Anyone ever travel with a bicycle?

[chuychanga]

I'm planning a weeklong cycling trip in Glacier National Park. I've never flown with my bike, but I know it is quite a hassle for most people. I know most airlines make you partially disassemble it, put in it in a bag or box, and pay a fee of around $50-$80.

But if I'm jumpseating, do you think I'd still have to pay the fee and check it? Do you think I could just bring the bike through security, walk it down the jetway and out onto the ramp and take it to the baggage door myself, assuming I'm flying on my own airline?

 

[UALjan15]

I've done 2 options. The first was to use my airline ID at FEDEX to get 75% off. At that rate, you can ship a bike for less than 40 bucks each way. If I don't know anyone where I'm shipping it to, I call a local bike shop and arrange to have them accept the shipment.

I have also taken my bike along as luggage as I jumpseated. I checked it at the counter, and depending on how well you shmooze, you may avoid the fee, especially at your own airline. You get really nervous doing it this way, as you're traveling standby and not really sure if your bike is going to make it on with you, or stay off if you don't get the jumpseat. Your plan of trying to get your bike through security and out to the ramp seems might have worked 15 years ago, but post 9/11? YGTBSM....

Good Luck and happy cycling

 

[USCtrojan]

I've had to ship my bike many times when racing (triathlon). Unfortunately, I'm always charged the $80 each way. FedEx is a better way to go (cheaper), and most bike shops at places where you're going will hold on to the shipment for you. I don't like to travel without my bike however!! Also, some airlines will provide you with a cardboard box to put your bike in. It's recommended to have a hardshell box. I have personally witnessed ground crews being pretty rough with these things. Good luck, the trip sounds like a lot of fun!!!