How To Take a Vacation AND Your bike!
(Without robbing the bank!)
by Shelley Marenka Smail,
USA Cycling Coach and Fitness Expert
Yes, it’s true that Wilbur and Orville Wright owned a bike shop when they built their first aero plane. But times have changed when it comes to taking your bike along with you when you fly. It used to be that you’d pack it up in a free bike box that you could pick up from your local bike store and take it along with you as standard luggage. Not today! There are baggage weight and size restrictions, additional fees, and full inspections, not to mention rough baggage handling (“please watch that buddy That’s my $6,000 bike you’re throwing around!”)
When it comes to cost, you can spend some serious money at the airline check in counter before you even take off if you’re not savvy to the lingo and procedures for traveling with a bike. These challenges may cause you to reconsider taking your bike along with you. But wait! Check out these ideas and learn how to do it …so your bike can have a vacation too! Try these tips to get you AND your bike to your destination safely and less costly than the typical airline charges.
Pack Light! Easy and safest choice is to use a commercial bike flight case. You can borrow one from a friend, or many bike clubs own a few to lend out to their members. Other options include a used bike box from a bike shop, or a standard piece of luggage large enough to hold your bike. Avoid putting lots of other things with your bike in the box. If you use a cardboard box, use lots of bubble wrap, but no extra gadgets!
According to the rules of most domestic airlines, you are allowed two checked bags each of which must not exceed total linear dimensions (W+L+H) of 62 inches. The maximum weight of each bag must not exceed 50 lbs. If any bags weigh over 50 lbs up to a maximum of 70 lbs, most airlines will add a surcharge. For lightweight racing bikes weighing a total of 15-16lbs, the weight limit is not a factor even with additional clothing, shoes, tools and helmet. Keeping it around 30-40 pounds is best for the baggage handler and you want them to be happy so they don’t throw your box around.
Take your lightweight tools, helmet, shoes and pedals on the plane in a “bike cube” bag. Keep bike tools, clothing, helmet and shoes organized in the innovative bike cube so your gear is at your fingertips and you're ready to ride. Just grab your bag, your bike and go! Bike cube bags have compartments for all your light equipment, clothing, water bottles, etc. so you can keep it all together very conveniently. You can find them online from a variety of different companies, such as Mountainsmith (www.mountainsmith.com). No more “Where are my shoes? I swear I put them in the car! Shoot, I have to go back home!”
If you want to learn how to pack your bike you can get a comprehensive report from the International Bicycle Fund that describes in details how to fly-with-your-bike, describes packing options, and gives step-by-step instructions on packing your bike to meet the airline requirements. It also compares domestic and overseas policies. Visit www.ibike.org or visit this site with similar information: www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/packing-steps.shtml
If you decide to self-pack your bike, be sure that you are confident about taking it apart and putting it back together. Don’t get into a situation where it’s “Christmas morning” and your bike is in pieces! You can always call your bike shop and have them take it apart for you. When you reach your destination, take it to a local bike shop. It’s best to call ahead and make an appointment for reassembly.
Tell it like it is - NOT! There are two rules of thumb here that I’ll share with you. I have a friend who uses the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. If airline staffs don’t ask what’s in the box, don’t tell them. This will allow you to escape the special baggage fee for bikes and the airline will move it along as luggage. Although you are obliged by federal law to tell them the contents, once you say it’s a bicycle, expect to pay a fee from $75 on up. The fee depends on…well, lets say its arbitrary; how the agent is feeling that day, whether they are familiar with bike polices, how long the line is, how lucky you are that day? Get it? It’s too varied to even guess. Please note: when calling the airlines in advance, you’ll usually get a different answer about the bicycle flight case policy than you will hear at the ticket counter.
The other rule of thumb is to “re-define” what’s in the box. Your answer to “what’s in the box?” can be “Oh, its bike parts” or “it’s camping gear”. No biggy, they will push it through. No extra fees!
Show up Early- There won’t be any running through the airport with this piece of luggage if you’re running late. Show up early and give yourself plenty of time. If you are relaxed, you should be able to slide it through hassle free. (But I’m not promising anything here!)
Note: DO NOT take anything pressurized on the plane. Deflate your tires to less than 100 psi and do not transport any CO2 cartridges, neither in the bike container nor in your carry-on luggage!!
Here’s wishing you a great trip and remarkable, epic rides along the way!
"Travel not to escape, but to add to and transform your soul." ~Unknown
"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong
about other countries."
~Aldous Huxley
