|
|
| *Vultures Knob>>>Folding Bike |
Cheap ways to fly on planes with bikes? |
I know about how to box up my bike, how to check it in as over-sized luggage (usually a box with total dimensions height + length + width over 6 feet). The problem is, when I travel via plane with my bike, they charge an additional $80 EACH WAY!! That's another $160 per trip. Meanwhile, people with large luggage for skis can usually travel with that stuff for free. And, I don't really want to get a folding bike with those little tiny wheels. I don't have to tell you guys...this totally sucks. So LAME! Is there a way to travel via plane with a bike that is cheaper? If not, let's protest! Many local bike shops offer shipping services. You take the bike to the shop, they disassemble, pack and ship it, and when you get to your destination you go to the LBS there and pick up your pre-assembled bike. At the end of you vacation you just take your bike back to the LBS and the procedure is reversed. The cost will figure out to be about what you're paying now to check your bike with the airline without the hassle of packing the bike yourself... you could "tear" it apart. And then put it back again? YEAH IT IS A SUCKY RIP OFF! I KNOW A GUY THAT TELLS THE FLIGHT PIGS THAT HE IS TRANSPORTING EXERCISE EQUIPMENT IN HIS OVERSIZED LUGGIDGE. FOR SOME REASON, "BIKE" GETS YOU BILLED EXTRA. HE SAYS THEY CHECK IT FREE. AND TECHNICALLY IT IS EXERCISE EQUIPMENT. TRY IT. YOU CAN ALSO TRY TO CONTACT THE AIRLINE AND GET A BIKE VOUCHERS THAT LETS YOU FLY IT FREE. I HAVE ALSO HEARD OF GETTING A GIANT HOCKEY EQUIPMENT BAG AND BREAKING THE BIKE DOWN TO FIT IN THERE. THEN YOU REALLY DON'T HAVE THE HARD SHELL PROTECTION, BUT IT IS SMALLER AND DEFINITELY MUCH LESS QUESTIONABLE WHEN SAID TO BE EXERCISE EQUIPMENT. GOOD LUCK I have friends who ship their bikes ahead by UPS or FEDX for around $30. less chance of loss or damage and they get there before you. the NZ track cycling team have had their gear lost twice by the airlines going to World championships. Don't fly on an airline that charges you to take your bike. You can easily pack a bike that will NOT be considered oversize, and when they let skis, art supplies, and other large items on the plane without an extra fee, you can see that they are just GOUGING you! How ironic- that the airlines choose to rape bicyclists when they wouldn't be in business if it wasn't for two bicycle mechanics inventing the airplane. There are cycling organizations that have special travel agents that know how to get your bike onto the plane for free, or you could simply box it up in a plain container, call it "art supplies" and see if you can sneak it on. Airlines suck. I recommend going FedEx or UPS, ship to your hotel (call in advance so they'll sign for it) Alternatives: - rent a bike when you get there - just be sure to bring your shoes and pedals, and a tape measure with your measurements so the fit is right - check out the high-quality folders from Bike Friday - they are good enough for hard-core riders to race on - guys like Phil Liggett and John Howard. |
| Tags |
| Bmx Bike Kids Bike Schwinn Bike Cruiser Bike Road Bike Folding Bike Mountain Bike |
Bike Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |