Qantas Bike Travel

[patham]

Physics says this isn't possible.

 

Economics as well.

[patches]

 

So unless you're transporting an eBike or have more clothes than a Kardashian, you should be ok.

 

 

Physics says this isn't possible.

 

 

Economics as well.

 

Let's not forget ethics while we're at it.

[patches]

They operate 747-400s on that route, by the way, so this may be one of your last opportunities to travel on one of those older kites

 

 

 Their numbers are steadily reducing. Will be 787s from next year I understand. The odds of having a spare seat next to you will drop to near-zero..... 

 

Usually I don't like the back of the plane (engine noise etc), but on that Qantas 747 JHB-SYD flight the configuration has rows near the back where the plane narrows (rows 70 - 73, according to the pic below) that only have 2 seats on the outer sides. (2-4-2 configuration as opposed to the 3-4-3 usual).

 

Perfect for if you're travelling with a partner. No one gets the unwanted middle seat.

 

Plus the window seat has a fair bit of space between it and the fuselage, great for stashing hand luggage and unused blankets etc. No need to use the overhead lockers.

 

http://theflight.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Seat_Map_Boeing_747-400RR_Three_class_V1_Qantas_Airways.jpg

[Duane_Bosch]

this is a Qantas thread so was hoping someone knew for Qantas specific.

yes of course. Duh. My bad.

[stefanx]

Also use Qantas for long haul (JHB to NZ via Sydney).

 

First time I flew with a bike on that route, I paid a little extra to upgrade to Premium Economy. This means 10kg extra check-in, 7kg additional carry-on, better seats, and business lounge access in Sydney. Well worth it and only slightly more than what 10kg alone would have cost me in Excess baggage.

 

That said, I was uprooting and moving my whole life to NZ so needed all of those 54kg.

 

Second time I flew Qantas with a bike, I just packed light and stuck to my 30kg.

 

I have also flown Emirates with a 30kg limit and a downhill bike (17kg on its own), full-face helmet, and enough gear for a 3 weeks.... still do-able.

 

The other thing that helps is to use a bike box. A simple, cardboard bike box. These weigh between 2-4kg depending on size and if the cardboard is double reinforced. Whilst the Evoc bike bags (and the like) look cool, and give you mad street cred in the airport, they weigh in at around 9kg (nearly 1/3rd of your limit), plus all you need is a careless baggage handler to gooi the bag and break a rollie wheel or handle or something),

 

So unless you're transporting an eBike or have more clothes than a Kardashian, you should be ok.

Hi patches. Sorry for hijacking the post. I am also travelling to NZ end of the year and will be bringing my mtb over as we are immigrating there as well. Would you say the cardboard box is the way to go for travel or would you suggest maybe getting a bike bag that is nicely padded to travel. I personally don't have the skills tom rebuild my bike that side on my own so will have to go to a shop to get that sorted, extra cost, but if the cardboard is the way to go then by all means. I just want my bike to travel safe and come out the other side in one piece. Cheers

[patches]

Hi patches. Sorry for hijacking the post. I am also travelling to NZ end of the year and will be bringing my mtb over as we are immigrating there as well. Would you say the cardboard box is the way to go for travel or would you suggest maybe getting a bike bag that is nicely padded to travel. I personally don't have the skills tom rebuild my bike that side on my own so will have to go to a shop to get that sorted, extra cost, but if the cardboard is the way to go then by all means. I just want my bike to travel safe and come out the other side in one piece. Cheers

In my experience I'd say cardboard is fine. I've done multiple SA - Switzerland, SA - NZ, domestic SA, and domestic NZ trips with the bike. All using a cardboard box.

 

The box does get beaten up, but pack your bike right and it's not a problem. For return trips where I knew the box would have to last, I'd try get a double-walled one. They're a little heavier, but pretty darn tough.

 

Don't get me wrong, I'd love an Evoc bike bag, but at 9kg, plus a 15kg bike, that has me over the domestic bag limit on Air NZ. Plus they're about R6000. Cardboard boxes are free.

 

As for the build up, if it's a standard strip down, you're flying into Auckland, and you know your settings (bar roll/angle, seat height etc), I'd be happy to help. It's a quick 15-20min job which a bike shop here will probably charge about R1000 for.

[GrahamS2]

Let's not forget ethics while we're at it.

And dignity...

[intern]

Usually I don't like the back of the plane (engine noise etc), but on that Qantas 747 JHB-SYD flight the configuration has rows near the back where the plane narrows (rows 70 - 73, according to the pic below) that only have 2 seats on the outer sides. (2-4-2 configuration as opposed to the 3-4-3 usual).

 

Perfect for if you're travelling with a partner. No one gets the unwanted middle seat.

 

Plus the window seat has a fair bit of space between it and the fuselage, great for stashing hand luggage and unused blankets etc. No need to use the overhead lockers.

 

http://theflight.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Seat_Map_Boeing_747-400RR_Three_class_V1_Qantas_Airways.jpg

You're an engineer, aren't you Patches? 

[intern]

We got that final 4 seats right at the back by the bogs, me the Mrs and my two boys. Bogs being near is nice, but everyone obvs goes there sooner or later (hanging out by the bogs is a time honoured tradition for picking up chicks...or is it?) and everyone also congregates at the back there to stretch their legs and chat. So it's a bit kek for trying to have a kip. But I met some oke from the Bluff on the last journey and we ended up taking turns raiding for Heinekens and discussing terrible trance music, of which both of us are fans...

[patham]

Usually I don't like the back of the plane (engine noise etc), but on that Qantas 747 JHB-SYD flight the configuration has rows near the back where the plane narrows (rows 70 - 73, according to the pic below) that only have 2 seats on the outer sides. (2-4-2 configuration as opposed to the 3-4-3 usual).

 

Perfect for if you're travelling with a partner. No one gets the unwanted middle seat.

 

Plus the window seat has a fair bit of space between it and the fuselage, great for stashing hand luggage and unused blankets etc. No need to use the overhead lockers.

 

http://theflight.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Seat_Map_Boeing_747-400RR_Three_class_V1_Qantas_Airways.jpg

 

 

Whilst I remember, don't assume this is true for all planes that narrow down at the rear. My most uncomfortable flight ever was Frankfurt to Denver in a Lufthansa A340, last row, next to the window, 2 seats just like these. Except the fuselage diameter had really necked down, the window seat was right up against fuselage, and it was horribly cramped. I also had a member of the USA rugby team (true story) next to me who was spilling out his seat which did not help.

 

And they ran out of food before they served us! The steward took pity on us and snuck us meals from business class - although decanted into non-fancy trays and cutlery. 

[MarcBurger]

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