Michael,
And boy did Alitalia charge me last year when I flew to Italy for L'ERoica; 150 EURO each way. Continental ran $95.00 in 2006. My advice is to check with the airlines up front before booking.
Mike Schmidt Stirling, NJ USA
From: Bob Freitas <freitas1@pacbell.net> Date: 2008/07/09 Wed AM 10:55:48 EDT To: CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Cc: Michael Thompson <meauxtown@yahoo.com> Subject: [CR]re:Flying with your bike (as opposed to 'flying on your bike')
Traveling with your bike is a wonderful thing but the Airlines seem to be all over the place as to charges. Some of the following may have changed so check with the airlines BEFORE you buy your tickets.
* Lufthansa did not charge as long as your bike counted as one of 2 pieces of luggage you were allowed , this was to UK, Germany and Italy * British Air did not charge under similar circumstances to UK * American Airlines did not charge under above from UK * Continental DID charge and I think when you were only checking one bag (the bike) * Alitallia DID charge to Italy
Things to remember should you take a hard case and will return thru the same Airport you may be able to leave it at ''Left Luggage'' conversely should you have to take it with you , remember its pretty big to get around. I took a hardcase 3 years ago and it was opened a number of times in customs so by the time it got to Milano the bikes was floating around between the 2 case halves (use photos taped to the inside to illustrate correct packing configuration) Hotels are willing to store your case (usually if you will be staying there again at the end of your trip.) I now use a soft case and liberal amounts of insulating foam to protect the bike, side benefit of this is the bag rolls up and transports easy. Some people partially disassemble the bikes and cover them in a plastic bag (also lets workers see whats inside and hopefully not place it at the bottom of a stack of boxes.) I think airlines also allow you to just take the bike with bars turned sideways and pedals removed.
I am very interested to hear from anyone who has traveled in the past couple of months as to whats going on now. And also any successful schemes to avoid being charged.
Should you be in Tuscany the first weekend in October dont forget about L'EROICA ! I will not be attending this year but am mulling plans for 09.
Have a Great time!!
BOB FREITAS Hot and Smoky MILL VALLEY, CA USA
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Mike Schmidt
Stirling, NJ
USA