Transporting wheels

[michaelbiker]

Hey everyone. I am looking to bring back a set of 29er carbon wheels when I return to SA and was wondering if anyone has done something similar and/or has advice on how to transport them? I have a soft sided wheel bag I can use but I am not sure it’s a good idea to check them in as checked luggage as it does not provide any rigid protection. 
 

Any advice would be appreciated. 

[TheoG]

1 hour ago, michaelbiker said:

Hey everyone. I am looking to bring back a set of 29er carbon wheels when I return to SA and was wondering if anyone has done something similar and/or has advice on how to transport them? I have a soft sided wheel bag I can use but I am not sure it’s a good idea to check them in as checked luggage as it does not provide any rigid protection. 
 

Any advice would be appreciated. 

I would take it as hand luggage, but that's just me being over cautious ....  

[michaelbiker]

1 hour ago, TheoG said:

I would take it as hand luggage, but that's just me being over cautious ....  

Will the airlines accept a bike bag as hand luggage?

[TheoG]

19 minutes ago, michaelbiker said:

Will the airlines accept a bike bag as hand luggage?

I'm pretty sure they will.  They are for sure within the weight requirements, physical size might be a problem but should be OK.  If you explain to them its fragile and will probably get damaged in cargo, they should allow it.

Edit:  BTW I saw numerous times in the past idiot inconsiderate people taking full sized bags as hand luggage 🙈.

Edited December 30, 2021 by TheoG

[DJR]

Just check them in and they will convert them to fold-up wheels for you.🤪

[michaelbiker]

2 hours ago, TheoG said:

I'm pretty sure they will.  They are for sure within the weight requirements, physical size might be a problem but should be OK.  If you explain to them its fragile and will probably get damaged in cargo, they should allow it.

Edit:  BTW I saw numerous times in the past idiot inconsiderate people taking full sized bags as hand luggage 🙈.

If they do allow me to take them through security they may check them when I board. They are trail wheels, so quite strong but definitely not strong enough to get through checked baggage handling. 

[TheoG]

1 minute ago, michaelbiker said:

If they do allow me to take them through security they may check them when I board. They are trail wheels, so quite strong but definitely not strong enough to get through checked baggage handling. 

During boarding they are not that fussy, just get past security and you should be fine.  Might need to ask a air hostess to store it for you, they normally have space for items that don't fit in the overheads.

[michaelbiker]

22 minutes ago, TheoG said:

During boarding they are not that fussy, just get past security and you should be fine.  Might need to ask a air hostess to store it for you, they normally have space for items that don't fit in the overheads.

Have you tried this before?

[TheoG]

Just now, michaelbiker said:

Have you tried this before?

Not specifically bike wheels, but yes all sorts of other oddly shaped fragile stuff like 3D laser measuring equipment as an example.

You can also consider bubble wrapping the crap out of them in a box and book it in, but that remain a big risk.

[117]

If you bubble wrap them nicely and pop them into a box, you can check them in via the 'oversize' luggage department. That's usually where they send the fragile stuff, bikes, golf clubs etc.  You might get charged the nominal R270 for oversized but it'll be safe enough. 

I've had issues sending a boat prop through there though, got told it's dangerous goods as the plane has jet engines instead... 🤦‍♂️

[Andreas_187]

I have taken a guitar as hand luggage before but people like musicians, they hate cyclists! 

[michaelbiker]

Great. Thanks for all the advice!