Taking a bike on a plane

[sean8997]

Hi all, just wondered if anyone has taken their bike on a plane and how was your experience?
I've booked a holiday to Italy in June, 6 days cycling from the Dolomites, lake Garda then down to Venice, flying BA. Not sure which bike to take, either my cyclocross which is 3 years old and can take a bit of a battering or my new CF road bike, any thoughts as I would be worried about my road bike.

Cheers, Sean

 

[glenn forger]

Never with BA, went to Biarritz with Ryanair, back from Pau, bike was fine. Pedals off , bars turned, no bag or box.

 

[bathtub]

Ive travelled lots of different places and taken my bike with different airlines, all good experience bar 1, when I booked with Ryanair to go to France to ride the Etape, I booked flight and bike about 6 months early then with about a month or so to go Ryanair informed me they couldn't transport my bike, really messed up all my plans and had to rebook with easyjet to Paris then metro across Paris then train to venue a right PITA.
I've never have or will travel with Ryan air again

 

[smokeysmoo]

I flew Jet2 to Lanzarote with my then cf bike I had at that time.

I used a BIKEBOXALAN which is a fabulous piece of kit.

I rented it from BIKESHACK in Altrincham, (not sure if they still do though), and TBH I wouldn't entertain not using anything less if the chance to fly with my bike came round again.

I had no problems what so ever

 

[BikeLiker]

Hi all, just wondered if anyone has taken their bike on a plane and how was your experience?
I've booked a holiday to Italy in June, 6 days cycling from the Dolomites, lake Garda then down to Venice, flying BA. Not sure which bike to take, either my cyclocross which is 3 years old and can take a bit of a battering or my new CF road bike, any thoughts as I would be worried about my road bike.

Cheers, Sean

Flown to Nantes (Ally MTB) with Easyjet and Tenerife (CF road) with Ryanair. Bike in soft bag and watched it being loaded and unloaded at Tenerife - well looked after by baggage handlers. No problems on either trip except where to collect is not always obvious - Manchester staff insisted it would be on the carousel but it appeared through a door on the far side of the baggage hall.

 

[midliferider]

Never with BA, went to Biarritz with Ryanair, back from Pau, bike was fine. Pedals off , bars turned, no bag or box.

When was that?

 

[midliferider]

I have booked Easy Jet to Portugal. Bought a soft bike bag from Rutland cycles. I packed my road bike, B Twin, in to the bag this morning. Plenty of room, may even be able to pack by only removing rear wheel.
But now I have some second thoughts. Bike look so exposed and I am worried that it may be damaged. Feel like buying a hard case.
So I will really appreciate your views on using a soft bag.

 

[insurin]

Used Easyjet loads of times and Monarch to Gibraltar once. Never had any problems and like Bikeliker says above,your bike does not always come out where you expect.

 

[glenn forger]

When was that?

2007.

 

[midliferider]

Used Easyjet loads of times and Monarch to Gibraltar once. Never had any problems and like Bikeliker says above,your bike does not always come out where you expect.

what kind of bag did you use? Soft or hard case?

 

[ankaradan]

I flew Easyjet to Izmir last August. I used a CTC clear plastic bag, though I did cover the frame tubes etc with pipe insulating foam to protect the paint work. I also took off the pedals and put them in my luggage; took off the handlebars and taped them to the top tube; and finally was asked to drop the saddle.

 

[midliferider]

I flew Easyjet to Izmir last August. I used a CTC clear plastic bag, though I did cover the frame tubes etc with pipe insulating foam to protect the paint work. I also took off the pedals and put them in my luggage; took off the handlebars and taped them to the top tube; and finally was asked to drop the saddle.

Thanks. That is helpful.
By the way, where did you cycle in Turkey?

 

[ankaradan]

Thanks. That is helpful.
By the way, where did you cycle in Turkey?

A short reply - home! I live in Cesme, near Izmir, so spend (some of) my days cycling around the Aegean coast.

 

[insurin]

what kind of bag did you use? Soft or hard case?

I bought a proper bike bag that was £40. Folded up and takes the whole top compartment of my panniers. Friends who I cycled with just used the clear plastic bag. Bought 2. Bin the one when you arrive and then your have a fresh new one for returning. No weight in them and take take up minimal space.

 

[insurin]

I bought a proper bike bag that was £40. Folded up and takes the whole top compartment of my panniers. Friends who I cycled with just used the clear plastic bag. Bought 2. Bin the one when you arrive and then your have a fresh new one for returning. No weight in them and take take up minimal space.

I remember my first flight with My Tricross Sport with carbon forks. I was bricking it. I couldn't enjoy the flight. I put one of those spacers that fit into the front fork that acts as the axle (front wheel off) to stop it getting crushed.