Taking a bike on a plane

bj-sailaway

I'm looking at going to scotland on the train, in order to take a bike with me, that I want to leave there (with friends, not 'cos I'm mad!)

Anyway, apparently I can take it on a plane, but need a special bag or case - any ideas on cheapest way to 'box' a bike to transport it? Otherwise, train it is!

goldspanners

the bins at the back of halfords?

Bowdyjan18

Cycle up :money:

Fruity1

As goldspanners says if you ask any bike shop if you can have one of the cardboard boxes the bikes are delivered in they'll gladly give you one. Bubblewrap is also worth grabbing/investing in.

nearlyrich

It's a special box they mean not just a box that a bike came in, try ebay, I have seen bikes in bags like sports bags on planes before now.

goldspanners

nearlyrich wrote: »

It's a special box they mean not just a box that a bike came in, try ebay, I have seen bikes in bags like sports bags on planes before now.

i gathered that but was offering an MSE idea. im sure they wouldnt object to a large box,ive seen people take large boxes on planes aswell.

bj-sailaway

Thanks guys, I thought of the box idea, but as the website says 'bike carrier' and has pics, thought it wouldn't be allowed, but I'll ring the airline (I'll try say no to 0870 for this!) and check it out. Would be cheaper! Bike carrier bags on e-bay are £80!!! Defo not MSE!!!

Bowling_4_Gold

As long as the whole bike is covered, and there are no sharp or pretruding parts (you will have to thake the pedals off and turn the handlebars round), a cardboard box is fine. Be warned you may be billed for excess luggage though!

bj-sailaway

Thank you! I'm now trying to find out how to pay in advance! grr. Says so on the BA webbsite, but can't find where to do that! This is getting a bit silly!

flea72

sorry which way are you travelling, by plane or train?

are you just planning on using the train as you think it will be easier to transport the bike, if so, alot of trains dont allow bikes (unless it has a guard room/storage area)

as for taking it on the plane, expensive, and you will need a proper bike bag

however, it might be cheaper to send it through the post. that way you can use a box salvaged from halfords. Most couriers charge about £15 for a bike

hth Flea

bj-sailaway

Thanks Flea72 - yes, i was opting for train, to make the bike easier, they will take it, but it's a longer journey and not cheap at this short notice.

I can't seem to find out how much on the plane! All getting a bit frustrating! £15 courier would be great! Do you know who I could book that through? I could ask my post room at work, not sure they'd like doing a bike for me though, even if I pay! If I can organise a courier myself, that would be great.

Oh, I'm starting out in London, going to Aberdeen.