Dan Silvernail
I've had pretty good luck using FedEx to ship my bike whenever I've gone
somewhere. (NOTE: UPS is probably just as good but I used to live in N
Portland and it was very easy just to go to FedEx on Swan Island.)
Here are some of the benefits:
First, you know it will be waiting for you when you arrive.
Second, yes, there is a fee but it's usually lower than the airlines. Also,
there is the matter of principle that you're not paying the airlines their
ridiculous add-on fee.
Third, you can insure it. If the airlines damage your bike when they toss
your bike box across the room (and they will do that), you are out of luck.
Now, here are the downsides:
You have to have a destination to ship it to, meaning you have to have
someone at the other end willing to receive shipment of your bike.
Also, you have to take it in to a shipping office.
You have to be without your bike for few days on either end of the trip.
Words to the wise: BE VERY CAREFUL about how they measure your bike box at
FedEx! My bike box is right on the line between OS2 and OS3 (OS stands
for oversize). If they measure it wrong (which they have!) they will charge
an extra $50.00 or so. Another word to the wise: KEEP YOUR RECEIPT! It's
twice bailed me out of that extra $50.00 overcharge.T
The bottom line is, you're going to pay.
On Thu, Jan 21, 2010 at 9:09 AM, Mike Murray wrote:
> When I flew to Portillo we were 1 week ahead of when the airlines were
> going to start charging for skis. Some do charge for skis and golf clubs.
> Some will fly surf boards for free but not windsurfing equipment. They will
> occasionally open board bags and look for mast parts or sails so they can
> charge for what is basically the same thing. It is sometimes destination
> dependent. It also changes frequently.
>
> One of the differences between bikes and skis is that most resorts are well
> set up to rent you skis. Renting bikes is much more challenging.
>
> Of course now some airlines charge for ANY checked baggage. Last fall I
> flew to San Jose. I ended up having to go down 1st class as that was the
> only space available at the time. I came back coach. No checked bag fee on
> the way down but I get a surprise fee on the way back. This was particularly
> bothersome as I could have carried the bag on but it contained just a couple
> of items not allowed in carry on bags.
>
> When flying you need to make luggage charges part of the total purchase
> price. Sometimes shipping stuff ahead is not only cheaper but also keeps you
> from having to schlep the stuff through the airport.
> Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: chood1@comcast.net
> Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:48:09
> To:
> Cc: ; ; <
> obra-bounces@list.obra.org>
> Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] Email from Delta
>
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