B.A. and planes

[Simon_m]

Different states have different laws about Mace. You might want to find out what the states you'll be passing through say about Mace.

It's ok, I've read up about it, all the TransAm cyclists pack it to stop dogs attacking them.

Thanks "robjh", I'm off from Heathrow. CTC have a form to print out, whihc if faced with those problems, you can give to the desk-jock which explains it is ok. HOPEFULLY! Cheers "BigJim", I think I'd be too scared to let it on like that without wrapping it in tons of bubble wrap though. I notice the wheels are covered too so they wont roll. I thought they the handlers wanted them to roll? Thanks guys

It's this one here right?:

http://www.ctcshop.org.uk/ctc-plastic-bike-bag/#more

 

[bigjim]

Bigjim, what airport did you fly from with BA?

Gatwick and Manchester. When I've actuall seen handlers with my bike they put it on a seperate truck with buggies etc. Would not like my wheels and tyrs exposed.

 

[thom]

Coming back to this, a few negative remarks have been made about Gatwick airport baggage handlers. Any particular thoughts on Heathrow, B.A. in particular ?

 

[mark]

I arrived at Heathrow last Monday and left Gatwick Tuesday AM. The bike arrived at Heathrow completely unwrapped and unbagged, and It was unscathed.

FWIW, the BA staff in Denver didn't care if the bike was bagged, boxed or not (I checked it unwrapped), but they were adamant that the tires HAD to be deflated. My fistful of CO2 cartridges was OK, though. The staff at Gatwick were adamant that the bike had to be bagged or boxed, but after a phone call to the higher-ups they let the tires stay inflated. Out came the CTC poly bag, and the bike got to Bologna unscathed.

Policies aren't as consistent as they could be from one airport to the next, but the pattern that I see is that BA are a well run organization that take the best care they can of their passenger's belongings.

 

[Simon_m]

interesting. CTC bag is here ready as is bubble wrap and the padding plumbers put around heating pipes. Hope to get away with the tires too

 

[polkadotcycling]

I've always found BA to be excellent expecially through Terminal 5. It's very straight forward. iF you need to take normal hold baggage as well as your bike, you just pay for an extra bag.

I think putting your bike in a bag versus a box depends on how valuable it is. I've seen several rear derailleurs snapped off and ebnt handle bars. I've been told that if it's in a clear bag and the handlers can clearly see what it is, is almost better than a padded bike bag, but it was interesting to hear the horror stories from Gatwick! I use a bike box now every time.

 

[albal]

boxed my bike today for tue 8 may to washington. Now i'm thinking should i of taken derailieur off?? as i just used them plastic things and paddingagainst it. Kept rear wheel on, and zip tied front wheel to frame.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Ryan air buggered my bike

 

[Simon_m]

Fingers crossed, let us know how it arrives.

 

[Dave Davenport]

Ryan air buggered my bike

Today's Sun headline?

 

[CopperBrompton]

Ryan air buggered my bike

Lie-n-Scare could dent a tank.

What's with the tyre deflation thing? All airliner holds are pressurised to exactly the same pressure as the cabin, which is to say the equivalent of 8000 feet.

 

[jdtate101]

Virgin Atlantic have always been very good, and they let you take you bike for free.

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/baggage/sports-equipment.html

 

[CopperBrompton]

Yes, Virgin are my favourite airline.