Rather delicate topic for all cyclists… how to pack the bike to travel on plane and train?
The first thing to do, whether traveling by plane or by train, is to disassemble the bicycle and protect all the fragile components with pluriball by also inserting cardboard or rubber pieces for have thickness in between for greater safety. The whole operation takes from 15 to 45 minutes and a minimum of technical skill with component assembling.
As for the airplane, the first rule is to check on the airline’s website what the bicycle transport rules are. Some require expressly duffel bag or cardboard, others allow boarding even if packed only in the film.
Film
Comfortable and easy to find in any hardware store, the film offers a decent protection and allows the bike to be mounted immediately when the airplane landed. You can simply unpack it by throwing in the trash can. But most airlines don’t accept it and doesn’t prevent possible falls or blows due to the loaded and unloaded operations of airport staff.
Cardboard
It’s a rigid cardboard box designed specifically for bicycles. It offers remarkable protection compared to the film, which nevertheless can be used as an internal covering. However, they are difficult to finding because usually retailers throw them.
Duffel bag
The duffel bag offers total protection of the bike besides several compartments that may be useful. But it’s very bulky and can’t be carried during an itinerant cyclo-travel.
As for the train, the rules to follow are similar:
– the bike must be disassembled and placed in a special bag;
– the size must not exceed 110 cm in length, 70cm in height and 40cm in depth;
– the bike will be placed the luggage compartments arranged in the head and rear of the coach;
In fact, if the bike is bagged and placed in the luggage compartment it’s considered a luggage itself and does not require any extra charge. Instead of the bag you can also use the film which is still a solution accepted by Trenitalia.