Bike Box for flying.

[Somebuddy]

Leaway2, It would be nice to know, hypothetically, if I was to turn up at Manchester, what would they charge me? If you happen to be talking to any of them, but don't go out of your way thou.

 

[Leaway2]

Leaway2, It would be nice to know, hypothetically, if I was to turn up at Manchester, what would they charge me? If you happen to be talking to any of them, but don't go out of your way thou.

I'll pop over tomorrow and ask them.

 

[MarkF]

The charges for cycle carriage are clearly stated on their website, within and outside the USA, along with acceptable box dimensions.

 

[Jimbob312]

took my bike to Madeira in a bag a few weeks ago. they didn't seem very interested in the dimensions despite the fact they didn't seem to comply. as long as the package was sub 32kg TAP weren't worried.
I was unnecessarily concerned beforehand......

 

[steveindenmark]

Make your own.

Get a bike box from your LBS and cut it down to the correct measurements. Use the off cuts as packing. Gaffer tape it all together and bin the box at the other end.

Do exactly the same for the return trip.

I transport my bikes in bags made from sail cloth. The only problem I have had is that the mudguards shift. I now take the mudguards off and leave them at home. The bike bags fold up small and go in my pack.

I have been all over Europe like this. It is a risk but you really dont need a fort knox safe to transport a bike. A bit more substantial than what I use, maybe. But not much.

Steve

 

[Leaway2]

Leaway2, It would be nice to know, hypothetically, if I was to turn up at Manchester, what would they charge me? If you happen to be talking to any of them, but don't go out of your way thou.

They said that your bike would be treated as if it was an extra piece of luggage and therefore must be under 23(?) kilos and would be charged $200 return.
It must be in a box. I asked if they actually measured them, he said "no they never have. They have never had a problem"
This is my take, and I will not be held responsible, is, If you turn up with a bike in a box that is not taking the proverbial, then they will take it.
This is of course MAN and EDI may be different.
If you have any specific question, let me know and I can ask.
Hope this helps.

 

[Simon_m]

Yikes I can't be doing with that, need the bike ASAP. Fingers crossed it will all go fine.

According to my bog, I had to pay BA £90 to fly it to the US, and AA/BA $150 to get the bike our of America, and it had to be in a box and not in a polly bag.

Polly bag:

http://www.webm8.co.uk/riddler/photographs_other/transam-2012/0001/0013.htm

Baggage handlers:

http://www.webm8.co.uk/riddler/photographs_other/transam-2012/0002-flight/0004.htm

From the US home:

http://www.webm8.co.uk/riddler/photographs_other/transam-2012/day-0084/0001.htm

Lets see how this gets on with EJ to Lanzarote

 

[Leaway2]

Some airlines do have the boxes. I have used boxes supplied by Delta Air lines on a couple of occasions.

 

[steveindenmark]

Bloody hell Simon plastic bag to posh box in 2 swoops. Did you win the lottery.

The bad thing about the posh box is that my Koga World Traveller would not fit in it and you cant really bin it when you get there.

Nice though.

Steve

 

[Jimbob312]

i took the rear derailleur off and taped to frame. thats probably the most vulnerable bit. only takes a couple of minutes to bolt back on.

 

[Somebuddy]

Thanks Leaway2. This is the last time I will fly with my bike. Next time will be ferry to Europe, much easier. Thanks all.

 

[Simon_m]

Bloody hell Simon plastic bag to posh box in 2 swoops. Did you win the lottery.

The bad thing about the posh box is that my Koga World Traveller would not fit in it and you cant really bin it when you get there.

Nice though.

Steve

LOL no no. The bag, I think, is a great idea. It shows the baggage handlers what is inside and how fragile it is. Because of the trip I was doing, I couldn't really use a bike box, so I was very limited. I posted questions on here before I went and a lot of people said the bags were good. As you can see, they did for me. Maybe I was lucky? Anyone had bad experiences? Like I say, on the way back, I had to use a box from a bike shop, something about the Yanks not liking the bags, which is strange as I entered the country in one, well, the bike did, not me lol.

The box is an ebay purchase, I hope it works out. The plastic looks flimsy and if dropped, I would imagine all kinds of cracks and bad things happening. *Googles Koga World Traveller* hmm yes, rather big, looks pretty hardcore though . It might do? Bike box or bag then I guess? It is defo a advantage ditching it at the other end and sourcing a new one for the return trip.

Hmmm removing derailleur , might be an idea.

 

[jjb]

Hmmm removing derailleur , might be an idea.

I had a right job getting my derailleur back on in the airport once. Almost stripped the alu thread in the hanger (replaceable but probably only by post after 3 days). I bought a spare hanger shortly after! Critical thing, I think, is to derail the chain from the front ring, to remove the tension. Seems obvious now, yes, I know!

 

[MarkF]

It is defo a advantage ditching it at the other end and sourcing a new one for the return trip.

If I know here I am going to end up, I email and reserve one, if not, I just ask around. I've never not got one and only once have I been asked to pay.

If I don't get one, any City has enough cardboard hanging around in a morning to fashion something up.

 

[Simon_m]

back from Lanzarote, no problems. Lots of bike boxes going through. pics available if you want lol