Airport Transfers and my Bike

baron_o_buchlyvie
baron_o_buchlyvie Posts: 21
edited February 2014 in Tour & expedition
Hi folks.

I'd appreciate some info from those of you who have flown their bikes long distance. I will be flying out to Miami in the summer and one of the flights (the cheapest one I have found so far) changes at Madrid.

I have never been on any other flight than the non-stop kind, so be patient with the following silly questions.

When transferring planes, do I have to wait on my luggage and then put it through check-in again? Or do the airline transfer all my baggage (including my pride and joy)?

Ideally, I would put the bike in a box, but the chances are I'll be going to London with my bike, so the cardboard box wouldn't be possible (taking it on the train etc), how have you guys found just wrapping it in tarp/shrinkwrap?

I would appreciate your help.

Comments

  • mjcaskey
    mjcaskey Posts: 94
    On most long haul flights with the same airline your luggage will be handled for you on transfers.

    I would strongly advise buying or renting a bike box. Rent for about £40.00 a week if you think this is a one off trip, or buy a good box if you might make a habit of traveling abroad. Check weight limits as most boxes weight a fair bit, up to 10kg, and if your bike is weighty it can be a problem. The current Easyjet limit is about to rise I think, but right now it is low at about 23kg which can be restrictive if you have a sturdy touring bike to transport.
  • baron_o_buchlyvie
    baron_o_buchlyvie Posts: 21
    Thanks mate. I won't be getting a bike box as I will be flying to one airport, cycling to another, and flying back home, It'll be a 3 month trip.

    I appreciate the concern though.
  • sheffsimon
    sheffsimon Posts: 1,282
    mjcaskey wrote:
    On most long haul flights with the same airline your luggage will be handled for you on transfers.

    I would strongly advise buying or renting a bike box. Rent for about £40.00 a week if you think this is a one off trip, or buy a good box if you might make a habit of traveling abroad. Check weight limits as most boxes weight a fair bit, up to 10kg, and if your bike is weighty it can be a problem. The current Easyjet limit is about to rise I think, but right now it is low at about 23kg which can be restrictive if you have a sturdy touring bike to transport.

    Unless that transfer is in USA, in which case you must collect your luggage and clear customs etc at the first airport, then check your baggage in again.
  • TheStone
    TheStone Posts: 2,291
    Changing at Madrid, they should automatically transfer your luggage (including bike).

    I've used one of these in the past without any issues, but it feels nowhere near as safe as a proper box.
    Packs up quite small. On two occasions (including the states) I've sent it on to my final destination after a couple of days trying to find a post office.

    https://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product/BAG/TAR/
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  • farBank
    farBank Posts: 2
    Might sound obvious but the airline doesn't handle the bags during transfer if your two airlines in and out of Madrid are not working together. Some flight comparison sites will list combos involving Easyjet and Ryanair, maybe.

    I vote for cardboard. It's great and can be just as strong as your imagination and patience permit on box strengthening / building night! I think its shock absorbing properties trump most commercial alternatives. You'd use easier-to-source polythene on the less important return leg.
  • bikergirl17
    bikergirl17 Posts: 344
    Heads up us customs may ask you to open it to prove not a new bike you're importing or exporting. If you have a copy of receipt take that with you. Just was a hassle for me to open it & repack.

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