All
last year (in October) we flew from Washington Dulles to Rome on United Airlines and were not charged extra using soft cases. The weight limit was critical. Also non-stop flights will minimize handling and damage possibilities.
Ken Sanford
Kensington, MD
<freitas1@pacbell.net> Cc: "Michael Thompson" <meauxtown@yahoo.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2008 11:09 AM Subject: Re: [CR]re:Flying with your bike (as opposed to 'flying on your bike')
> 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
>
> _______________________________________________
>
>
> Mike Schmidt
> Stirling, NJ
> USA