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.

Thanks for the links, I need to think how we can make boxes work, we are flying into A and departing from B. Somewhere on EV7 - current favourite is Bologna to Rome. I don't mind buying one and hiring two and buying another one next year.

I could send them on I suppose but all seems like a PITA to arrange (compared to the ferry!).

When we used to go touring we used pipe lagging masking taped down on all bits of the frame and then used clear plastic bags bought from CTC. We would then hide the packaging a few miles from the airport in a suitable looking ditch under a hedge. That saved us carrying it and meant it was ready for the return flight. We did this a few years running and didn't have any issues with damage. When I've flown with my best bike (have a different one for touring) I've used a bike box Allan which I've borrowed from a friend. They seem bomb proof. I certainly wouldn't consider hiring a bike, its expensive and unless I could hire the same make and model I wouldn't want to risk niggles or injury caused by geometry that doesn't suit.

We have gone full circle and decided on pipe lagging and CTC bags - we can carry the bags but might have to go to a plumbers merchant before the journey home. Boxes are too tricky when you are not doing a circular route.

My 'best' bike is the one that fits best because it was MTM noodl. No point it being an ornament though so it is the one I will be taking, risks and all.

I fly every year. I just get DH to bring home a cardboard bike box from work (he works in a bike shop but if you ask they will give you one). Take off pedals, turn handle bars and take off a wheel and it's always been fine.

I've also not done circular routes and gone to a local bike shop in the town before flying home to get a box. Just make sure you factor that in and have enough time.

Thanks Heron, I will think about that.

I have read that BA (airline of choice) insist on a proper case or bag, I need to phone them and see what they say.

The webpage talks about packing in a recognised bike bag and then refers to packing the bike in a protective case or bag. Not sure the CTC plastic job will cut it.

Lots have been written on this subject over the years, hard case/soft bag/ cardboard, box Some great products have been covered, but you should check out this bad boy. The Shokbox bike box has been adopted by many seasoned frequent travellers and influencers. with its integrated internal hinge pins, integrated handles, recessed TSA latches and manoeuvrability to die for. The Shokbox www.shokbox.co.uk/ makes travelling simple and is surely a serious contender?

You should also see this article: Are all bike boxes Equal? www.shokbox.co.uk/are-all-bike-boxes-equal/

I've flown with my bike to The Alps. I used a bike bag but what we learned is that if you use for example the box that the bike came in from new, the baggage handlers tend to simply slide the box on and off whereas with a bag they're more likely to chuck it around.

My bike was okay but a mate's bike did get damaged on the way back