I’m new to the community and have been trying to crack the puzzle of bike transport. I would like to use a service to simplify things on my first trip so I can spend a couple of weeks in the Netherlands, just me and my bike. I estimated some bike box weights and dimensions to ship from Florida, US to Amsterdam and was quoted $531.91 one way! This is without insurance and not including any packing fees the bike shop would charge. I feel like I could almost buy a new bike, use it, then throw it out for that amount. Are my weight and dimensions way off?
by MrMcSparklePants
5 Comments
You can play with the numbers a bit but yeah, looks like you’re in the ballpark. Shipping a bike within the US can cost a third of that, just for ground. What’s your bike? Have you considered renting while you’re there?
Bike Flights has completely jumped the shark.
Just taking it as carryon luggage is supposed to be the simplest way. Disclaimer that I haven’t personally done it, but there are lots who have.
I have gotten 90% there on an airline’s website and you just tell them you have a bike, you get a box from a LBS or similar, and pick it up as checked luggage on the other side. Costs the same as any other checked bag (most airlines have exceptions to oversized luggage for sporting equipment like this).
Buy it a seat on the plane
Just bring it on the plane, you just need to bring your packed bike to the check-in counter and that’s it. Sometimes you need to pay a fee, if you’re lucky it’s free.