Transporting foldie on Aer Lingus to Europe

uvox

I want to bring my Brompton to Europe on an Aer Lingus flight (Amsterdam, yes, I know...).

The question is - how do Aer Lingus package the bike on check in? Is there a special crate? Do I need to take extremities (lights, etc) that might break off?

A bit reluctant to fork over 140 STG for the special Brompton travel bag, but I have visions of a bike being made bits of...

Any experiences, tips, on transporting bikes via the national carrier to Europe?

fairchild

hiya,

I bought an old samsonite hardcase on ebay for 30€ where the brompton fits in after taking the sattle off, clocks in just under 20kg - I would strongly recommend to go for a hardshell when checking in the bike.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rvahnmssktgu12c/RiKfiKfvDo
cheers

07Lapierre

uvox wrote: »

I want to bring my Brompton to Europe on an Aer Lingus flight (Amsterdam, yes, I know...).

The question is - how do Aer Lingus package the bike on check in? Is there a special crate? Do I need to take extremities (lights, etc) that might break off?

A bit reluctant to fork over 140 STG for the special Brompton travel bag, but I have visions of a bike being made bits of...

Any experiences, tips, on transporting bikes via the national carrier to Europe?

Fly Ryanair...

1. 30kg Bike Allowance ( Aer lingus is 15kg)
2. Bike can be booked on-line ( You must call Aer lingus to confirm they will take your bike)
3. Cheaper with Ryanair €40 each way i think

Civilian_Target

I'd just fold it up as normal, maybe put a bit of rope around it or something to make sure it doesn't unfold, and then give it to them. They're designed to be pretty robust when folded, so it will probably be fine.

My experience of travelling with a bike is that they've only been damaged when boxed.

Lumen

Surely the joy of a folding bike is that you can take it as normal luggage!

I made a case for my travel bike from structured polycarbonate and duct tape. It is secured with a luggage strap.

I only did this because square suitcases don't exist.

LeftBlank

07Lapierre wrote: »

Fly Ryanair...

1. 30kg Bike Allowance ( Aer lingus is 15kg)
2. Bike can be booked on-line ( You must call Aer lingus to confirm they will take your bike)
3. Cheaper with Ryanair €40 each way i think

In this case it's a Brompton which can be folded up so it falls within normal sized luggage so no need to book it separately.

OP: I've taken my Brompton to the US (through Paris/Amsterdam with Aer Lingus/Air France/Delta) using the Brompton Bag. The most important thing is to make sure there is no movement allowed for the bike so I used cable ties to secure the bike. Then I bought a couple of camping mats (think they were 3 euro each) and used them to pad the inside of the bag. Finally, I bought a couple of luggage straps to secure the outside of the bag.



I had no problems.

Be aware that Aer Lingus have changed their rules about luggage weight - it's no longer 20kg per bag, it's 20kg per passenger no matter how many bags have been purchased.

dewindygap

Hey Lumen, can I ask what you do with your box when you arrive at your destination? Assuming you don't return via the same airport, do you carry it about with you?
O/p, I have never had a problem presenting with an unboxed bike with Aer Lingus in Dublin. I find them very obliging............coming home now is a different kettle of fish.
In fact I am seriously thinking of returning this year via ferry to England and ferry to Ireland such has been the hassle we have been enduring this past few years with the airline staffs at baggage in France.

what_traffic

OP how did you get on with transporting your Brompton - or have you gone on the trip yet?

uvox

Not yet. Waiting for this cold snap to end to travel (might as well freeze in Dublin as in AMS)...:)

Sean02

Best suggestion Fairchild. Next best is small kids empty bike box from your LBS.
07 your comment about AL & Ryanair weight restrictions for bikes is in my opinion not enforced. Firstly they have no way of weighing as the box/case wont go under barrier in front of scales. Once you have paid for the bike the lovely staff from both airlines leave their station to put the luggage sticker on before directing you to Oversize baggage conveyor. The Brompton is cheaper as is is normal baggage even packed in small bike box. but you need to secure with heavy twine or clothes line forming a handle,if you know what I mean. Also depepending on size of aircraft if they take booking for bike yhats it, no confirming stuff.

07Lapierre

Sean02 wrote: »

Best suggestion Fairchild. Next best is small kids empty bike box from your LBS.
07 your comment about AL & Ryanair weight restrictions for bikes is in my opinion not enforced. Firstly they have no way of weighing as the box/case wont go under barrier in front of scales. Once you have paid for the bike the lovely staff from both airlines leave their station to put the luggage sticker on before directing you to Oversize baggage conveyor. The Brompton is cheaper as is is normal baggage even packed in small bike box. but you need to secure with heavy twine or clothes line forming a handle,if you know what I mean. Also depepending on size of aircraft if they take booking for bike yhats it, no confirming stuff.

Last time I flew with Ryanair, at Dublin Airport, they escorted me over to the large weighing scales which is located near the excess baggage Xray machine. The bike weighed 16kg, so It was well under their 30kg limit. I agree that they are not consistent, in that it doesn't happen all the time, but they do check every now and then.

Sean02

Thanks for that info 07Lapraie. Hopefully the greedy guts wont make this regular. As You say its probaly some smart ass handling agent. Aer Lingus is a better choice if the difference is not too much. Ryanair is great, but don't break the rules.
Actually on second thoughts my idea of the small bike box for the Brompton might not be a good idea, better a large old suitcase or if your returning a large new suitcase. Happy Easter