the bike friendly airline question

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veryunaustralian
veryunaustralian

I've searched this forum for general advice and I've searched individual airline policies but I'm having trouble coming up with definitive information so I'm going to put yet another airline post up here.

I'm trying to book a flight from Australia (Melbourne) to Spain (Valencia). The carrier options coming up are Qantas/Swiss combo, Lufthansa, Air France... All these carriers (except Qantas*) charge additional fees but can anyone give me a heads up on which one is the 'best' experience...?

*Incidentally, I would check in with Qantas, as that's the carrier leaving Australia - would that mean that Swiss wouldn't have the opportunity to sting me, do you think?

Thanks.

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friendly_checkingirl
friendly_checkingirl

Swiss is the significant carrier in this situation as Quantas will transport you only as far as Singapore. You will have to pay the Swiss rates for your bike.

Every group has its own dynamics, if you can't see the idiot then it's probably you.
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think :-D
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pbekkerh
pbekkerh

Quantas have cardboard boxes for sale in the airport and using these, there is no problem when loading the bike

Poul
Old Enough To Know Better, Young Enough To Give A Damn
I'd rather Regret The Things I Did, Than The Things I Didn't
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veryunaustralian
veryunaustralian

Hi there, friendly checkingirl, thanks for your response - you sound pretty knowledgeable. (Your name makes me think that maybe you have some inside knowledge, maybe...?) The luggage will be checked all the way through, though, won't it? Or will I have to recheck it with Swiss at Singapore? How would they charge me if it is checked in at Melbourne and I pick it up in Valencia?

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friendly_checkingirl
friendly_checkingirl
In response to #3

If Quantas is on the ball, they will charge you in Melbourne and check your bike through to Valencia. It's their obligation to pass the fee on to Swiss..
If they for some reason feel out of their depth, they will do one of two things. Either they will check your bike to Singapore only and tell you to sort it out with Swiss, in which case you will (probably) have to pay Swiss in Singapore. Alternatively, they will check your bike through to Valencia and not charge you at all because they embarassingly have no idea what to do or will just assume Quantas rates. Obviously the latter would be the best solution for you but it all depends on the check-in agent on the day. Good luck !

Every group has its own dynamics, if you can't see the idiot then it's probably you.
Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think :-D
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veryunaustralian
veryunaustralian

Great! I arrive at Tullamarine armed with a printed copy of Qantas' baggage policy and hope for the best! Now I just have to book my ticket!

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