Shipping a Bicycle to Europe
Shipping a bicycle to Europe from the United States is not as difficult as you might think. If traveling overseas for a trip, you will want your bicycle to arrive with you in Europe and return with you to the U.S. If this is the case, be sure that your shipping method coincides easily with your travel plans. The best way to ensure that your bicycle arrives with you is to take it with you on the plane, and most airlines will agree to ship your bike along with your regular luggage. If you prefer not to carry your bicycle with you or if you need to ship it directly to a specific location in Europe, you can send it via FedEx or UPS. This tends to be more expensive and takes more time.
Instructions
Taking Your Bicycle on a Commercial Flight
1. Remove your bicycle's pedals and any other protruding accessories.
2. Remove the handlebars. If you prefer not to remove the handlebars, turn them sideways and secure them by winding plastic foam around the bars to hold them in place.
3. Place a plastic spacer between your bicycle's front forks. You can buy a plastic spacer at any bike supply store.
4. Measure the length, width and height of the bicycle in its disassembled state. This measurement will enable you to select a hard case or box that will hold your bike.
5. Select a hard case or box large enough to hold the bicycle. Hard cases are preferable because they keep your bike safe from damage, and most airlines prefer hard cases. If you choose to use a cardboard box, reinforce it with extra cardboard to make it stronger.
6. Place the disassembled bicycle in the hard case or box, wrapping it carefully with foam to ensure that there is a buffer of foam between your bike and the sides of the case.
7. With the bicycle securely placed inside the case, weigh the case on the scale. Airline restrictions vary, but most are between 50 and 70 pounds for a bicycle. Check your airline's restrictions, and make sure your case does not exceed the weight limit.
8. Measure your case. Airline restrictions for dimensions of the case vary, so be sure that your case falls within the specified guidelines.
9. Notify the airline of your intention to ship your bicycle on the flight. Letting them know ahead of time ensures that there will be room on the plane for your extra luggage, eliminating the possibility of getting to the airport and having to make last-minute arrangements.
10. Check in your packed bicycle at your airline's counter, filling out the appropriate paperwork and paying any required fees.
Shipping Your Bicycle via FedEx or UPS
11. Again, remove your bicycle's protruding accessories and wrap them tightly with plastic foam.
12. Measure the length, width and height of your bicycle in its disassembled state.
13. Use a plastic hard case or heavy cardboard box large enough to contain your bicycle. If you use a box, reinforce it with extra cardboard.
14. Pack your disassembled bicycle securely into the box, wrapping it with foam to ensure its safety.
15. Tape the box closed, and bring it to a FedEx or UPS drop-off location.
16. Pay the required fees and fill out the appropriate forms when you drop your package off. Fees and forms vary depending on which carrier you use and on the country of destination.
