I received the Thule RoundTrip Transition hard case as a gift and love it! I’m flying with my bike in this case on a couple longer trips this year both within the US and internationally and have a few questions that I can’t seem to find answers to online.
How much does this cost to take on the plane? Do I just bring it with me and check it like regular checked luggage? Can I put a lock on the case or does TSA need access? Do I need to be worried about theft? Damage? What other things should I be thinking about?
Any advice about traveling with your bike would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
by GGDATLAW
4 Comments
I fly a few times a year with a bike.
Costs really depend on the air carrier and weight. It really is a gong show out there and no standards. I tend to fly a couple carriers where it’s predictable.
You will have to usually add it as oversized luggage. It’s usually an added fee (I have seen free to $300). Some have a max weight. The carrier I use says under 70lbs and a max size (fine for all but tandems).
My wife and I travel and often the bike fee round trip can add up to where a carrier with better bike fees wins out even if the tickets are a bit more.
Here is an example. Go down to bikes.
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/plan/baggage/special-items.html#/
Every airline is different. Check their websites. Most of the time now they have a special category for “sports equipment” that includes bikes. You’ll be allowed a larger item without the typical surcharge but there’s still a weight limit.
Each airline has a different policy, but in general….
1. It just counts as another bag.
2. You may have to pay an oversized bag fee.
3. Yes, TSA does need to be able to access it.
4. Theft is highly unlikely. No airport worker just “happened” to end the shift with a bike.
5. Damage is possible, but unlikely. As long as the bike is secured adequately, so it doesn’t rattle, you only have to worry about to getting crushed.
What weight is the bike box?