Details about flying with a bike in the US

[Suppersppy]

Earlier this year I flew with my bike and Alaska airlines cracked the frame. I figured I'd work through the process and likely end up negotiating a final settlement. Turns out I should have read the fine print so I knew what to expect. I took some time to put together some of the details I wish I'd known ahead of time. Hope it helps someone else.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/th ... ed-states/

[skinnybex]

I've flown with Road and Gravel bikes 18-20 times this past 2 years and I own both the Scicon Aerocomfort soft case and the Scicon Aerotech Evo. I much prefer the softcase for ease of packing and weight and ability to put integrated bars but the protection is definatley not the best with only the wheels on the outside. I've had brake levers moved as well as a bent derailuer hanger. I have Insurance on the bike I use in that bag.

[nickf]

Most of the fine print doesn't cover if the bike is in a soft case, I assume that risk. My Orucase airport ninja has been great so far. The bike is fully strapped together so it can easily be removed as one piece with the wheels on either side. There is absolutely nothing else in the bag except the bike, wheels, and tools that are in their own pouch in the inside pocket. I only fly with my trek checkpoint, I won't lose sleep if something happens to it.

[frostorama]

Earlier this year I flew with my bike and Alaska airlines cracked the frame. I figured I'd work through the process and likely end up negotiating a final settlement. Turns out I should have read the fine print so I knew what to expect. I took some time to put together some of the details I wish I'd known ahead of time. Hope it helps someone else.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/th ... ed-states/

In the article you mention the need for a hard case that can take bikes with integrated cockpits. I have found the Bike Box Alan Traithlon Aero Easyfit case to be perfect for packing bikes with one-piece bars/stem and integrated cabling. For example to pack my 54cm Aethos with Alpinist cockpit all I have to do is remove the pedals and wheels, the seatpost remains in place. Of course larger bikes will need the seatpost lowered or removed.