BigBen
I'm going to do some traveling this summer and I'd like to take my bike with me. Anyone have any tips or words of advice regarding the best/most economical way to fly with your bike.

Thanks

Airlines charge about $50 each way for a bike (some let you fly it for free if you are a member of certain national bike clubs)... it can be disguised, but my vote is to convert your bike to a folding bike... it doesn't look like a bike when in case, so they don't charge you, and it is so much easier to handle! Take a look...
www.sandsmachine.com
Awesome, light and has saved me a bucket of money.
Look at the S and S site, and see how many high end bikes use their services, and read the testimonials.
...Quite spendy though.

Or rent a bike when you get there.
Or buy a Brompton (momovelo.com)

And, just to ask anyone, last time I tried to ride out of Denver airport (the new one), I was told that I couldn't (!!!! Had to rent a taxi to take me and the bike from the airport!!!))... has this changed?

Performance bike sells a hard bike case for around US$225. I assume you can buy similar cases elsewhere through mailorder / online. The case is 47.5" x 30.5" x 10.5" (121 x 78 x 27cm). You have to remove your stem/handlebars, pedals, and wheels (and drop the seat, of course). Put it back together, and you are ready to roll when you reach your destination.

I also checked baggage restrictions for international flights (on Delta Airlines), and this case falls well within allowable limits.

Happy traveling.

JMc