Airline bicycle policies?
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Perth
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Airline bicycle policies?
Has anyone had experience bringing a bicylce from LAX to Australia ?
Any info on charges and procedure would be appreciated. Im flying Malaysian and their website is not forthcoming.
I imagine that getting thru LAX x-ray with a bike in a box is goinng to be a massive pain the neck. Any tips?
Any info on charges and procedure would be appreciated. Im flying Malaysian and their website is not forthcoming.
I imagine that getting thru LAX x-ray with a bike in a box is goinng to be a massive pain the neck. Any tips?
Join Date: Mar 2009
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Most airlines are used to bikes, Ive never had a problem. Best way is to buy a rigid plastic moulded bike box. They cost the earth here, but not a lot in the US, and you would have no problem selling it off here on ebay.
If you chose to use a cardboard box, youre playing with fire. It will end up damaged.
Dont forget to let the tyres down.
If you chose to use a cardboard box, youre playing with fire. It will end up damaged.
Dont forget to let the tyres down.
Join Date: Jan 2008
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On a recent trip to NZ (NZQN) there were half-a-dozen pax with bikes -part of some cycling group/tour. It didn't seem to be a problem. As others said, most of them had rigid cases for them. Try ringing the airline offices for an answer.
Join Date: Jun 2004
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Every bag, whether checked or carry-on, is x-rayed at LAX. If they don't like what they see, the TSA nazis will open the bag/container, forcefully if necessary. and not in your presence.
If, Tooty, you were really were thinking this is a carry-on item, well...... On the other hand, Tooty, if you are simply aware of the 100% x-raying for checked bags and making queries; well, I don't think you'll have a problem. I'm sure the TSA have seen bikes before.
I would, however, make sure all loose parts are securely packed in one or two larger plastic bags, within the package, just in case someone does want to open it and inspect. That'd minimise the chances of one or two small bits slipping out.
But yes, as someone else said, just ring Malaysian for details. I'm sure they'll have more advice.
If, Tooty, you were really were thinking this is a carry-on item, well...... On the other hand, Tooty, if you are simply aware of the 100% x-raying for checked bags and making queries; well, I don't think you'll have a problem. I'm sure the TSA have seen bikes before.
I would, however, make sure all loose parts are securely packed in one or two larger plastic bags, within the package, just in case someone does want to open it and inspect. That'd minimise the chances of one or two small bits slipping out.
But yes, as someone else said, just ring Malaysian for details. I'm sure they'll have more advice.
Join Date: Oct 2007
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I've never had a problem with my unicycle.. Taken it on a few flights as checked baggage, just got it wrapped in bags etc. and taped with "Fragile" Tape.
Very helpful staff
i imagine a unicycle would be a bit stronger than a bike, due to so much more weight on the cranks and pedals while riding.. i used no box though.
Very helpful staff
i imagine a unicycle would be a bit stronger than a bike, due to so much more weight on the cranks and pedals while riding.. i used no box though.
Join Date: Nov 2007
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I had no problem bringing quite a nice carbon bike in a standard cardboard box from LAX. they just x-rayed it at LAX and took it away. I never saw it again until Sydney, where it arrived perfectly and had to be x-rayed again.
Join Date: Feb 2006
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If it's a one-off just get a carboard standard bike box from a bike shop, otherwise they sell soft bike bags in bike shops for the purpose. Everyone does it like we do for Triathlons etc, no dramas is the norm. As for what you get charged to check it in that's a whole other story!
Some airlines do not count the weight of the bike up to a certain amount (sporting goods allowance), nor charge any extra fees, whilst others will slog you for bringing a bike AND take the weight of it out of your checked baggage allowance meaning that you will probably pay a heap of excess baggage charges as well. 
