Thread: Taking your bike on an airplane

Originally Posted by dimitrin

. . . I have flown my bike round trip 3 times, my wifes bike round trip twice, and a buddies bike round trip once in a cardboard boxes I got from the bike shop. All boxes still look as good as new. . . . .

Thanks, D! Definitely down to ride. Hope you're healing up!!!

Originally Posted by dimitrin

Keep in mind I'm recovering from a severely broken leg, I'm not dropping anyone on rides these days.

Whatever Dimitri. You could drop most people with just one leg and a busted rim. You're a beast. We need to hit Winter Park again now that you're all healed up.

Originally Posted by Tree magnet

Whatever Dimitri. You could drop most people with just one leg and a busted rim. You're a beast. We need to hit Winter Park again now that you're all healed up.

I am hoping WP Freeride Fest next year!

But this year lets keep this years fall Outerbike on the radar Outerbike: Moab, Utah

$180 for three days of riding upcoming year bikes shuttled to sweet single track riding.
Includes shuttles, bikes, beer and lunches.

...and it can be combined with a few days in Fruita, Co.

NOW we're talkin country music.

here is an interesting idea. The theory is that packing the bike in a clear polyethylene bag actually has the airline treating the bike more carefully because they can see it. Some people just turn the handlebars and wrap the bike

People have been shipping bikes in clear plastic bags. With tape on the outside. It works well and actually results in less damage because they don’t throw heavy luggage on top.

How to fly with a bike: The cheap and easy method -

Will my bike survive?

It seems that baggage handlers are actually human beings after all. If they can see there is a bicycle in the bag it is more likely to be treated with respect. Instead of tossing and dropping an anonymous cardboard box and stacking hundreds of pounds of suitcases on top of it, the plastic bag is handled with some amount of care. As I said above there is the knock-on effect of not being able to stack it squarely and no easy hand holds from which to toss it onto a luggage cart. This requires the bike to lifted and placed. Bikes like that. We like that.
While nothing is fool-proof, our experience and the experience of others indicates that flying with your bike packed in a plastic bag is at least as safe as using a box. When you factor in the time and effort put into the box method the plastic bag reigns supreme. Again, always check with your airline as there are differing regulations depending carrier.

Uhaul sells 2mm mattress bags, bubble wrap and tape

I think it would be interesting to try this out. Im having my brother in law pack up my carbon wheels and dropper post that are on my bike in california this way. My in laws who are coming this weekend will check them in using this method.

Well, so far so good at check-in with Virgin America with the Dakine bike bag (pic posted). I paid the $50, but I figured it was worth it for the protection of a hard sided case (well, hard sides except for the front). The lady asked me to sign something waiving liability for the check box "improperly packed" and I politely declined, saying this is a professional bike bag. We'll see how it shows up at my destination.....

Anyone have experience with a soft-case bike bag? I liked the mostly hard-case DAKINE I borrowed last year (all sides rigid except top). But, it was a pain as far as storing it once you're there (takes up room in car/van etc.).

Dakine Bike Bag > Accessories > Bags > Bicycle Travel Bags | Jenson USA

Looks like a pretty nice bag.
You're shipping your MTB and you're afraid of potential damage.
If I were afraid of potential damage to my MTB I'd stop riding it.
Either way looks like a good case for the money.
Good luck!

Each way charges for oversized/bike:

Alaska Airlines $75
American Airlines $150
Delta $150
Frontier $75
Southwest $75
Virgin America $75
United $150

I have never been charged for oversized stuff by southwest. Snowboards and golf clubs, and both. Is this due to the shape?

Originally Posted by FJsnoozer

I have never been charged for oversized stuff by southwest. Snowboards and golf clubs, and both. Is this due to the shape?

https://www.southwest.com/html/custo...ggage-pol.html

Any of the items listed below may be checked in substitution of one piece of the free Checked Baggage allowance for each Passenger at no charge on a one-item-for-one-bag basis. If the item of sporting equipment exceeds 50 pounds in weight or 62 inches in size (outside length plus height plus width), excess weight and size charges may apply.

Bicycles (defined as nonmotorized and having a single seat), including Bike Friday and Co-Pilot, properly packed in a hard-sided bicycle box that fall within the dimensions and weight limits established for normal Checked Baggage, (i.e., 62 inches or less in overall dimensions and less than 50 pounds in weight). Pedals and handlebars must be removed and packaged in protective materials so as not to be damaged by or cause damage to other Baggage. Bicycles packaged in cardboard or soft-sided cases will be transported as subject to limited release.

Note: See below for information regarding bicycles that exceed our checked baggage size limits. Additional charges may apply.

The items listed below will be accepted as Checked Baggage for a $75 each way charge.
Bicycles (defined as nonmotorized and having a single seat) properly packed in a bicycle box or hardsided case larger than 62 inches in total dimensions will be accepted as Checked Baggage. Pedals and handlebars must be removed and packaged in protective materials so as not to be damaged by or cause damage to other Baggage. Bicycles packaged in cardboard or softsided cases will be transported as subject to limited release items.

Note that the "limited release" means that if you use a cardboard bike box, they won't cover damage.

"Limited Release
Improperly packed and/or fragile items will be accepted subject to limited release and Southwest will not be responsible for any damage to items that are accepted with Limited Release."
https://www.southwest.com/html/custo...-bags-pol.html

we have never been charged and our bags far exceed that I guess I will find out soon if I can get by.

Originally Posted by cmc

Anyone have experience with a soft-case bike bag? I liked the mostly hard-case DAKINE I borrowed last year (all sides rigid except top). But, it was a pain as far as storing it once you're there (takes up room in car/van etc.).

Dakine Bike Bag > Accessories > Bags > Bicycle Travel Bags | Jenson USA

I have an EVOC Pro and have shipped my Yeti SB5C without incident. The case kicks ass as far as I'm concerned. All I have to do is remove the pedals, wheels, and handlebar. I toss in my helmet, camelbak, and a couple of other things to get it up to 49 pounds. I'm lucky, but I have yet to pay more than the normal checked bag charge on any flight, and I have had zero problems with damage.

Originally Posted by possibleusername

. . .I'm lucky, but I have yet to pay more than the normal checked bag charge on any flight, . . . .

Yeah, that's gotta be due to just airlines staff not knowing the bike rule, or they're in a hurry and/or don't care? Or did you tell them it was something else ("exercise equipment" etc.)?


Rated: The Best and Worst Airlines for Cyclists | Bicycling

A good bit is how the agent feels that day and how they feel about you. If they check the bag without charging you, there isn't much for the airline to do to collect. Be nice to the airline agents when you check in. You might be surprised what they can do for you. (Said by someone who flew over 100,000 miles per year for several years. Frequently in sweaty t-shirt, faded blue jeans and tennis shoes. I definitely didn't look like a high roller.)