Does anyone fly with their bike?

[BarchesterFlowers]

Just that really - if you do do you bag, box or have a proper carrier for it?

Lots of views out there and we still can't decide what to do. The only person I know IRL who does it leaves his bike at home and hires one but we don't want to do that.

How valuable is your bike??? I would avoid if possible tbh!

Why would you avoid Random, lots of people do it, train of thought that a clear plastic bag is best because it can be seen and gets a bit more respect from handlers but it makes me slightly nervous.

Three bikes, £7K plus panniers and contents - all insured obviously.

Once we have done it (always gone places on ferry routes to date) I will relax, DH is already relaxed.

I have seen the way baggage handlers handle luggage, including pushchairs, and I wouldn't take my bike on a plane. And it isn't a very expensive bike in the grand scheme of things.

I would contact the airline and see what they say.

If it arrives damaged what will the impact be?

DH did this last summer.

He rented a solid bike box on castors and it was checked in with our luggage. He did have to take one wheel and pedals off.
I was most bemused, but he felt it was worth it
His bike is ££££ and it survived unscathed.
You do need to take tools, but you might do that anyway?

We are flying with our bikes so it isn't a "should I" question - lots of tourists do it. I just need to decide on how to 'wrap' it, for want of a better description. Tons of advice out there but I am still undecided.

www.cyclinguk.org/cyclists-library/bikes-public-transport/bikes-air

It was this kind of thing - everything was strapped down, nothing rattled or fell about in the box. I think even if thrown about the bike was quite safe.
Like I said we rented it, rather than spend £500+

Thanks Pacific - where did he rent it from? Yes, we carry every tool we need for a two week holiday.

That was my issue Pacific - bike box x 3 = a lot of money.

Random - most minor things can be repaired by DH, major damage and we would hire something or have it repaired if that was a quick option.

Dh is too precious about his bike fly with it. It has to go in the car, not on a rack outside oh no, in the bloody car.

That's not helpful is it?!

I'll ask DH when he's back from Tesco

He also developed a friendly relationship with the nearest bike shop , but really really enjoyed riding his own bike on Mallorca.

, I am the precious one here empire. DH says they are just bikes. I fret when I leave it on the ferry.

As above, I rented a hard bike box. Most local bike shops will have them for rent, think I paid £50 but it was only a short trip. Make sure your travel insurance will definitely cover it though, my friend's bike went missing (British airways did eventually locate it after a week but it looked like she wouldn't get it back at one point) and her insurance weren't going to pay out. Also if you're taking CO2 canisters with you then check whether the airline wants them in your hand luggage or in the hold and print out the relevant bit from their website. In my experience it saves a lot of hassle at the airport!!

Depending on where you live you could maybe rent hard cases from Bike Box Alan bikeboxalan.com/?gclid=CKH42pmr9tECFRMW0wodAX0Bhw
(sorry, I don't know how to insert links) but then you obviously have 3 large bike
Boxes to lug around at your destination which might not suit the type of cycling you're doing. I have a soft bag which is more easily stored and I've flown my precious bike to the Pyrenees twice no problems with it - it's more like this www.wiggle.co.uk/scicon-travel-basic-bike-bag/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=5360436129&kpid=5360436129&utm_source=google&utm_term&utm_campaign=UK_PLA_Accessories&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid%7CsGoAAvnTF_dm%7Cpcrid%7C67090793342%7Cpkw%7C%7Cpmt%7C%7Cprd%7C5360436129uk

I know of people who swear by the clear plastic bag so that baggage staff can see exactly what's there and be more careful with it.

I still get nervous waiting for the bike bag at the other end though and check the frame straight away.

Have a great holiday!

The adult bikes are made to measure - riding something else for two weeks with four panniers and a rack/handlebar bag just doesn't appeal. I just need to get protecting it right.

What would we do with the boxes at the other end I wonder .... as we cycle off into the sunset.

Thanks for the links - just going out - I will look at them later on.

Ah, yes, if you are going to be touring the hard boxes would be a problem.

We stayed at the same place for 2 weeks so the box just stayed at home while he rode off and we lounged around the pool

Yes
Flew out of Southampton to France and Gatwick to Greece.
No problem. No damage.
Took the bike to bits and stowed in a soft wheeled bag. Easy.
Far cheaper than hiring and my bike set up to my preferences.
I travel light so I had two panniers but only partly filled.
I booked hotels for the first and last night who knew they would be storing the bag while I was off on the ride

Cycling UK provides lots of advice about this. DH will bring his bike on our hols this summer, we have brought bikes on planes lots before that. The more you can package it up, the happier U will be with its condition at the destination.

Dh used a Scottish based company, happy to share the link if of any use?

this one - I gather they are also in other cities.

My local bike shop hires out bikebox Alans, and our club has one as well. I've also seen services where you can courier your bikes out to where you are going.

Lots of sensible replies here. It must be only me that was envisaging a bike soaring up into the sky a la ET .

No, I just pedal it