Air France and CTC bike bag

[duncanharris]

Anyone tried travelling on Air France (from UK to France) using the CTC transparent plastic bike bag (http://www.ctcshop.org.uk/ctc-plastic-bike-bag/#more)?

Air France say on their web site (http://www.airfrance.co.uk/GB/en/common ... france.htm):

place your bicycle in a protective container (cardboard*, hard plastic). Bicycle containers are available for purchase at most Air France check-in desks.

Technically the CTC bag is a protective container, but obviously not cardboard or hard plastic.

[duncanharris]

Nobody been on Air France?

[Mattie]

Nobody been on Air France?

I have, in August 2009. I packed the bike up in bubble plastic from a DIY store and cardboard from a building site ( rather posh Italian tiles !)

Anyway flew Madrid to Paris CDG airport. At check in in Madrid the Air France girl asked a blokey if the bike was okay. He had a look round it and said that it was, and on it went.

In the picture you may be able to see that all of the oily running gear is covered in plastic.

I hope this is of some help to you.

[simonhill]

Air France are now part of KLM. KLM charge a lot for carrying bikes. Have you checked if they will be charging you? You don't want a nasty shock after you have bought your ticket.

[duncanharris]

They do seem fairly clear on their web site that bikes can be part of the normal luggage allowance and what the charges are for extra baggage.

I have since used the contact form on their web site to ask them and got this reply:

Air France allows bicycles (except for tandem bicycles) to be transported on most flights, based on request and availability, and subject to charges .
If you wish to bring your bicycle with you on your flight, it should be suitably packed with handlebars turned lengthwise, pedals removed and any protruding parts being covered or removed for their protection. A bicycle box is the only officially approved packing for transport aboard Air France flights. A bike packed by using any other method will be accepted but under
limited release.