It's getting down to the wire as we would say, and I have not sorted out how to get my bicycle packed in a box and take it with me as oversized baggage back to Colorado this Saturday, the 29th. I have the name of a couple of bicycle shops in Limerick that can possibly take the bike apart and put it in a box for me but how I get the bicycle to the Shannon Airport the least expensive way and bring it with me as part of my luggage ( albeit oversized ) is something I have not sorted out yet.
I know others have done this before. Can anyone give me some ideas?
Thanks,
Mountain Gal
vzb
1
philipd
The airport issue depends entirely on which airline you are using - they all have different rules as to what they'll accept and what they charge. I brought a bike from NY to Dublin on Aer Lingus last week (it was bagged, not boxed) and it went through under my normal baggage allowance without a charge. But its better to call them in advance to check (and book it in if necessary), then print out the baggage rules from the airlines website in the event of arguments at the check-in desk.
If you get your bike boxed in Limerick, then there should be no problem bringing it on any of the regular buses to Shannon Airport, just be waiting for the bus early at the stop so you can get it into the luggage compartment before it fills up. If its unboxed, then its at the discretion of the bus driver so try to go off-peak and smile nicely at the driver when getting on. Find a bike shop near the bus station and arrange a taxi to bring you there, boxed bikes are a pain in the a** to carry. Don't rely on just turning up to the bike shop, call them in advance to arrange this.
2
giraffe1978
Hey Mary,
Yep, everything PhillipD said is spot-on. You have to check with your airline for their requirements.
I also wouldn't rely on getting your bike aboard a bus whilst it's assembled though, this could make for a stressful day on the 29th if you're denied. Travelling with a bike box is cumbersome, but most bike stores should donate you a box that has previously contained a delivered bike (these have nifty "holes" cut out for handelling.) Let's hope you don't ride some 22kg steel clunker!
About the disassembly, you really can do this yourself, save yourself some pesos. Most airlines just like pedals removed and handlebars turned sideways. Cardboard and/or bubble wrap the sensitive bits. Another tip, once your front wheel has been removed, turn your forks around too, you'll gain another precious few centimetres (I was desperate once...)
Pro tip
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