I will be taking a bicycle to Thailand later in the
year.Having never taken a bike with me before, could anyone
give me any tips or advice on taking it on airlines and
through customs etc.
Thankyou.
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Hi, Rick
Just bring your bicycle to the airport before you check in
and release the air in the tires. They will just load in
for you. Maybe it's better to inform them earlier about the
dimension of the bicycle when you confirm/book the flight.
They will calculate the weight with your luggage as well.
If the total weight is higher than what you are allowed,
then you have to pay the excess luggage fee.
It is that easy but be careful! I watched my friends bicycle
get snagged on the first corner of the luggage carrier at
Pochentong airport in Phnom Penh after he carefully taped up
all the bits. broken cable ties flew everywhere. It is
definately worth going to a bike shop and getting one of the
boxes that the bikes are shipped and sold new in. It takes a
little while to strip it down and get it in (about 30 mins
usually) but it travels heaps better. also they won't want
to check your tire tubes for drugs and stuff like that
either when it's in a box cos it's more hassle for them. And
it's easy to get a box from pretty much any country with no
language skills or anything. just go to the bike shop. I've
taken my bike on quite a few international flights like this
and have never had a problem. It'll probably show up in a
differant place to your other luggage at bangkok tho. . .
I have transported my bicycle on many different airlines
and each company has different rules. It also seems to be
that things are quite negotiable here as well.
For example, when I turned up at Sydney airport with my
bicycle to board a Japan Airlines flight (they knew in
advance), I was told that I couldn't take my bicycle on the
plane. This was midly upsetting to say the least as my
purpose of this trip WAS to cycle.
I found out later that what the woman really meant was "you
can take the bicycle on the plane, but I feel a bit pissed
off right now and can't be bothered finding the box that is
reserved for you". After a telephone call to the company,
the box appeared. The moral of the story is "no doesn't
necessarily mean no". Be prepared for a hostile reception
at the airport (airlines like people with suitcases and
suits and ties). Be ready to negotiate (and lie if
necessary) and don't take no for an answer.
PS I don't want anyone flaming my post - those who have
done lots of cycling around the world will know what I mean.