International Bike Shipping

[thaGoat]

Hey gang, a few of us are touring Ireland on our bikes in September. Flying in and out of Shannon...

Anybody have any thoughts and/or recos worth sharing about how to get our bikes there?

Take it on the plane? Ship to a local bike shop? etc?

Thanks in advance,
Tim

Keep'n the rubber down.

[John Nelson]

This is one of the most frequently asked question in this or any bike touring forum. I hope somebody has some recent experience for your specific situation, but you also might try searching. I suggest you simply enter the word "airline" in the search box in the upper right part of this window.

[FredHiltz]

John is right. To search the whole forum, go back to the main page that lists the discussion groups (the HOME button above will take you there) and use the search box there.

Fred

[RayBag]

Hi Tim-

My wife and I have flown in and out of Shannon airport twice with our bicycles. Each time we were able to store our bike boxes in a large utility room. We just had to find an airport employee and have them unlock the door. You may not end up with the exact same box but you will get a box nonetheless. I would perhaps just check with the airport itself to see if they still offer that service.

We have always taken our bikes on the plane and in these days of extra charges Aer Lingus still seems to be pretty good about taking them. They charged $50 for the boxed bike assuming it is just your second piece of luggage.

Shannon airport is pretty small, by US standards anyway, and it is easy to find a quiet corner to re-assemble your bike. The roads out of the airport are small and very easy to navigate.

If there's anything else I can help with please don't hesitate to ask.

Have a great tour.

-Ray