Refering to a post about a month ago regarding taking a bike
on Delta in the US with a Quantas connection to New Zealand.
I removed most components including chainwheel, cranks,
deraileurs, wheels, fork from the frame. The wheels were
placed on either side of the frame next to each other,
forward of the spindle. Frame tubes were covered with pipe
insulation from Home Depot. Everything fit in a bike box
with a heighth the same as a wheel. I was able to shorten
the box by a third. Components and tools were carried in a
handlebar bag intended to be carried on. Luggage was in a
daypack that was carried on. The box was perceptably light.
At check-in the Delta CSR asked no questions - it just went
on! The handlebar bag had to be checked as it contained
tools (no knives or screwdriver). I guess someone could have
gotten decapitated by a chainwheel. On showing my separate
ticket to New Zealand, it was checked through. No lugging it
around LAX. Incidently, the person in front of me at Delta
checked three HUGE suitcases and a TV set, so it would have
looked bad to charge me for a 20 pound box.
Everything arrived perfectly at the other end.
A note to New Zealand travellers: Scrub your tires, shoes,
and camping goods of all dirt before you depart.
Enjoying an Indian summer in Nelon on the South Island
at present. Swimming still possible in Abel Tasman
National Park.
Cheers to those who offered suggestions!
Steve