Recent news regarding TriBike Transport and their difficulties in delivering bikes has brought to mind the enduring advantages of using a simple cardboard box for transporting your bike on flights, both domestically and internationally. While specialized hard bike cases exist, my personal experience and ongoing preference lean heavily towards the readily available and surprisingly effective cardboard box. My initial foray into international bike travel involved a bulky, hard case for backpacking across Europe in the 2000s. It was cumbersome, heavy, and dismantling it was a chore.
Now, regardless of my destination, I consistently opt for a cardboard box, easily sourced for free from local bike shops. These shops typically have a surplus of boxes after receiving new bike deliveries and are usually happy to give them away for recycling. Box size isn’t overly critical; a standard adult mountain bike or road bike box will generally suffice. A snug fit is preferable as it minimizes movement within the box and simplifies handling.
For a visual guide on packing, this video provides an excellent demonstration:
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Even with limited mechanical skills, packing a bike in a cardboard box is manageable. I often utilize the extra space within the box to pack lightweight triathlon essentials like towels and goggles. While the video suggests extensive padding, I sometimes scale back on this, particularly for less expensive bikes. A crucial tip: securely bag all screws and small parts to prevent loss – a lesson learned from past travel anxieties!
For triathlon bikes, the breakdown process is largely similar, with minor variations concerning the headset (1:03) and its positioning within the box, as detailed in this video:
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Beyond the free packaging, significant cost savings come from transportation fees. Airlines like Southwest often have reasonable bike fees, around $75 when paid at the counter. International flights might range from $100 to $150, but this is still considerably cheaper than dedicated bike shipping services like TriBike Transport or others (I’ve successfully used bikeflight.com before). For short trips, a well-packed bike box can double as your only checked luggage.
There’s also a sense of security in knowing your bike is on the same flight as you. However, be aware that cardboard boxes can attract TSA inspections, and while they usually re-tape, it might not be as meticulous as your original packing. Despite this, in my experience, using a cardboard box has been a reliable method – my bikes have consistently arrived undamaged, on time, and definitely not caught in any transport company bankruptcies!
In conclusion, for a cost-effective, reliable, and surprisingly convenient way to travel with your bike, especially when flying, the humble cardboard box remains a top choice. Its simplicity and accessibility offer peace of mind and savings that are hard to beat.
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