Looking to fly out of Missoula airport with bike on Allegiant mid August. Does anyone have recommendation for LBS there that could cardboard box my tour bike for air travel? Think I’ll try to buy cheap bag for all the gear as checked luggage. Walmart?
My bike is currently on its way to Hellgate Cyclery in downtown Missoula. They are going to assemble it and hold my box for my two-week tour then re-pack it. Have never used them before, but they seems like competent folks.
Note that you cannot simply flag down a cab to take you to MSO, which is at the far west end of town. Not sure how prevalent Uber, etc., is out there.
Have you looked into Bikeflights for shipping? If you were to go that route, you could take the bus out to the airport if departing on a weekday during bus operating hours.
I have started/ended several tours in Missoula. In those instances, I used the local REI store, which is about 3 miles from the airport. Give them a call and see if they still offer the service.
Whatever you choose, make sure you schedule an appointment well in advance. I would make it at least two weeks ahead just to be safe.