Bikes on flights

[rideswithmoobs]

Those that have/do take their bikes overseas, do you have any issues with them been damaged or mistreated even when in a bike box ? Is carbon more fragile and risky to transport than steel frame say ?
Any good stories or horror stories ?

 

[Brandane]

An in-between story.
Glasgow to Bordeaux with a change at Gatwick, on BA.. Bike in a CTC clear polythene wrap. It had clearly had a bit of rough handling as the shifters were twisted around the bars, and the poly wrap was in no state for a second use!
Glasgow to Orlando with a connection at Gatwick, return, twice, with an Edinburgh Co-Op bike bag of the soft type. Again a few dings but no real damage. On both return flights from USA the bag had been opened by TSA (they leave a note in the bag letting you know); fair enough.

To sum up, I wouldn't travel by air with a bike that I was overly precious about. It will probably receive the odd battle scar.

 

[rideswithmoobs]

What about a bike box Alan as opposed to soft bags. I know how bad airline baggage handlers are, for that reason I pack my gear in a Peli Case, reportedly withstands a truck driving over them, hard as hell.

 

[jay clock]

I have a Bike Box Alan and done about 10 return flights zero problems.

 

[rideswithmoobs]

I have a Bike Box Alan and done about 10 return flights zero problems.

What sort of destinations/airlines if you don't mind me asking ?

 

[clid61]

Me too , hard case no problems . European flights mainly and 3 morrocan. Budget airlines

 

[classic33]

What about a bike box Alan as opposed to soft bags. I know how bad airline baggage handlers are, for that reason I pack my gear in a Peli Case, reportedly withstands a truck driving over them, hard as hell.

Once out of human hands the treatment is much worse. The automated system makes no difference for type of of baggage.

 

[jay clock]

What sort of destinations/airlines if you don't mind me asking ?

Malaga, Mallorca, Lanzarote, Switzerland, Austria. I have travelled with a dozen other cyclists on many of those trips and mainly they have BBAs and zero problems. Only things to watch out for is to use an old pair of skewers, and I remove the rear mech

 

[jay clock]

also a friend has done Hawaii twice with no problem

 

[Tin Pot]

Except with bikes.

 

[clid61]

@ridewithmoobs where in north west are you , you can borrow my hardcase if you like , I'm in Wigan

 

[rideswithmoobs]

@ridewithmoobs where in north west are you , you can borrow my hardcase if you like , I'm in Wigan

Thank you @clid61 thars such a generous offer. I travel for work and was looking for something to use all year round pretty regular so it's not a one off holiday thing. Your hard case would hardly ever see home . Again thank you for such a kind offer there are still incredibly nice people out there