I am looking for a bike bag to carry my hardtail on the plane to Scotland. Problem is it has to be reasonably light and compact when not in use, because I have to carry it, either in my backpack or frame bag for the entire trip before returning. The ones I have seen online seem to come in at about 2.5kg, but I have no idea if these would fold/roll up when not in use. Does anyone have any experience with these?

Where are you flying into? I can’t help with a stowable bag (mine isn’t heavy but it’s not at all compact) but maybe someone on here could stash it for you while you’re up here?

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-BOD-BAG.htm

http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-TAR-BAG.htm

Thanks. Could be Aberdeen or Glasgow? Usually go to Inverness but I use airmiles and BA don’t fly there. This time it will b right around Christmas so wouldn’t want to put anyone out. Probably best to buy something anyway as I go a couple of times a year.

The body bag looks ok, but can’t seem to find a UK supplier and would probably turn out quite pricey.

I have just being looking on another forum and some people say they use a CTC Plastic Bike Bag. Wiggle has them. Anyone know if BA will accept one of these if I dismantle the bike, use my sleeping mat for padding and tape the bag up to make it more compact? Website says it must be packed a “recognised bicycle bag.” Not sure this qualifies.

I have one of these…

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/bike-carry-bag-id_8023151.html

Cheap and if you pad round the bike does the job…

Wouldn’t recommend carrying it for any great distance though.

I can vouch for the Ground Effect Body Bag having used it a number of times on long and short haul flights. I usually line it with cardboard and apart from a few scratches I haven’t had any damage. I think £57 is a good price especially if you use it a few times (I accept that it may be more if charged by customs). However, Duffbag do something very similar for only a few quid more.