flying to the USA with a bike ?

possibly heading to Seattle in the summer for a months bike touring.

just wondering how easy it is, and who to go with.

is it a hassle ?

or just hire a bike, we have found a place over there that hires tourers with panniers.

any input greatly appreciated.

I’ve flown with bikes to the US several times, no problems at all.

Mainly used BA, just booked the bike in the hold as per usual (used to be free with BA back in the good old days).

Be aware that airlines often use the measure ‘linear dimension’ which is l+w+h. This was not explained properly to us despite calling and asking for clarification twice and also getting email confirmation so we turned up at the airport and got stung with a hefty charge for outsize baggage.

You have to factor in the storage of a bike bag / box element if you’re off touring and getting from the airport to somewhere to set the bike up and lots of other faffage . We’ve taken bikes to Canada a few times and it’s been relatively easy, off plane and bike bag in big hire car but not as easy as just rocking up and hiring one.

I transited USA a couple of years ago. No hassle but TSA opened the bike box both ways. Transiting , you need to collect and recheck your bag in the US; everywhere else the baggage gets automatically routed.

Be aware that coming back, they will almost certainly do a visual inspection as you check in – it seemed to be standard practice.

Otherwise, no issues, my bike box went free of charge on every leg (United Airlines).

I cycled in the USA, we were going to buy bikes out there as they were cheaper, but didn’t want to take the risk, so flew with bikes and panniers.

Now flying with a bike I just get a bike box from a local shop and bin it on arrival.

The only hassle of flying with a bike when you aren’t staying on one place is finding a box for the flight home. If you are in a holiday destination known for its cycling (thinking Moab) it would be easier than trying to find a bike shop with a box  in a city.

I’ve used BA a few times and they have never been a problem.

where are you planning to tour?

Anecdotally American carriers have more expensive bike charges.

As above BA charge you the cost of an extra case £70? each way. Assuming under the 23kg limit. No awkward size restrictions. After checking in your normal case goes away normally and you wheel your bike round to the oversize place.

I have toured in the USA several times Getting bike boxes at the end  isn’t always easy.  They seem to get their dumpsters cleared daily. What I have done the last two times is asked them to take a new bike out the box and bought the box for a few bucks. One time in Daytona beach the nky box I got was for a child’s bike. Fitting it required removing the crank and fork as well as usual pedals, saddle, front rack and fringet wheel etc. Hollotech cranks are a boon there.

Another suggestion if you are finishing the tour anywhere with a bike shop is to pay them to supply a box and pack the bike. Booked in advance ths saves the hassle of sourcing a box. I have never done this but in the overall cost of a tour in the USA it is buttons.

My bike survived undamaged for 6 flights before getting a bent derailleur hanger on the 7th. I take it off now. Luckily being a steel frame it bent back into alignment.

thanks for the advice everyone.

trip wide, possibly Seattle to Whitefish in Montana,then taking in bits of Wyoming,Idaho and Oregon on the return.

just at the planning stage.

Just be mindful that BA in my experience in flying to the US are particularly effective at leaving oversize baggage back at Heathrow. Last trip to Seattle they left both our snowboard bags there and it took three days for them to show up. Not ideal for a snowboarding holiday.

Big ramp and a helluva run up?

I’m pretty sure BA allows you to take a bike as part of your checked luggage if you have that tier of seat.

You can take non-motorised, non-electric pedal bicycles or push bikes in a bicycle cover or box on our flights. They count as one item of your checked baggage allowance

I’m also fairly sure Virgin it’s always an extra.

Never had an issue with bikes on a plane.

Airline websites are shocking at imparting information though.

Oregon and Wyoming are both fantastic for riding . Wyoming we chose to go with a guide who had ample Grizzly spray cans.

We did see a Grizzly too – a good distance away.

Hoping to do Montana/Washington next year too.

ba technically has a fee, but its waived (and has been for years). Its tough to get your bike bag down to 23kg, so thats worth considering. AA flights booked with the ba number seem to have the same policy – I’ve not been charged for a bike with either of them and fly a bike with them 4+ times per year

“I’m pretty sure BA allows you to take a bike as part of your checked luggage if you have that tier of seat.”

This is correct. If you are allowed 2 free cases your bike box can be one.  Otherwise a 2nd case fee.

With a touring bike and camping gear I find to hit the 23kg I need to pack my saddle/seatpost front rack and pedals in my other case.  The rest of the bike, the box, and packing gets it up near 23kg.

Holidayed in USA last bunch of years and mostly flown with BA – few probs but bike delayed on return once.

If you happen to book Economy Premium seats (I recommend this for long haul) then you get the 2 bags at 23Kg included and that can include the bike (but it can be tricky to hit that weight – I can just do it if I pop the chain and pedals in the other case). If you are lucky enough to afford Club or have a BA loyalty class (Silver up I think) then you get 2 x 32Kg.

We are planning Northern California and then up through Oregon next year so see you out there 🙂