Bike Bags - Virgin Airlines - Las Vegas McCarran Airport

[AndrewC]

I'll be arriving at Las Vegas for the start of a circular tour in October.  I'm hoping I'll be able to bring my bike in a CTC plastic bike bag as shown here http://travellingtwo.com/resources/flying-with-a-bicycle-in-a-plastic-ctc-bag

I've used similar bags for European flights many times, with only the occasional dent as a result.  I've no real concern about getting it on the plane in the UK, as I've always found staff at Manchester airport to be very helpful.

What is McCarran like for bike handling ?  In my experience it's the ground staff rather than the individual airlines who can cause trouble.  Are they OK ?

The bike can be a bit too big for some X-ray machines and I've had to have it manually swabbed for explosives a few times! 

I've got a backup in the form of S&S couplings and a case, but that means I can't ride away from the airport and also that I need to find somewhere to stash the case for 4 weeks.

All advice welcome.

[aggie]

Since you are flying Virgin on the way out with the bag, just have something in writing from them that it's ok to use the bag on the way back.

Unfortunately due to overblown security concerns its rare to find an airport in the US with any kind of luggage storage if you need to bring a box.   Your best option may be to rent a night at a hotel the day of your arrival and day before departure.  You can then ask the concierge to store you bike box.  Most will be happy to do it since you are staying at the hotel.  Make sure you let them know the time frame so it doesn't get treated as forgotten luggage. 

[AndrewC]

I'll almost certainly be booking a hotel in Las Vegas to get over 10 hours stuck in economy class, and the jet lag!