Flying to the US with a bike

[HovR]

So I'm currently looking at the prospect of being out in America for an extended period of time later this year - long enough for me to want to bring a bike with me. Unfortunately, as most of you will probably know, US based airlines are not too bike friendly.

The airlines I'm most likely to fly with (and unfortunately due to the circumstances I may not have much of a choice of airline) are American Airlines or United. Both of these airlines will charge a fee of $150 or above for flying with bikes each way.

Alternatively if I can fit my bike in a box which measures less than 62 dimensional inches (L+H+W) then I can send it for only the $50 extra baggage charge, which I find (slightly) more reasonable. Baggage over the 62 dimensional inches is charged at $150 to $200 each way.

Measuring my bike up, with the forks removed, the frame would measure 38" length, 24" height and 7" width, so 69 dimensional inches without the wheels etc attached (which would also need to fit in the box). My other option would be to buy a second hand bike of craigslist etc whilst out there, although I'd rather be riding my own bike which is set up exactly the way I like it.

Does anyone have any experience with taking a bike on these airlines? Will they take out a tape measure if the box looks to be on the edge of the sizing limit? Any other options that I may have missed?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Yellow7]

Hi HovR.
If choice of airlines is unavoidable then I have no advise on the two you state, but if it may help, when I rode Route 66 in 2008 I flew with Virgin Atlantic, of which they charged no additional fees, with a weight limit of 25kg.

As far as the box being measured, it all depends who is on the check-in desk & over-size luggage scanner & what mood they're in, a big smile & friendly banter usually works wonders!! All the best!

 

[Nigeyy]

Similarly, I've flown trans atlantic with Aer Lingus (only about 3 weeks ago) and BA with a bike with no charges -problem is, it sounds like for some reason you are stuck with American or United? So sorry, I can't help you with feedback about these 2 airlines.

However, here are some thoughts:

i. I've always tried to get to the check in desk as early as possible on the premise that they're more likely to be lenient initially and more stringent as time passes if they need to be. The idea is that once your bike is checked in, it's going to be incredibly unlikely they'll uncheck it.
ii. Be polite and friendly to the desk staff -even if they aren't overly pleasant or helpful. I think they have the ability to really be painfully pedantic and awkward if they wish to be. And they will be if you give them reason!
iii. I've always had a print out copy of baggage regulations -just in case they don't know their own policies. I've never needed to pull them out, but if you need them, I'm sure they might be handy to have and may just tip the balance in your favour.
iv. Be prepared for extra fees, and a plan of campaign on how to try to avoid them (e.g. see iii.). Again, so long as you're nice, it may be beneficial to be prepared with a persuasive argument. Better to be prepared.

Finally, the States.... as you mentioned and if you have the opportunity (e.g. time, use of a car, being comfortable or acquainted with an area) you may want to consider purchasing a used bike on Craigslist. You can get some absolute bargains -it's not unusual to be able to purchase an old style mtb for less than $100 (e.g. I mentioned I flew over with a bike about 3 weeks ago -it was an old Trek 830 that I bought for $20 but did need new brakes and pedals admittedly, but even so, came in way under $100 and I just left it in the UK when I came back) that could see you around quite nicely unless you are stuck on using your own bike. Even when you leave, you may be able to recoup some of that outlay -an additional advantage is that there is no way an airline can damage or lose your bike if you don't bring it with you and it could work out cheaper!

Where are you going in the States?

 

[jdtate101]

Done many trips to the US with my bike (mostly California). I would recommend going Virgin Atlantic if possible, as they don't charge for bike boxes (up to 27KG, small charge if over) and tend to treat them very well. I've never had an issue at all with them. One word of advice is that you should fasten a the key to the outside of the box (or write the combination if it has a tumbler lock) in case customs want to get it. UK side they just tend to want to x-ray it, which is fine, but stateside they often want to do a drugs swab test, and will break the case open if it's locked without keys. I always stick a small note on the outside with my mobile number and instructions to ring me if they need to get in. The customs guys are not known for being gentle with re-packing the box, and if you've ever packed a bike box before, you will know that getting those wheels in and closing it can be an art form.

 

[HovR]

Thanks for the replies guys, it's appreciated.

I'd be flying to the west coast, into PDX (Portland, OR). This means that without a long expensive drive from SFO or Seattle (which isn't going to happen) Virgin Atlantic are unfortunately out of the question.

BA however do run a flight (partnered with American Airlines) into Portland, with the transatlantic flight being BA, domestic flight AA. If I were to go with this option, whose baggage rules will apply on the domestic flight, especially on the return trip when checking in? I'd hate to get part way there and then encounter a hidden $150 charge, or have to pay that just to get my bike back to the UK.

One word of advice is that you should fasten a the key to the outside of the box (or write the combination if it has a tumbler lock) in case customs want to get it. UK side they just tend to want to x-ray it, which is fine, but stateside they often want to do a drugs swab test, [...] The customs guys are not known for being gentle with re-packing the box.

Thanks for the advice - this is slightly worrying, as I don't have the use of a purpose built bike box I would be using a cardboard box from the LBS, which I imagine would be even more awkward for them to repack!

Have to admit that at the moment buying a second hand bike (and bringing pedals, saddle etc with me) is looking like the more viable option.

 

[jdtate101]

If I was in your position of being out there for a long time, I'd just buy a new bike. When you come back, don't take it on the normal carriers, but get it totally dis-assembled, box it up and ship it air freight. That will be much cheaper and less hassle in the long run. Plus you get a new bike

 

[CopperBrompton]

I'd just buy a secondhand bike while you're out there. If you buy secondhand, you should be able to get a decent one without it costing you anything as you can sell for the same price you paid.

 

[vernon]

I'd just buy a secondhand bike while you're out there. If you buy secondhand, you should be able to get a decent one without it costing you anything as you can sell for the same price you paid.

That's assuming that the seller gets a quick sale.

 

[CopperBrompton]

Buy something pretty mainstream for a decent price (I'm good at haggling :-)) and it isn't difficult - I've done it a couple of times.

 

[Nigeyy]

As someone who has availed himself of craigslist quite a few times, I wouldn't think (especially in Portland as it is known as a bike friendly place relatively speaking for the USA) you'd have much of a problem finding a bike to buy. I'd look at craigslist in Portland and see what's available now to give you an idea (though I have a feeling you've probably done this already). The down side to Craigslist is that it is an easy way to fence some bikes; while you can never know for sure, I do avoid ads that are a bit iffy (e.g. in a bad area, are for bikes that are modern but ridiculously cheap, etc). Also don't forget that bikes sold aren't sold with guarantees -be careful to check frames for cracks or dents or that the drivechain isn't worn! But as I said, you can get bargains ($35 for a pristine condition 1990's mtb for my daughter, $20 for a knockabout bike for me, etc). I know I've sold a bike and bike components on craigslist at great prices too, I just wanted to get rid of the stuff.

Concerning when you leave and if you need to sell it, since time may be pressing you might have to reconcile yourself with selling at a -perhaps even noticeable -loss, though that doesn't mean to say it wouldn't be worth it considering it may cost you $300 for both ways. If you have a product that is really competitively priced, it will sell.... the more competitively priced, the faster it will go.

Buy something pretty mainstream for a decent price (I'm good at haggling :-)) and it isn't difficult - I've done it a couple of times.

 

[HovR]

Yep, been looking on the Portland and Eugene Craigslists. I've noticed that there are quite a few retro racers (some in not too great condition) on there for $300, which seems a bit steep, but I guess the demand is there especially with Eugene being a college city.

That said I've come across some more reasonable deals, like an older Sirrus going for $250-ish and a few lower end (but fairly modern) Allez's going for around $400 - Even if I only get half of that back when selling it's still significantly cheaper than sending my bike over there. The good deals seem to get snapped up pretty quick though!

I'll bring a few (small) standard tools with such as cone spanners to give the hubs a service if needed and to save on bike shop bills!

 

[CopperBrompton]

The great thing is, it really doesn't matter how things are priced there so long as you pay towards the lower end of the going rate, as you'll be buying & selling in the same market.

 

[Kins]

Cant you buy something like the Triban 3 over there new, and sell it off when your done? You shouldn't lose much money at all and be a dam site less than the freight charges?

 

[ayceejay]

I think you will find a fair share of paranoia when taking anything into the US, (I live 16 kms from the border, ask me how I know) on the other hand there are some wide awake bike shop owners, (Glory Cycles in Washington for instance) who may well sell you a bike with a buy back option and yo might want to consider this.

 

[Kins]

http://www.citybikes.coop/ maybe they would do you a deal if they knew your situation?