Airline transport questions

[lordnelson]

How do a-bike owners carry their a-bikes during airline flights? I have not seen anyone address this issue in the forum.
I have tranported my other folding bike (a JB Razor, 25 lb) in a boggie board bag as regular below-decks luggage, as a scooter. I have not had problems of extra fees or refusals on domestic flights.

However I always deflate the tires, as they can explode at altitude if the cargo area is depressureized.

I have not tried to transport it for international flights.

In the United States, more and more airline carriers are charging big fees ( between $50 to 250 US, one way!) for the transport of any kind of sports equipment. It used to be treated as regular luggage if it fit in a normal luggage bag and did not require extra handling (meaning the item fit inside a suitcase and weighted under 50 lbs.).

The other issue is carry-on luggage. The a-bike is small enough for a carry-on bag, but will it be accepted by security screeners as a safe carry-on? Is a pump considered a weapon, too?

Again, how have forum members transported their a-bikes in commercial airline baggage? Do any of you use a hard case? Any advise is appreciated.
Bob

[newcross]

I'd like to hear on this too! I'll be flying to scottland for one weekend and planing to bring my A-bike there. I was thinking maybe I should put two A-bikes (mine and girl's) into a conventional suitcase and check it in...

[lordnelson]

While exploring the airline issue, I found that the American Train Company, Amtrack, allows folding bikes as regular luggage.
Here is the link.

Go to:

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/am2Copy/Title_Image_Copy_Page&c=am2Copy&cid=1080080554487&ssid=43[/url]

This is the first time I have tried to post a link. If this does not work, go to the Amtrack site and search 'bike.'
Bob

[Guest]

Usually, any type of equipment like this which is over a certain length and width limit, you have to check it in as luggage underneath.

Even tripods for cameras have to checked in, even if its is rather compact when folded.

So, always make sure to deflate the tires and secure it with padding and tape so that it is not dinged when thrown by the handlers.

[Garry]

I think with the new strict rules on hand luggage you'll almost certainly need to check in the A-Bike. Luckily it fits very nicely into a suitcase

Mayhem told me that they have to deflate the tires for air transport which makes sense.

I suggest you always call your airline before flying to confirm the details. As long as they're not Ryan Air they will probably be very helpful

[newcross]

About deflating the tires, I wonder how much air is needed to protect the tubes from A-bike's own weight... maybe it doesn't matter and I can deflate them completely...

[Tom]

I have a brompton but recently bought an A-bike which I am pleased with.

Whilst the Brompton is more of a "proper bike" the A-bike has some attributes which distinguish it - ie the extreme light weight and size.

Recently flew soton - amsterdam, just deflated tires and chucked it in holdall with clothes - then used it to cycle around hague etc.

[Oleg]

Hello Tom!

It is pleasant to meet here the Brompton owner!

I am like the Brompton very much but in my case it is less usefull than A-bike.

I should be very grateful to you if you could recommend to me the Bromton owner forum like this because I have a few questions about this bike.