Taking your bike by plane...

[Pulse]

I should start by saying that my bike isn’t expensive, but I would like to make sure it arrives in one piece if I do it!

Are there any recommendations for ensuring a bike arrives safely at the other end? I have seen the C2C clear ‘bag’, which seems the best option from everything I’ve seen (since otherwise how do I get the bike home?), but welcome others’ views!

[Pulse]

Thanks all for the advice. I reckon I’ll end up renting.

Taking my bike will only cost about £50 (uplift in fees from hand luggage to hold luggage with BA), but I figure it’s not necessarily worth the hassle. I was planning on cycling from Vienna to Budapest down the Danube, then heading off to Tirol (hence wanting my MTB), but I can always rent in Tirol too.

[Pulse]

Quite a bit has changed since I made this original post, but everything people said was very useful. With all of your feedback in mind, I decided not to bother bringing my bike over. It's extra hassle getting to/from the airport, taking it around with me, and the chance it may get damaged.

I also decided not to cycle the Danube, following advice from a chap I met in a bike shop in Vienna. He was right, it'd be a bit boring. Maybe one day, though.

Johnny said:

I brought one of my bikes out to Budapest recently.

Boardman box from Halfords, plenty of bubblewrap, tape and the usual bits off. Arrived in perfect condition.

OP - If you fancy some riding when you reach BP, give me a shout!

I'm booked to come to Budapest now, but won't have a bike! If you're around though, a beer sounds good...