Bikes on Planes
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kevin
Bikes on Planes
It's probably really obvious, but when you pack your bike to go on a flight where do you leave the packing so that you can retrieve it for the return journey?
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mick
Re:Bikes on Planes
I took a taxi to the nearest camp site. Stayed one night and left my bag there for the week.
Other than that left luggage.
Other than that left luggage.
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Nurgles
Re:Bikes on Planes
Flew to Cambodia with the bike in a box from the local shop and then left it at the first hotel in Phnom Penh.Picked it up later to fly back
Phil
Phil
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Pedalling Pete
Re:Bikes on Planes
I found that pipe lagging, bubble wrap, straps and tape could be rolled up in a dustbin bag, and clipped with bungee cords on top of the rest of the bags to get to the first hotel, where it could be left until the return.
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pwward
Re:Bikes on Planes
At Malaga airport walk through the station and down to one of the car storage places. They will store bike tools and your bike bag for you for a few Euros a week. No left luggage in the airport at all.
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Helen
Re:Bikes on Planes
My council estate neighbours dump plastic furniture covers in bushes - I collect them until needed!
easyjet, Ryanair and others accept bikes in plastic bags.
At Rome Ciampino last month I stashed plastic and bubble wrap in a carrier bag and hid it in bushes across main road from airport. Still there 3 weeks later! Bought roll of tape from stationers. WARNING: Via Appia Antica 300m up this lane has dodgy characters lurking in trees at junction (otherwise, a fantastic, almost traffic-free route into Rome).
In France last year I bought plastic sheet and brown tape from DIY store before flying home.
Am going to Helsinki with KLM tomorrow. Obligatory cardboard boxes - will let you know!
easyjet, Ryanair and others accept bikes in plastic bags.
At Rome Ciampino last month I stashed plastic and bubble wrap in a carrier bag and hid it in bushes across main road from airport. Still there 3 weeks later! Bought roll of tape from stationers. WARNING: Via Appia Antica 300m up this lane has dodgy characters lurking in trees at junction (otherwise, a fantastic, almost traffic-free route into Rome).
In France last year I bought plastic sheet and brown tape from DIY store before flying home.
Am going to Helsinki with KLM tomorrow. Obligatory cardboard boxes - will let you know!
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phoenix
Re:Bikes on Planes
Wow - I've found this by chance and it's got just the answers I need! I was considering packing my bike in thick plastic and bubble wrap and leaving the wheels in, instead of spending £50 minimum on a special bike bag. Obviously this is actually a reasonable idea according to most of you - so I am very pleased.
I have never flown with my bike before so was a little unsure.
phoenix
I have never flown with my bike before so was a little unsure.
phoenix
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Helen
Re:Bikes on Planes
Right - KLM
Flew Manchester-Amsterdam-Helsinki
Luggage automatically transferred in Amsterdam, so no problem.
We were told bike boxes obligatory. My friend got used one from bike shop and had to remove front wheel.
I was told by KLM on phone that I could buy a box at Manchester. NOT TRUE - NO-ONE HAD HEARD OF THEM. Turning bars, removing pedals and semi-deflating tyres had to suffice. Wrapped plastic bag round chain and sprockets to protect other passengers' bags. Bike survived OK.
KLM luggage allowance was a worry: checked-in baggage only 20kg. But carry-on allowance generous 10kg. We put heavy-but-safe stuff in carry on pannier. This fit easily under seat in front.
Manchester-Amsterdam leg was "Cityhopper" Fokker 100 - rather small businessman's plane with only room for 2 bikes, so they must be booked. Be prepared to submit bag before boarding. Many businessmen had to give up their trolleybags. We got our panniers on OK.
On return, I got big bits of plastic from Lidl supermarket and taped them round bike.
Flew Manchester-Amsterdam-Helsinki
Luggage automatically transferred in Amsterdam, so no problem.
We were told bike boxes obligatory. My friend got used one from bike shop and had to remove front wheel.
I was told by KLM on phone that I could buy a box at Manchester. NOT TRUE - NO-ONE HAD HEARD OF THEM. Turning bars, removing pedals and semi-deflating tyres had to suffice. Wrapped plastic bag round chain and sprockets to protect other passengers' bags. Bike survived OK.
KLM luggage allowance was a worry: checked-in baggage only 20kg. But carry-on allowance generous 10kg. We put heavy-but-safe stuff in carry on pannier. This fit easily under seat in front.
Manchester-Amsterdam leg was "Cityhopper" Fokker 100 - rather small businessman's plane with only room for 2 bikes, so they must be booked. Be prepared to submit bag before boarding. Many businessmen had to give up their trolleybags. We got our panniers on OK.
On return, I got big bits of plastic from Lidl supermarket and taped them round bike.
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Helen
Re:Bikes on Planes
Helsinki airport
Turn right outside doors. See that flyover by dumpsters? We left bike box and tape there for 2 weeks (writing message on box to please leave it till our return date). It ended up soggy, so should have folded it and put it in plastic bag.
Rode 20k into Helsinki on fantastic cycle paths. Stadion Youth Hostel (Olympic Stadium) has big bike lock-up where packaging could be left.
Turn right outside doors. See that flyover by dumpsters? We left bike box and tape there for 2 weeks (writing message on box to please leave it till our return date). It ended up soggy, so should have folded it and put it in plastic bag.
Rode 20k into Helsinki on fantastic cycle paths. Stadion Youth Hostel (Olympic Stadium) has big bike lock-up where packaging could be left.