Flying Meta

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May 24, 2012, 09:46:51 AM

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[What is the main type of machine you use to surf the site?]

What is the main type of machine you use to surf the site?
Desktop
	112 (28%)
Laptop
	158 (40%)
iPhone
	51 (13%)
Android phone
	29 (7%)
Tablet
	24 (6%)
Other
	14 (3%)
Total Voters: 287

[Scandywag]

I'm probably going to end up bringing my Meta back to Sweden with Ryanair.....
Just wondering if you've flown with your bike, how you've prepped it beforehand, packing, protection etc.?

[Pedal Head]

Not flown Ryanair with bike but have Easy Jet. Read their T&C's carefully as there are weight limits that differ between airlines for sports equipment, BMI baby I recall is only 18Kg & a bag can weigh 7Kg. I'd recommend getting hold of a hard case if possible, I used a CRC bag and although well padded I still suffered damage. Remove the discs from the wheels as they can get bent (both mine did) and you'll also need to remove the bar, pedals & mech. Make sure you are insured. I suffered £170 worth of damage & although I flew Easy Jet the baggage handlers will be common to all.

[tequesta]

Packing a mountain bike for travel:
http://www.switch-backs.com/switchbacks-how-to-pack-mountain-bike-mtb-travel-guide.html

[mc]

My bit of advice is -
"once packed, if you're happy to throw/bounce it down a flight of steps, then it's well enough packed"

[iain1775]

RYanair

Hmm I wonder what additional extra charges they can bang on for a bike. Dread to think how much that'll end up costing, prob be cheaper to go BA!

[ChrisG1975]

I took mine to the Alps last year and was possibly a bit over protective...

Managed to somehow squeeze a bike box (from the lbs) into my very big bike bag which gave it some rigidity and extra protection.  Then took off the bars and strapped them to the forks, took off pedals, rear mech and strapped it to the inside of the swingarm, used some bits of wood with a hole drilled through to brace the forks and swingarm (inserted the QR through the hole and attached it as normal), put cardboard into the brake callipers, left the saddle in at just the right height to brace against the top of the bag and stop movement... and bubble wrapped any important bits like the rear mech, brake/ gear levers etc.

After all that, it got there in one piece but weighed a ton and BA decided to charge extra for it on the way home...  I think they have changed the rules now so they will definitely charge for anything that heavy.  I came to the conclusion that it was al la bit over the top - other mates just packed theirs in a bag without the weight box and they got didnt suffer any damage...  Luck of the draw though I suspect...

If you can afford a rigid case that would probably be the best compromise...

[Scandywag]

Cheers for that! I think Ryanair is 20kg and £40 for sporting goods so it's looking the best option.
A reinforced bike box and packed pretty much as per singletracks article.
They suggest air out of tyres, is this as the hold isn't pressuried? What about shocks? 

[iain1775]

Ryanair will probably charge you extra if you leave the air in
I hear they are considering charging the passengers to use their air
and their toilets

[commie55]

Remember....This is the airline that was toying with the idea of charging you,if you needed to take a poo "in flight"
Total bloodsuckers(imo)

[Scandywag]

Yep, not my fav airline but needs must for this trip...

Just hope I don't need to start a "how do I replace this on my Meta?" thread next week!

[w00dy1980]

I've just taken my meta 5 to Canada with the airline, Canadian Affair.  They charge £30 each way to take a bike with a maximum allowance of 32kg (elf 'n' safety, apparently).  I brought a hard shell case for the trip which has proved excellent providing great protection and security whilst I'm travelling about over here.  The only downside really is the weight.  On my first attempt packing the thing I easily reached and surpassed the 32kg limit with just the bike, a few tools, helmet and biking gear in it with it finally reaching around 36kg-ish.  I got to the airport and decided to wing it hoping they wouldn't weigh the thing, but they did resulted in me having to repack various items from said bike case over to my backpack in the middle of Gatwick airport!  Absolute knightmare, but managed to get it down to the acceptable weight eventually and on it went.  So long story short, I'm glad i went to the trouble of buying the hard case but they can be quite heavy and clumbersome if your doing a lot of travelling about.

[Scandywag]

  It's back! Thanks for all the advice, got back last night so just put my Meta back together and it's OK. 
Just need to 'test' it properly and get out for a ride tomorrow.