Bikes on a plane

[944fan]

I am hopefully doing a training camp abroad next year. I don't have a bike box/bag. I have seen a company that rents them out, cost would be about £60. Doesn't seem worth buying one as I would have to use it a lot to make the rental not worth while and I don't think I will.

Do I need to specify I am bringing a bike when I book my ticket and will it cost extra? Also what type of insurance should I have? My house insurance covers theft of the bike away from home but abroad or damage I will have to check.

[ALawson]

Most of the budget airlines will let you add an item of sporting equipment at the time of booking or later on, normally £80-120 return depending upon where you are going. Have an ask on here as someone may lend you a box.

Getting cover in the hold of the plane is normally the hardest, once you have the bike back on holiday just keep it locked up or within eyesight. Your home insurance may cover it whilst in the villa/hotel.

[upsidedownmark]

Check with the airline / website. It depends. For instance on BA, you can take a bike box as your 'checked luggage'. Easyjet you book it as a separate piece, and so on.

As for insurance, I've never bothered. Don't leave it lying around unattended, put it inside the appt when you're not riding it, job done.

[loudlashadjuster]

My club has a number of boxes available for hire at nominal rates, maybe worth checking yours? (if you're a member of one, that is )

[944fan]

Looks like the airline options are Ryanair (FML) or Monarch. Both are about £30 extra each way. The flights are only £120 to start with so not so bad.

[richatnort]

I did this about 6 years ago so it could of changed from there but the best thing I found was going to a bike store asking for a box and then wrapping your bike in plumbers insulation piping (the stuff you put round copper pipes) and then if you want to go OTT get some cheap as pillows and pack that in too but other then that it should be fine!

[944fan]

Good shout on the pipe insulation. Think I will hire a proper box. Only £66. Monarch want an extra £30 each way for the bike which is not too bad.