Bikes Can Fly – Pt. 2
How To Take a Vacation AND Your bike!
(Without robbing the bank!) – Pt. 2
by Shelley Marenka Smail,
USA Cycling Coach and Fitness Expert
Take your lightweight tools, helmet, shoes and pedals on the plane in a “bike cube” bag. Keep bike tools, clothing, helmet and shoes organized in the innovative bike cube so your gear is at your fingertips and you’re ready to ride. Just grab your bag, your bike and go!
Bike cube bags have compartments for all your light equipment, clothing, water bottles, etc. so you can keep it all together very conveniently. You can find them online from a variety of different companies, such as Mountainsmith (www.mountainsmith.com). No more “Where are my shoes? I swear I put them in the car! Shoot, I have to go back home!”
If you want to learn how to pack your bike you can get a comprehensive report from the International Bicycle Fund that describes in details how to fly-with-your-bike, describes packing options, and gives step-by-step instructions on packing your bike to meet the airline requirements.
It also compares domestic and overseas policies. Visit www.ibike.org or visit this site with similar information: www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/packing-steps.shtml
If you decide to self-pack your bike, be sure that you are confident about taking it apart and putting it back together. Don’t get into a situation where it’s “Christmas morning” and your bike is in pieces!
You can always call your bike shop and have them take it apart for you. Then when you reach your destination, take it to a local bike shop for reassembly. It’s best to call ahead and make an appointment.
Tell it like it is – NOT! There are two rules of thumb here that I’ll share with you. I have a friend who uses the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. If airline staffs don’t ask what’s in the box, don’t tell them.
This will allow you to escape the special baggage fee for bikes and the airline will move it along as luggage. Although you are obliged by federal law to tell them the contents, once you say it’s a bicycle, expect to pay a fee from $75 on up.
The fee depends on…well, lets say its arbitrary; how the agent is feeling that day, whether they are familiar with bike polices, how long the line is, how lucky you are that day? Get it?
It’s too varied to even guess. Please note: when calling the airlines in advance, you’ll usually get a different answer about the bicycle flight case policy than you will hear at the ticket counter.
The other rule of thumb is to “re-define” what’s in the box. Your answer to “what’s in the box?” can be “Oh, its bike parts” or “it’s camping gear”. No biggy, they will push it through. No extra fees!
Show up Early- There won’t be any running through the airport with this piece of luggage if you’re running late. Show up early and give yourself plenty of time. If you are relaxed, you should be able to slide it through hassle free. (But I’m not promising anything here!)
Note: DO NOT take anything pressurized on the plane. Deflate your tires to less than 100 psi and do not transport any CO2 cartridges, neither in the bike container nor in your carry-on luggage!!
Here’s wishing you a great trip and remarkable, epic rides along the way!
“Travel not to escape, but to add to and transform your soul.” ~Unknown
“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.”
~Aldous Huxley
Shelley Marenka Smail,
USA Cycling Coach & Fitness Expert
www.getonyourmark.blogspot.com
http://www.wenzelcoaching.com/ShelleySmail.htm