Flying with bike

"T_Blood" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hello all.. I am fixing to fly from Europe to the US with my bike on US Airways. I am curious if
anyone has experience in this field. A couple months back I flew on American and they wanted an
additional $110 just to bring the bike along. So I left it home. I haven't called US Airways yet

to

Quoted message said:

see what they charge but I am sure it can't be more expensive, and this

time

Quoted message said:

leaving it home is no option. I think I know the regulations, handlebars loosened and turned to
the side and the pedals removed. Anything else I

may

Quoted message said:

need to know? I can't afford to purchase a real airline bike box, so I am shipping it in the box I
received it in, any problems there perhaps? Any information at all would be greatly appreciated. I
considered selling the bike before moving, but I got such a great deal on it that I couldn't see
possibly coming ahead. Thanks all....Mike

From: usairways.combaggageOpen ↗

Domestic Baggage Allowance - Travel within the U.S. to/from Canada and the Virgin Islands

For each ticketed customer, US Airways will transport free of charge a maximum of three bags: Up to
two (2) bags may be checked free of charge One (1) bag may be transported as carry-on

Note: The Transportation Security Administration advises -- For your security, The TSA is screening
all checked baggage. Unlocked bags can be examined quickly. Locked bags will be opened if
necessary, then resealed. That process could result in delay or damage. You can find further
information on the TSA website: www.TSATravelTips.us.

Each piece of baggage to be checked without charge cannot exceed a weight of 50 pounds and
dimensions of 62 inches, in overall length, width and height.

An extra charge applies for additional, overweight, and/or oversized pieces. In no event will US
Airways accept baggage that weighs more than 100 pounds and/or baggage that measures in single
dimensions more than 72 inches or combined dimensions exceeding 115 inches. Special items such as
pets, surfboards, bicycles, scuba equipment, etc. are not included in the customer's free baggage
allowance and are subject to an extra charge.

Note: If the itinerary includes a code-share flight operated by United, check with the originating
carrier regarding excess baggage policies and fees. Fee charges will be applied for each one-
way journey from your origination to the final destination.

Carry-on baggage is limited to one piece per customer, plus a personal item such as a purse,
briefcase, laptop, small backpack, diaper bag or camera case. The personal item cannot exceed total
overall dimensions of 36 inches, and the other item of baggage cannot exceed the following maximum
dimensions:

Valet Closet--4x23 1/2x45 Overhead Stowage--10x16x24 Underseat Stowage--8x16x21 Both items cannot
exceed a total combined weight of 40 pounds. Carry-on baggage allowance may be restricted due to
lack of space.

NOTE: INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS ARE SUBJECT TO DIFFERENT FREE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES AND EXCESS CHARGES,
DEPENDING ON DESTINATION. INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE FROM US AIRWAYS AGENTS.

International Baggage Allowance For travel between the U.S./Canada and Europe, and the U.S./Canada
and all locations served by US Airways in the Caribbean, Mexico and Bermuda; except Puerto Rico and
the U.S. Virgin Islands, the maximum baggage allowance is two checked bags, one carry-on and one
personal item.

A fee will be imposed if checked baggage exceeds a maximum of 70 pounds or 62 inches in overall
length, width and height per piece or if the total number of pieces (checked and carry-on) exceeds
three. A bicycle may be substituted for one checked bag.

View more information about US Airways delayed checked baggage policy

Quoted message said:

Each piece of baggage to be checked without charge cannot exceed a weight

of

Quoted message said:

50 pounds and dimensions of 62 inches, in overall length, width and

height.

I heard of guys with full suspensions taking the swing arms off to fit suitcases that fit the 62
inch limitation.

jack said:

Quoted message said:

Each piece of baggage to be checked without charge cannot exceed a weight

of

Quoted message said:

50 pounds and dimensions of 62 inches, in overall length, width and

height.

I heard of guys with full suspensions taking the swing arms off to fit suitcases that fit the 62
inch limitation.

No normal bike can fit into a case which meets the airline free allowance of 62 inches eg: A 26 inch
wheel is 26 + 26 = 52 inches already. So then the case can only be 10 inches wide, about the
thickness of those 2 wheels. No room for the frame or your underwear. You need an over spec case and
you have to pay extra or sweet talk the desk agent. Also there is a problem with connecting domestic
flights which have even smaller dimension and weight allowances. I have made a folder and a custom
case which does fit the specs. After a lot of travelling with bikes on planes and trains I am
developing a 24 inch alloy completely take apart bike MTB which fits.

RE/

Quoted message said:

You need an over spec case and you have to pay extra or sweet talk the desk agent.

How about two 62-inch cases?
--
PeteCresswell

"Pastor Eyesd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

jack said:

Quoted message said:

Each piece of baggage to be checked without charge cannot exceed a

weight

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

of

Quoted message said:

50 pounds and dimensions of 62 inches, in overall length, width and

height.

I heard of guys with full suspensions taking the swing arms off to fit suitcases that fit the 62
inch limitation.

No normal bike can fit into a case which meets the airline free allowance

of

Quoted message said:

62 inches eg: A 26 inch wheel is 26 + 26 = 52 inches already. So then the case can only be 10
inches wide, about the thickness of those

2

Quoted message said:

wheels. No room for the frame or your underwear. You need an over spec case and you have to pay
extra or sweet talk the

desk

Quoted message said:

agent. Also there is a problem with connecting domestic flights which have even smaller dimension
and weight allowances. I have made a folder and a custom case which does fit the specs. After a
lot of travelling with bikes on planes and trains I am developing

a 24

Quoted message said:

inch alloy completely take apart bike MTB which fits.

oops, meant 2 suitcases. if packed carely, enough room for clothes, helmet and shoes for a mountain
bike vacation.

(Pete Cresswell) said:

RE/

Quoted message said:

You need an over spec case and you have to pay extra or sweet talk the desk agent.

How about two 62-inch cases?
--
PeteCresswell

On most routes ( Pacific/USA & territories/ Canada/Tahiti) if you pay 1st Class $$$ allowance is 2 x
62 inch. 32 kg per piece. Business/Economy is 2 pieces total of 106 inches but a TOTAL of 32 kg. On
other (Pacific) international routes economy is limited to a mere 20 kg. My folder with custom case
plus tools and summerish clothing just makes 31 kg (last years limit) Plus I can get about 10 kg
into a carry on backpack. Allowance is 7 kg. But, (having flown 2 days ago), this has to be non
security threatening stuff, otherwise they will stop you for the tiniest piece of metal such as a
key tag and make you check in the bag at the desk and there you get the excess baggage fee, and
possibility of missing your flight while you line up at security again, take off your shoes etc.
Varies with IATA agreements, routes, infants have less allowance. It is much cheaper to pay the
additional freight than fly 1st. But you do miss out on some very nice wines.

"T_Blood" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hello all.. I am fixing to fly from Europe to the US with my bike on US Airways. I am curious if
anyone has experience in this field. A couple months back I flew on American and they wanted an
additional $110 just to bring the bike along. So I left it home. I haven't called US Airways yet

to

Quoted message said:

see what they charge but I am sure it can't be more expensive, and this

time

Quoted message said:

leaving it home is no option. I think I know the regulations, handlebars loosened and turned to
the side and the pedals removed. Anything else I

may

Quoted message said:

need to know? I can't afford to purchase a real airline bike box, so I am shipping it in the box I
received it in, any problems there perhaps? Any information at all would be greatly appreciated. I
considered selling the bike before moving, but I got such a great deal on it that I couldn't see
possibly coming ahead. Thanks all....Mike

I appreciate all the info...I figured I would have to pay for excess baggage to begin with. I was
just curious more if anyone had troubles going through customs or difficulties collecting the bike
either through a layover or at the final destination.. Basically was just curious about how much of
a pain in the ass it is to travel with the bike.

Good news..called US Airways and it will be a max of $85.00 to bring my bike, and can bring my two
additional check in bags as usaual free of charge....

RE/

Quoted message said:

On most routes ( Pacific/USA & territories/ Canada/Tahiti) if you pay 1st Class $$$ allowance is 2
x 62 inch. 32 kg per piece. Business/Economy is 2 pieces total of 106 inches but a TOTAL of 32 kg.
On other (Pacific) international routes economy is limited to a mere 20 kg. My folder with custom
case plus tools and summerish clothing just makes 31 kg (last years limit)

Has anybody looked into UPS?

I was in Hawaii a couple years ago and somebody back in Pennyslvania UPS'd one of my larger
windsurfing sails to me (about 7.5' long...) and it was only about $35 deliverd to the place where I
was staying.

I looked into UPSing other windsurfing gear (as in boards, masts...) but because of the sizes the
cost was prohibitative.
--
PeteCresswell

T_Blood said:

I appreciate all the info...I figured I would have to pay for excess baggage to begin with. I was
just curious more if anyone had troubles going through customs or difficulties collecting the bike
either through a layover or at the final destination.. Basically was just curious about how much
of a pain in the ass it is to travel with the bike.

Enough that I'd consider shipping with one of the agencies that

The easiest time I had taking a bike with me (pre 9/11) was when I rented a bike box. But at $40/wk
that can add up a bit too. It was just so much easier to handle and pack.

I did one convince a gate agent that it was a show sample I had to bring with me at the last minute
and I got through for free. Another time I missed my flight because a surly checkin #$$&#@tch could
figure out how to bill the bike.

I have one hint for you. Often the price is fixed in the local currency.
i.e. it's $75 on Air Canada on checkin. If you check in in Canada it's $75 CDN, in the US it's $75
US. If that's the case, and you are starting in Canada, pay for both trips at departure. If
starting in the US, pay the $75 US to get to Canada, and then when coming home pay the $75 CDN
to get home.

RS

Hey Mike,

Great news on shipping the bike. I was going to tell you to use the APO, but looks like your way is
better. As long as you don't need to continue on to another destination after entering the US, you
should be okay. I got zapped with overweight charges on my last trip for the CONUS leg.

For shipping, make sure to get some plastic wedges to put in your fork/frame. Use bubble wrap around
everything.

Too bad you didn't make it down here to my area to ride.

Have a good one where your going and keep in touch.

Bruce J.

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Hello all.. I am fixing to fly from Europe to the US with my bike on US Airways. I am curious if
anyone has experience in this field. A couple months back I flew on American and they wanted an
additional $110 just to bring the bike along. So I left it home. I haven't called US Airways yet
to see what they charge but I am sure it can't be more expensive, and this time leaving it home is
no option. I think I know the regulations, handlebars loosened and turned to the side and the
pedals removed. Anything else I may need to know? I can't afford to purchase a real airline bike
box, so I am shipping it in the box I received it in, any problems there perhaps? Any information
at all would be greatly appreciated. I considered selling the bike before moving, but I got such a
great deal on it that I couldn't see possibly coming ahead. Thanks all....Mike

Thanks Bruce had forgotten about supporting the forks and frame. Would hate to ruin that heavy ass
frame of mine! I thought about sending it through the APO as well but checked and they won't even
mail a box as large as a bike box. Guess I could have broken it down and mailed parts seperately,
but at least it will be with me this way. I'm sorry we didn't get to ride down there where you are
either, but if ever you are around southern Louisiana, look me up.....Later man...Mike

"notaknob" <[email hidden]> wrote in message -"]news:[email hidden]-
online.de...

Quoted message said:

Hey Mike,

Great news on shipping the bike. I was going to tell you to use the APO, but looks like your way
is better. As long as you don't need to continue on to another destination after entering the US,
you should be okay. I got zapped with overweight charges on my last trip for the CONUS leg.

For shipping, make sure to get some plastic wedges to put in your fork/frame. Use bubble wrap
around everything.

Too bad you didn't make it down here to my area to ride.

Have a good one where your going and keep in touch.

Bruce J.

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Hello all.. I am fixing to fly from Europe to the US with my bike on US Airways. I am curious if
anyone has experience in this field. A couple months back I flew on American and they wanted an
additional $110 just

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

bring the bike along. So I left it home. I haven't called US Airways yet

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

see what they charge but I am sure it can't be more expensive, and this

time

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

leaving it home is no option. I think I know the regulations, handlebars loosened and turned to
the side and the pedals removed. Anything else I

may

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

need to know? I can't afford to purchase a real airline bike box, so I

am

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

shipping it in the box I received it in, any problems there perhaps? Any information at all
would be greatly appreciated. I considered selling

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

bike before moving, but I got such a great deal on it that I couldn't

see

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

possibly coming ahead. Thanks all....Mike

Rob S <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

T_Blood said:

I appreciate all the info...I figured I would have to pay for excess baggage to begin with. I
was just curious more if anyone had troubles going through customs or difficulties collecting
the bike either through a layover or at the final destination.. Basically was just curious about
how much of a pain in the ass it is to travel with the bike.

Enough that I'd consider shipping with one of the agencies that

Quoted message said:

The easiest time I had taking a bike with me (pre 9/11) was when I rented a bike box. But at
$40/wk that can add up a bit too. It was just so much easier to handle and pack.

I did one convince a gate agent that it was a show sample I had to bring with me at the last
minute and I got through for free. Another time I missed my flight because a surly checkin
#$$&#@tch could figure out how to bill the bike.

I have one hint for you. Often the price is fixed in the local currency.
i.e. it's $75 on Air Canada on checkin. If you check in in Canada it's $75 CDN, in the US it's $75
US. If that's the case, and you are starting in Canada, pay for both trips at departure. If
starting in the US, pay the $75 US to get to Canada, and then when coming home pay the $75
CDN to get home.

RS

Hi my name is Reggie Lee you are able to take your bike where ever you travel too. But the big
question is how, well let me tell you with your international airline ticket you will be able to get
your bike on the same flight as you and at a quarter of the price of excess baggage rates and even
unaccompanied baggage rates. Visit futurekiwi.com and find out how. Thanks have a nice day

Well...made it back to the states. Flying with the bike was actually pretty easy. Had no problems
leaving Europe, had no problem in Pittsburgh with collecting the bike and going through customs, and
had no problems re-checking the bike for my connecting flight. However, once I got to my final
destination and went to claim my bags I waited and waited and no bike! Come to find out in
Pittsburgh they put it on the wrong flight!Wasn't too bad though because they delivered it to my
front the next day. I packed it well enough I guess. The box had a few rips and tears in it but the
bike was in perfect condition....Mike

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Well...made it back to the states. Flying with the bike was actually pretty easy. Had no problems
leaving Europe, had no problem in Pittsburgh with collecting the bike and going through customs,
and had no problems re-checking the bike for my connecting flight. However, once I got to my final
destination and went to claim my bags I waited and waited and no bike! Come to find out in
Pittsburgh they put it on the wrong flight!Wasn't too bad though because they delivered it to my
front the next day. I packed it well enough I guess. The box had a few rips and tears in it but
the bike was in perfect condition....Mike

It's always nice to have a bike right at your location when you arrive. I've normally mailed mine
back and forth over the pond.

Your info on taking a bike on the plane was good news. I'm planing on going back in April for some
well deserved single-track. Now I'll try be checking which airlines have a better bike transport
policy. If I have to give up a piece of luggage to bring the bike, it'll be an easy choice.

nk