(More) bikes on planes

[newflyer]

Hi all,

Another question re taking bikes on planes. We've discussed this before (see here) but just seeking some thoughts on my current situation!

Usually, when I take my bike on planes (and I can only speak for QF), I wrap it all up and chuck it into a nice cardboard bike box. Total weight is usually around 15-20kgs, and QF never have any issues.

However, last week, in a rare fit of growing up and becoming an adult (jeez...what's happening to me?!), I bought a fancy-schmancy bicycle case of the internet. It's the duck's guts - all foam inlay, hard plastic outer, castors, combo lock, the works. Think of it as a giant-sized suitcase.

Only problem is the thing itself (ie, sans bike) weighs about 13kg, and by the time I put my bike and riding gear in it, the total weight will be easily pushing 30kgs...

Does anyone here think this might be an issue? QF says bikes (properly cased) constitute one piece of checked luggage, but my concern is more about the total weight of the case and bike. Anyone got any experience travelling with these sorts of cases - and the airlines' reactions to 'em?

Cheers and thanks as always!

Newflyer

 

[JG1]

It would be nice if I could give you a nice consistent answer but as always, it depends on the luck of the draw.

I have shipped hundreds of bikes in the last two years with the general feed-back being that the airlines are getting stricter. Volumetric weight plays a big part with the airlines. Your bike may not weigh much but it takes up a lot space, so your bike box (and it does sound like the dogs doo da's) WILL contribute to your checked-in allowance.

The size of the box will definitely exceed the dimensional limitations (L + H + D > 185cm), which then potentially means it will go as oversize baggage and even possibly as freight. That then means no guaranteed uplift, taking to the freight dept., picking up from the cargo area at your destination....more cost and more inconvenience.

Life used to be so simple with just a card-board box!

If you need any advice on shipping it, just ask.

 

[newflyer]

Thanks, JG1.

Yes, I too long for the simpler world of cardboard bike boxes, but have you ever seen one of the Qantas-branded ones (they cost about $15)? They're huuuge, and I guess that's my only reassurance - that if my new super-dooper case is smaller than the Qantas box, I should be right...but famous last words?!

 

[serfty]

Have a look here on Qantas.com

• Flying with us - Before your Travel - Baggage - Sporting Equipment - Bicycles

To be accepted for carriage, bicycles must be suitably packed in a bike box. ... Customers can travel with their own bike box, however it must not exceed the dimensions below.

Qantas bike pack dimensions are:

• Length: 140cm (55in)
• Width: 30cm (12in)
• Height: 80cm (32in)

Before bicycles can be accepted they must be packed as follows:

• Tyres must be deflated
• Pedals must be removed
• Handle bars must be fixed parallel to the frame
• If the bicycles length exceeds 140cm (55in), the front wheel should be removed and fixed beside the rear wheel, inside the bike box