Flying with your Bike

[Trizz]

Has anyone ever done this or heard of it being done, i am going to Hawaii in January (i know its a long way away) but i heard they have trails everywhere.

or would you suggest just renting a ride.

[northshore]

Originally Posted by Trizz

Has anyone ever done this or heard of it being done, i am going to Hawaii in January (i know its a long way away) but i heard they have trails everywhere.

or would you suggest just renting a ride.

Which island?

[Trizz]

oh umm, Maui,

[COLEKO]

What airline are you going to fly with? Last time I flew Hawaiian air they allowed two check in bags and if they both did not go over 50 pounds then you were ok. I am guessing your bike could be one check in and the other your normal stuff plus your carry on.

Your other option is to rent a bike from a LBS and the plus side to that is they might be able to show you around some of the real local trails.

[northshore]

Originally Posted by Trizz

oh umm, Maui,

http://www.mauimountainbiking.com/mauimtb1.html (Crappy site but probably the better one I have read. I personally have not road these trails but family out there has)

http://www.hawaiitrails.org/island.asp?island=Maui (I believe these are for hikers only but you might want to check)

http://outside.away.com/travelqa/032796/bikemaui.html (One of the most popular rides. Shuttle to the top and ride back down, you have to wake up super early though)

[JRD]

I always have to pay extra for my surfboard bag(s). They are not counted as 1 of your 2 allowed bags.
The airlines have gotten pretty crappy about oversized items. I've been charged anywhere from 75.00 to 150.00 both ways for board bags. A couple of times they tried to charge me per board when my board bag contained multiple boards. I asked them why they don’t charge per golf club in a golf bag and the guys tells me ‘we don’t charge for golf bags’ Anyway, last time I was on Big Island, Kona airport, it was the Iron Man tournament and everyone had there bikes in oversized baggage. There were some pretty cool hard shell bike cases. I think renting would be a better bet. Maui sports has always been pretty cool for me to deal with over the phone. 3 more weeks and i'll be doin the island thing on the big island! Mahalo

[sdyeti]

Most airlines charge $80 or so for a bike box. No, it doesn't count as one of your two checked bags. Sux.

In fact, read everything carefully. Some airlines (Continental that I know of) count the bike box AS a piece of luggage. We went to WV and got screwed royally because we each had two bags and a bike box. Had to pay for one extra "luggage" and then $80 for the bike even though we were going to have to pay the $80 to begin with. They got an earful from us!!!

[evdog]

If you take your bike, be prepared to pay $50 each way. The airlines seem to be increasing fees and fares like crazy and without warning. Hopefully you don't have to pay, but its worth a phone call to confirm.

I have taken my bike by plane before - cost me $50, and went ok (no damage) but you also have to go through the hassle of disassembly and reassembly, transporting it, and finding a box or buying a travel case.

If its just for one trip and riding a couple days I'd just rent.

[DISCO]

If you split it up and transport it as parts and not a complete you could sneak around excessive payment, however it works much better with a BMX bike. I am a big fan of maintaining my comfort zone and would be more comfortable to do unknown terrain with my dirty little buddy than some stranger. That being said prepare for a mud fest that will likely have you wanting more travel.

[evdog]

Originally Posted by sdyeti

Most airlines charge $80 or so for a bike box. No, it doesn't count as one of your two checked bags. Sux.

In fact, read everything carefully. Some airlines (Continental that I know of) count the bike box AS a piece of luggage. We went to WV and got screwed royally because we each had two bags and a bike box. Had to pay for one extra "luggage" and then $80 for the bike even though we were going to have to pay the $80 to begin with. They got an earful from us!!!

Luckily I've never paid more than $50 - yet!

Something to consider as well is that some airlines are going to start limiting passengers to one checked bag under 50lb, but charge $50 for the second checked bag and $100 for any additional. Not sure when this is to start or even what airlines, but it was in the news a few months back.

Some bike shops, especially at major mtb destinations offer a pack and ship service where you can ship your bike to them in advance of your arrival and they will put it together for you so its ready to go when you arrive. Given all the airfare fees this will probably be comparable in terms of cost. Maybe not for shipping to Hawaii though...

[Rob]

Originally Posted by evdog

If you take your bike, be prepared to pay $50 each way. The airlines seem to be increasing fees and fares like crazy and without warning. Hopefully you don't have to pay, but its worth a phone call to confirm.

I have taken my bike by plane before - cost me $50, and went ok (no damage) but you also have to go through the hassle of disassembly and reassembly, transporting it, and finding a box or buying a travel case.

If its just for one trip and riding a couple days I'd just rent.

Which airline? 50 bucks each way isn't too bad. For me if it was only 100 bucks to take it I would rather bring my own bike that I am used to and comfortable with than to rent a bike for 30-40 bucks a day.

Another plus is that you can also use your bike as transportation.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by DISCO

I am a big fan of maintaining my comfort zone and would be more comfortable to do unknown terrain with my dirty little buddy than some stranger.

There's some quote material there!

[evdog]

Originally Posted by Rob

Which airline? 50 bucks each way isn't too bad. For me if it was only 100 bucks to take it I would rather bring my own bike that I am used to and comfortable with than to rent a bike for 30-40 bucks a day.

Another plus is that you can also use your bike as transportation.

It was either Alaska or Air Canada... can't recall which.

I've never had problems with rented bikes so long as its from a reputable shop. Agreed you might not be as comfortable on a rental but I like to travel light. For a biking-focus vacation I would most definitely take my own.

[danlorek]

it's funny that you should ask this as i'm going to maui on friday. instead of bringing bike though, i'm just renting one through Island Biker...
http://www.islandbikermaui.com/rentals.asp

i just sent them an email to reserve the bike in my size, no payment was necessary.

They have spesh enduros which i'm already quite familiar with and it's $75 first day and $50 the next. this is comparable to bringing your own bike, but i get to wear and tear someone elses and not have to deal with bringing mine, worrying about it getting stolen, or breaking it down for boxing.

seems like the trail selection is a bit limited over there though.

[Trizz]

Hey thanks for all your help guys, i think i will just rent when im there, it will be easier then trying to package up 2 bikes and get them there and put them together, but this is all very good information for future searches.

[Keith B]

Doesnt really help you but British Airways and Virgin let you take a bike bag as one of your pieces of luggage. I usually take one of my bikes with me to Europe. As long as you pack it well it it wont get damaged. (always remove the cranks btw)

[COLEKO]

Originally Posted by sdyeti

Most airlines charge $80 or so for a bike box. No, it doesn't count as one of your two checked bags. Sux.

That sucks. That surprises me because everytime I fly back to Hawai'i I see people checking in huge bags that dont get charged for oversize. A bike in a hard case really is not that big in my opinion but airlines will always find a way to screw us over.

[danlorek]

i went to crested butte and had a hard case bike box. they asked me if it was a bike and i said, "nope, it's camping gear."... they made me open it and saw the bike, doh! anyhow, had it been camping gear (in the same container) i wouldn't have been changed additionally.

[genusmtbkr5]

I work for an airline and I would not transport my bike. Those "bag smashers" as we call them can care less about your bike, but if you are dead set on bringing your own bike, be prepared to pay extra $$ as airlines are trying to recoup anything they can. Prices will vary from carrier to carrier. Pack it in a bike travel case(hard case) that you can rent at some bike shops. A bike "box" is not good enough IMHO. Not saying it's bad always, but when it does go bad, it's bad and it could make or break your vacation.

[Shu]

Unless you were planning on riding for your whole trip(everyday) it would cost less to rent for 2 bikes for 1 or 2 days of riding then ship both your bikes to have them sit for the remaining non riding days of your vacation...no to mention...what cost will be incurred by the "bag smashers" to get your bike rideable once you are there....