How To Take a Vacation AND Your bike!
(Without robbing the bank!)

by Shelley Marenka Smail,
USA Cycling Coach and Fitness Expert

Yes, it’s true that Wilbur and Orville Wright owned a bike shop when they built their first aero plane. But times have changed when it comes to taking your bike along with you when you fly.  It used to be that you’d pack it up in a free bike box that you could pick up from your local bike store and take it along with you as standard luggage.  Not today!  There are baggage weight and size restrictions, additional fees, and full inspections, not to mention rough baggage handling (“Please be careful buddy.   That’s my $6,000 bike you’re throwing around!”)

When it comes to cost, you can spend some serious money at the airline check in counter before you even take off if you’re not savvy to the lingo and procedures for traveling with a bike.  These challenges may cause you to reconsider taking your bike along with you. But wait!  Check out these ideas and learn how to do it …so your bike can have a vacation too! Try these tips to get you AND your bike to your destination safely and less costly than the typical airline charges.

Pack Light!  Easy and safest choice is to use a commercial bike flight case.  You can borrow one from a friend, or many bike clubs own a few to lend out to their members. Other options include a used bike box from a bike shop, or a standard piece of luggage large enough to hold your bike.  Avoid putting lots of other things with your bike in the box.  If you use a cardboard box, use lots of bubble wrap, but no extra gadgets!

According to the rules of most domestic airlines, you are allowed two checked bags each of which must not exceed total linear dimensions (W+L+H) of 62 inches. The maximum weight of each bag must not exceed 50 lbs. If any bags weigh over 50 lbs up to a maximum of 70 lbs, most airlines will add a surcharge. For lightweight racing bikes weighing a total of 15-16lbs, the weight limit is not a factor even with additional clothing, shoes, tools and helmet. Keeping it around 30-40 pounds is best for the baggage handler and you want them to be happy so they don’t throw your box around.

In part 2, you’ll get tips how to pack your bike, what to bring, what to leave behind, and dealing with airports in general.

Shelley Marenka Smail,
USA Cycling Coach & Fitness Expert

www.getonyourmark.blogspot.com
http://www.wenzelcoaching.com/ShelleySmail.htm

This entry was posted on Monday, August 3rd, 2009 at 1:23 PM and is filed under Travelling and Bicycles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.