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From: wagner@uw-june (Dave Wagner)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: Bicycles as luggage on airplanes
Message-ID: <91@uw-june>
Date: Fri, 22-Feb-85 13:05:31 EST
Article-I.D.: uw-june.91
Posted: Fri Feb 22 13:05:31 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 27-Feb-85 03:39:00 EST
References: <15597@mgweed.UUCP>
Organization: U of Washington Computer Science
Lines: 50

> From wew@mgweed.UUCP (Ed Weiss) Sat Feb  5 22:28:16 206
> 
> The question is....Has anyone shipped a bike as luggage?
I have taken my bike as luggage on airplanes many times.  
 
> Is one airline's continer any better than another?
No.  They are all equally bad.
Some suggestions for improving your bike's chances:

	1.  If you must remove the front wheel, make sure you have some
	    kind of device to keep the forks spread out correctly.
	2.  Tape rolled-up cardboard tubes across the width of the
	    box to increase its rigidity.  (Front and rear racks are
	    helpful in this respect.)
	3.  Wrap up any loose parts in padding (e.g., pedals).
	4.  Shift both derailleurs as far to the inside as possible
	    and put some padding over the rear derailleur.

Also, irrespective of the type of container used, it's a good idea to
let some pressure out of your tires to prevent them from blowing out
at high altitudes.

> How does one go about making sure the container is at the
> airport when is ready to go?  Does a small airport like
> W Palm Beach have the containers?
It's a crap shoot.  I've never had any problem with United or American,
but then I've always flown out of large airports (Chicago, Denver, etc.)
In the unlikely event that they don't have any, try the local bike shop.
> 
> How much disassembly is required?
The airline supplied boxes are huge.  If your frame is smaller than 25"
you ought to be able to just turn the handlebars, lower the seat, remove
the pedals, and roll it right in.  (My frame is a 27", and I had to take the
handlebars and seat completely off, but I still didn't have to remove the
front wheel.)
> 
> Extra cost?  How much?
They will charge you $5 or so for the box, plus an oversize baggage charge
of about $14.  (This may have gone up, call them.)  Note that airlines do
not charge uniformly for bikes; if two airlines have the same fare, it
may be worth calling to find out the charge before you buy your tickets.

Have a nice trip!

			Dave Wagner
			University of Washington Comp Sci Department
			wagner@{uw-june.arpa|washington.arpa}
			{ihnp4|decvax}!uw-beaver!uw-june!wagner

"Oh no!  I've got . . . . .   HAPPY FEET!"