Shipping bicycles

I looked at the previous post and didn't undertand it. The best I could figure out was that a bike would cost a bunch of euros per kilogram.

A few years ago, I toyed with the idea of taking a bike to France. After checking with both Air France and Delta (for what that's worth) I decided that for the price of shipping a bike one-way, I could just about buy a new one and give it away.

I'm sure it can be done. Call the airline for the cost. All you're going to get here is wild guesses. This is Lufthanza's Toronto number: 1(800) 563 5954.

For the cost of shipping, especially both ways, you probably can buy one on a European web site- ebay for one - http://www.ebay.co.uk/, and have it shipped to where you are staying when you want to start biking. When through, sell it, give it away, or just leave it, someone will take care of it for you.

After the post, I did find a website thet listed the policy of 15 of the major airlines. (http://bicycletouringpro.com/blog/major-airline-policies-and-prices-for-flying-with-a-bicycle/) It does appear that the policy of the originating airline is in vogue where there are connecting flights. Most airlines do charge a fee - $150 - $600 probably depending on the weight. I did receive written confirmation from Austrian Airlines saying that bikes could be rolled on as a second piece of luggage - handle bars turned, tires deflated, pedals turned in - unboxed. Possibility of damage would be high though. May just go Austrian Airlines and then leave them there - free to a good home. Thanks to all replys - very helpful.

The extra charges only apply to boxed bikes. One time they fly free when boxed but not any more. We now fit our bikes in a large rolling suitcase, keep it under 50 lbs and the bikes are checked as piece of luggage at the standard checked luggage rate.

I don't understand why you would go through the trouble of taking your bike to Europe only to leave it there.

If you plan on a biking trip, why not just RENT a bike in Europe? It seems to me if biking is only part of your trip, or even if it's the reason for your trip.... why hassle with the bike on the way over? If you do plan to just "roll it on" (as I've seen others do) risking damage when you get there - and possibly ruining your plans to bike, why not rent?

Just wondering....

People choose to fly with their own bicycles for several reasons, including avoiding the uncertainty that a rental will be suitable and to be able to ride from the airport. Note that it can be hard to rent a road bike in Europe.

Stiff new fees for bringing your bike probably change the equation for many people, though.

A good sturdy bike box is a must.

Use a bike that is designed for air travel and fits in a suitcase. Then it is just a suitcase. A couple of months ago we were flying with our bikes in the US when I accidentally overload the suitcase by a couple of pounds, Was forced to open the suitcase and remove my sandals and the agent went ballistic ---- THAT is a BICYCLE !!! We have to charged $80. That is a suitcase and I am not paying. Call a supervisor. She tells the supervisor on the phone that she has customer with a bike who is refusing to pay the surcharge. Actually had two but she had not figured that the other identical suitcase also held a bike. After about five minutes of holding up the line, the supervisor arrives, looks around, and asks where is the bike? The agent points to the suitcase, the supervisor says, "That is a suitcase, what is the problem? And walks away. I really wanted to say something -- but I didn't. The bikes rode free.

The main reason/s for shipping our bikes is that we are familiar with them, they fit our stature and we will not need to drive or train into cities to rent. We do back roads - preferably ones that do not have a white line. I do like the idea of a rolling suitcase if we could find ones large enough.

What will you do with the bike bags or wrapping once you get to your destination?

Store it or discard it. In our case, the suitcase converts to a trailer and we put all of our carry-on in the trailer and pull it behind the bike. Works real well.