Travelling with bike on Qatar airlines

[ycowley]

I will be travelling with my road bike (packed in the Thule Roundtrip box) from Johannesburg to Spain - via Doha.

Few questions: -

1. I am flying Qatar Airlines. I know Emirates require pre-disclosure of bike. Is it the same with Qatar as I cannot find anything like that on their website?
2. Do you think it will be necessary to wrap the bike with bubble wrap or should I trust the box?
3. Should I buy pool noodles and put that in the box to stop the bike from coming loose (it should be sturdy in the box but one never knows)?

[Sprockets]

29 minutes ago, ycowley said:

I will be travelling with my road bike (packed in the Thule Roundtrip box) from Johannesburg to Spain - via Doha.

Few questions: -

1. I am flying Qatar Airlines. I know Emirates require pre-disclosure of bike. Is it the same with Qatar as I cannot find anything like that on their website?
2. Do you think it will be necessary to wrap the bike with bubble wrap or should I trust the box?
3. Should I buy pool noodles and put that in the box to stop the bike from coming loose (it should be sturdy in the box but one never knows)?

I flew Qatar to Geneva. Very positive experience.

I did not disclose I was taking a bike before the time, only when checking my bags in. They allow you to take bikes in as checked luggage (but fine print - although its free they charged me a R1300 oversize fee)  

No harm in using bubble wrap, the local airlines trashed my box but Qatar seemed more gentle. 

My bike packed pretty tight, and had no problems.

But all in all they were good with handling the bike and my bike survived the journey despite the box. 

** I used a cardboard box

Edited September 30 by Sprockets

[capediver]

This...

Been flying bikes on Qatar Airways for the last 8 years, 4-5 times a year... at least...never paid once...check their site for weight allowance,  if it's in a bike box or bag they never check dimensions...pedals off ... tyres deflated, no CO2 cartridges...sign on the bag ticket...ie they not responsible for damage...just like all airlines...and Bob's Yr aunty....pack responsibly, the Thule does offer good protection but baggage handlers are the same worldwide...

[ycowley]

Thank you.

[Andreas_187]

Always had great experiences with Qatar and Emirates. I never paid anything extra, never disclosed ahead of time, it was part of my 2 x 23kg allowance. 

Maybe you pay if it's overweight, not because of size

[Gideondv]

I flew CPT - Doha .  Doha - BCN in August. No issues & just pitched up at check in. I used an Evoc bag. I did "pool noodle" the bike (go check at builders for a similar product used in building).