I am aware that there has been extensive material on this subject but thought I will share my experience.
Decided to head to OZ for a few weeks and bring the bike along. Did my research on various forums and did the following.
1.Down to Evans and got myself a used bike box. The guy there was helpful and and even threw in the foam as well as the bits that protect the fork end as well as the casette hub from ripping the box. No charge.
2. Checked with the airlines and found out that BA and Qantas does not charge extra as long as they do not exceed the international baggage limit of 32 Kg. Some airlines do charge extra for bikes.
3. Both BA and Qantas require the bike to be put in a box with size limits. The front wheel has to be taken out, as well as the pedals and the tyres deflated. Box can also be purchased from Excess Baggage Company at the terminal.
4. Checked out couple of videos on youtube on packing a bike for a flight. Really good stuff and pretty much standard.
5. Reached Heathrow and checked-in. No issues what so ever. They did not open the box and placed a first class label on it.
6. Reached Melbourne and picked up the bike box at the oversized baggage point. Noticed a hole where the wheel hub is and seem to suggest that they stacked other baggage on top of it.
7. Going thru customs was a bit of a pain as the guide channels were narrow and the box on the trolley could not go thru. Placed the box on the floor and dragged it. Customs opened the box and checked the tyres for soil and dirt. They regulary fine folks for bringing in soil on golf shoes and bikes tyres. Passed the test. They helped seal the box again.
8. Checked in for a domestic flight and found out the baggage limit dropped to 23kg but still made it.
9. Reached final destination and ripped open the box with apprehension. Everything was fine. Not a dent.
Now for a bit of holiday on wheels.
Decided to head to OZ for a few weeks and bring the bike along. Did my research on various forums and did the following.
1.Down to Evans and got myself a used bike box. The guy there was helpful and and even threw in the foam as well as the bits that protect the fork end as well as the casette hub from ripping the box. No charge.
2. Checked with the airlines and found out that BA and Qantas does not charge extra as long as they do not exceed the international baggage limit of 32 Kg. Some airlines do charge extra for bikes.
3. Both BA and Qantas require the bike to be put in a box with size limits. The front wheel has to be taken out, as well as the pedals and the tyres deflated. Box can also be purchased from Excess Baggage Company at the terminal.
4. Checked out couple of videos on youtube on packing a bike for a flight. Really good stuff and pretty much standard.
5. Reached Heathrow and checked-in. No issues what so ever. They did not open the box and placed a first class label on it.
6. Reached Melbourne and picked up the bike box at the oversized baggage point. Noticed a hole where the wheel hub is and seem to suggest that they stacked other baggage on top of it.
7. Going thru customs was a bit of a pain as the guide channels were narrow and the box on the trolley could not go thru. Placed the box on the floor and dragged it. Customs opened the box and checked the tyres for soil and dirt. They regulary fine folks for bringing in soil on golf shoes and bikes tyres. Passed the test. They helped seal the box again.
8. Checked in for a domestic flight and found out the baggage limit dropped to 23kg but still made it.
9. Reached final destination and ripped open the box with apprehension. Everything was fine. Not a dent.
Now for a bit of holiday on wheels.
