Hopkins, Larry

I checked UPS ground to San Diego and it was over $100 one way and 4 days transit time. The $50 airline fee isn't all that bad by comparison.    



-----Original Message-----

From: Dan Silvernail [mailto:dansilv-@comcast.net]

Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 11:00 AM

To: ob-@topica.com

Subject: [OBRA Chat] How to fly free with bikes-another option





A few years ago, I traveled out of town to some races (New Mexico and Minnesota). Instead of letting the airlines shake me down for the $50.00 fee (and risking the MORON baggage handlers drop my bike box out of the plane just for kicks), I sent the bike via UPS.   The benefits are that the bike WILL arrive (unlike the airlines, where you're just plain lucky if your baggage arrives), it will probably receive better treatment (although I've heard reports to the contrary), and you can insure it. If the airlines damage your bike (refer back to my comments about the idiots who toss people's suitcases, etc, around like they're hay bales) you're just plain out of luck.



Of course, the down side to UPS'ing your bike is that you have to have a place to send it to (my dad lives in NM and my sister lives in Minn). Also, you need to allow a few days for shipping before and after the trip.



When I did this, the shipping cost was about the same as what the airlines would have gouged me.



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