As to the first point, it looks like it depends upon the airline. It also looks like they have special arrangements for the Cape Town Cycle Tour, I guess because of volume. Certainly, Mango seems to require the bikes a few days before. And then of course, you still need to go and collect the thing at the airport, get it across to your hotel et cetera. And they tell you it will not be on the same flight as you. Really, more hassle than it's worth – bike transport company makes total sense for the money concerned. I just hope my bike is not damaged in any way, although it seems very unlikely given what I read, et cetera.
