1. • CommentAuthornick_c
   • CommentTimeJul 14th 2008

    
   I'm thinking of flying from the UK (Easyjet from Stansted airport) to southern France to do some bike touring. Anyone got experience of taking bikes on planes? I guess for me the key thing is how to pack a bike for flying. What I really need is some kind of reuseable box / bag thatI can leave in left luggage when I get to the other end for my return journey i suppose. Any tips / hints and words of caution gratefully received.
2. • CommentAuthorak101
   • CommentTimeJul 31st 2008

    
   Check terms and conditions of the airline. Look for conditions of carrying sports equipment, rather than general excess luggage. Many airlines will allow you an item of sports equipment for a reasonable extra charge. This often has to be prebooked. Take a print-out copy of any rules / communications you get from the airline as check-in staff are not always fully aware of their own regulations. For transporting the bike, it will need to be in a box, with the handlebars turned, and the pedals removed. You can get a specialised carrier, but you can probably just get a bike box from your local bike shop for free.
3. • CommentAuthorLouiaa
   • CommentTimeAug 5th 2008

    
   I flew with my bike from Gatwick to Toulouse with EasyJet. You can pre-book in the bike, I think it's around £18 and they give you an extra 12kg of luggage allowance. I was still way over the weight limit, but I think they were more flexible because of the bike. Everything went fine. Bought a bag off wiggle for £60 I think and then just thoroughly wrapped up the bike in bubblewrap and newspaper after removing the wheels and pedals. Would definitely recommend the bag. It's not particularly cheap, but is padded enough and has wheels (useful!). There are quite a few guides on the net for packing up bikes too.
4. • CommentAuthorIan Anois
   • CommentTimeAug 14th 2008

    
   Just get the train and you won't need to dismantle your bike. French trains are very good for taking bikes.
5. • CommentAuthorbleh
   • CommentTimeAug 17th 2008

    
   I've had to ship bikes in bike boxes, obtained for free from lurking around bike stores. Always a tight fit, but relatively secure with no dangling bits.
6. • CommentAuthorroach
   • CommentTimeAug 18th 2008

    
   im planning to get an ata case for my bike(www.omegacase.com). so i can reuse & even store. im afraid that when they (airlines) see the case they will want to charge to much extra.
   any suggestions?
   
   thanks!

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