Bike (bicycle) on a plane

Any advice/reports on carrying a bike with VS? This is a fairly normal town bike, not some piece of professional athlete wizardry costing zillions of pounds and more fragile than an egg.

The kinds of things I'm wondering are:

• How fussy are VS about how it's packed (the website just says "should be transported in a protective box or bag" -- I was just going to get a (big) plastic bag, in addition to the bubble wrap mentioned below)?
  
• How fussy are NRT about how it's packed (I've heard stories about airport ground handlers being fussier than airlines!)?
  
• How likely is it to get damaged, if I remove the pedals, turn the handlebars, and put bubble wrap all around everything (including the front cog)?
  
• Will sticking "fragile" stickers on make a blind bit of difference?
  
• Is it a good idea to remove the wheels? I'm worried that will make it easier for the forks to get bent (and anyway, removing the rear wheel is likely to be a pig)
  
• Are UK customs likely to give me hassle on entry? This is a well-used bike, not a new one
  
• Anything else I should consider?

Mark

[Darren Wheeler]

Here you go

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/tr ... pment.html

Err, I'm quite aware of that page (I quoted from it). It doesn't actually answer the questions I asked, however.

Mark

[Darren Wheeler]

By 'big plastic bag' do you mean a giant bin liner type bag?

Every cycle I've ever seen at at an airport is either in a cardboard box, such as it's original shipping box or a specifically designed travel case, such as these.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/soft-bike-bags/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/hard-bike-bags/

I doubt a big plastic bag will be acceptable and probably wouldn't survive the loading. I'd leave the wheels in place as they are more likely to be damages if transported separately

I mean a

http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Travel_ ... ikeBag.pdf

(which is the same as a

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ctc-plastic-bike-bag/

which is the second item from the first link you gave)

or actually a bag from a mattress, since this is essentially the same thing and I can get it for free from a bed shop.

More information at

http://www.ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=5184

This specifically mentions that a cardboard box is if anything more likely to result in damage to the bike. It also explains why "deflate tyres" is a spurious requirement for bikes (so you should just lie if asked, just like the question about "have your ever taken your eyes off your bags since you started packing them" at check-in... :w ).

So information from anyone with actual experience of carrying a bike with VS would be most welcome!

Mark

Slightly harsh....Darren was only giving some quick suggestions and advice..
Why don't you try some cycling forums if your after specific bike packing technical details....
However I would ensure your pride and joy is properly ensured, bikes/prams etc are notorious for slipping out of an airlines damage responsibility list, check the small print on carriage terms....

Sorry if it sounded harsh; that was not the intent. :#

But I am after specific advice on carrying a bike with VS based on experience, not "specific bike packing technical details" (I've quoted a URL for that already). I don't want guesses, since common sense is likely to be wrong (e.g. "nice cardboard box better than just a plastic bag" and "must deflate tyres or they'll blow up"), especially coming from non-cyclists (who tend in my experience to be relatively, uh, ill-informed as regards most aspects of cycling :w).

Mark

[Darren Wheeler]

For context.

I'd never take either my road or mountain bike on an aircraft, preferring to rent locally as I don't want them damaged (possibly beyond repair) in a foreign land and have to change my plans to fit in with repairs, waiting for parts or even replace before the first day is out. it's a cost/convenience balance

In specifics, and apply to any baggage.

Fragile stickers won't make a blind bit of difference. Some would argue it just attracts attention.
Customs should not be an issue as one look will tell them it's not an import, if you even get stopped.

One final thing, make sure your insurance covers it specifically for in-flight damage and check to see if they have any specific requirements. Bicycles are specifically excluded from my policy, but riding one isn't

Well, I've got the bubble wrap from Asda, the pipe lagging from B&Q, and the bag from a king-size mattress from my friendly local bed shop. Oh, and some "FRAGILE" packing tape from Staples. Wish me luck!

[This is for a house move, so the "just rent locally" option doesn't apply.]

Mark

[Darren Wheeler]

Just do what the US do...

It WILL fit in the overhead locker

Am thinking of taking my trusty steed to washington this year. Just wondering how the flight went Mrison?

Or if anyone else has any previous experience would like to hear.

Thanks
Rob