Airplane Bike bag?

[manumai]

as policy on most airlines keep on changing, I wanted to invest into a bag that will allow me (as best as possible) to avoid any extra fees...mostly on intercontinental flights.
right now, I'm really looking at Pika, but even if pretty small it does not meet the size requirements of 62 linear inches for what's allowed on most airlines (I know Delta and AA recently changed and dont have OS fees until 100 inches)
the Ourcase Ninja might be the best option out there? thoughts?

[clarendon]

Just looked into this. The Post Carry Co transfer case is another to consider. I believe the dimensions are very similar to the Ninja but it has wheels (as well as backpack straps) and can be folded up when empty for ease of storage/portability. Both are probably slightly oversized for many US domestic airlines but reports are that (generally) airline staff do not charge fees.

For international flights between the US and Europe neither BA nor Virgin charge bike fees - instead your bike box is considered as your checked baggage and is included provided the weight does not exceed 23kg.

[manumai]

oh that looks nice as well, maybe a bit bigger then the Ninja, but not by much
this is the answer I got form the customer service of the Ninja
so now I guess there battle is between those 2

Thanks for reaching out with your questions. The exact dimensions of the Airport Ninja Medium depend on the specific bike and how the case is packed, but the most common size for road bikes is 34x28x8" or 70 linear inches when fully expanded. When packed with the bike, it typically measures out to about 65 linear inches. The Large case measures out to 36x28x9-10" when fully expanded, and when packed with a bike will shrink down to roughly 68 linear inches. While both cases are technically oversized, we have noticed that our customers are able to avoid any excess airline fees over 90% of the time. You can take a look at the reviews on our website for a sense of typical customer experiences with the case. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions.

[buckfifty]

If you're interested in the Post Carry Co Transfer bag, act now! The month of Dec, they took off $25 and with the code, nonchalant, it takes off another $15. So in total you're looking at $375 (total with $15 S&H)

[R3awak3n]

I have the post carry, excellent bag, very happy with mine.

[manumai]

ok, I'm sold to the Post Transfer Case...thank you all!
now gotta figure out best of the 2 sizes ;-)

[R3awak3n]

if you are stuck btw both sizes go for the bigger one imo. I know that the smaller size might avoid fees better, however, it sucks to stuff a bike in a bag too small. I have 57cm bikes and have the bigger case and the bikes goes in the case VERY easily with plenty of space for clothes, shoes, pump, ect

[FlashUNC]

Have a Post Carry as well. It's an excellent bag and since I'm usually on 58 or larger frames, the big bag was a necessity.

Great bit of kit.

[clarendon]

Just ordered the smaller size for 56 Tarmac frame. Should fit fine but will let you know.

[manumai]

yeah, I'm generally a 58 road and just ordered the large size
gravel bike will fit good too and really hope for my 29er as well if needed
thanks for the tip!

[stev0]

throwing in another endorsement for the post carry case. been good to me so far and i haven't been charged an extra fee flying domestically.

[R3awak3n]

Thats why this bag is so great. So easy to pack, imo easier than s&s and you get to bring whatever bike you want. Have 5 bikes, bring what you want.

Also, the post handle bar bag is the best too. This dude designs some great product.

[zmudshark]

All these posts and no link

https://postcarry.co/products/transfer-case

[Clancy]

Originally Posted by R3awak3n

if you are stuck btw both sizes go for the bigger one imo. I know that the smaller size might avoid fees better, however, it sucks to stuff a bike in a bag too small. I have 57cm bikes and have the bigger case and the bikes goes in the case VERY easily with plenty of space for clothes, shoes, pump, ect

Are you able to tuck a helmet in the bag?

[R3awak3n]

Originally Posted by Clancy

Are you able to tuck a helmet in the bag?

I don't do it because don't want my helmet banging around but yes, plenty of space for a helmet and it will probably be fine. I usually just keep the helmet in my carry on.

The bag is light enough that after putting all your stuff in it, it is still well under the 50lb max for airlines.

Picture from my last trip



shoulda taken one of the bike packed up but did not do. Next year when I go back to Portugal.