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Taking a bike on a plane

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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!
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Comments

  • goldspanners
    goldspanners Posts: 5,910 Forumite
    the bins at the back of halfords?
    ...work permit granted!
  • Bowdyjan18
    Bowdyjan18 Posts: 316 Forumite
    Cycle up :money:
  • Fruity1
    Fruity1 Posts: 926 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    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
    nearlyrich Posts: 13,698 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker Hung up my suit!
    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.
    Free impartial debt advice from: National Debtline or Stepchange[/CENTER]
  • goldspanners
    goldspanners Posts: 5,910 Forumite
    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.
    ...work permit granted!
  • bj-sailaway
    bj-sailaway Posts: 972 Forumite
    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
    Bowling_4_Gold Posts: 1,771 Forumite
    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!
    The quickest way to become a millionaire is start off as a billionaire and go into the airline business.
    Richard Branson
  • bj-sailaway
    bj-sailaway Posts: 972 Forumite
    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
    flea72 Posts: 5,392 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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
    bj-sailaway Posts: 972 Forumite
    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.
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