Carrying motorcycle luggage on flights!

**nikb** · #1 18 Oct 2005

Hi All,

Anyone had experience of taking their ali luggage on flights as hold luggage - any problems?

Nik

------------------
Life is far too short...so don't waste it!

www.theadventuresofboz.blogspot.com

**Mick O'Malley** · #2 18 Oct 2005

Hi Nik

I flew Heathrow to Bs As with one of my ali panniers as hold luggage. I had to go to a special desk as it was too big for the ordinary ones. Only problem was that on the flouroscope screen my stainless steel mug looked like a hand grenade. Didn't have to unpack though, he took my word for it.

Bonus at the other end is there's no problem spotting what's yours on the carousel!

Regards, Mick

**Stephano** · #3 18 Oct 2005

It shouldn't be any problem but have your (pad)lock keys at hand because they
are more likely to be opened. Some check-in staff assume they are photographic
equipment but are interested when you explain what they really are.
If you are buying in the EU and you plan it right, it's worth getting the VAT
back on such expensive items. Make sure you get a VAT form from the retailer and
that you are "exporting" the goods.
I strongly recommend Rok Straps
to make carrying them more manageable when not on the bike. You'll use them for
other things later anyway.

</p>

**Simon Kennedy** · #4 18 Oct 2005

And if you have alluminium cases, all the bods at luggage collection think your boxes are stuffed with fresh 100 dollar bills and class A drugs, which may, or may not, be to your taste.

**nikb** · #5 18 Oct 2005

Thanks guys....

Just what I was after!

Nik

------------------
Life is far too short...so don't waste it!

www.theadventuresofboz.blogspot.com

**Cameron** · #6 20 Oct 2005

We used our aluminum panniers and topbox as luggage a few times on our rtw.
No problems, but they will thrown around by the baggage handlers(because they look tough) and will be checked by security more often as they are unusual.
Also check the weight of each piece, as most airlines have reduced personal luggage limits from 70 pounds, down to 50 pounds total...
Cheers

**John-DownUnder** · #7 11 Feb 2007

Has anyone tried fibreglass or plastic panniers and topbox as checked baggage?

We have a Honda ST1300 (Pan) and were considering wrapping these 3 items in bubble-wrap and checking them. However we are a little worried about damage by over zealous baggage handlers

.

Thoughts?
John

**Vaufi** · #8 11 Feb 2007

Why not leave them on the bike? Did so myself, because the volume-weight was more than the actual weight.

**Stephano** · #9 11 Feb 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by John-DownUnder

Has anyone tried fibreglass panniers and topbox as checked baggage? However we are a little worried about damage by over zealous baggage handlers

.

John
I took a new Givi V46 through Heathrow yesterday. I used it as a suitcase (i.e. not empty) and wrapped it in plastic and tape. I used extra tape at the potential rubbing points as there's a lot of vibration in the hold.

Then I checked it in as 'fragile luggage' so it went into the plane on a separate trolley not via the belt. You have to sign something when you do that but I 'm not sure what it was all about!

At your destination it should be set aside for you and not on the belt. If you use bubble wrap and big red "Fragile" stickers you should be OK.
Stephan

**Tony P** · #10 11 Feb 2007

Almost related to the topic.

A girl friend recently flew from London to Milan to meet up with me on my bike. She was not allowed to take her helmet on the plane as hand luggage despite protesting a hat is allowed just like a coat or handbag.

It then had to be checked in as hold baggage and, of course, a charge paid per item of luggage!!!

This might have been Ryanair money grabbing or just some 'jobsworth' not accepting that something that is worn on the head is a hat.

**jkrijt** · #11 12 Feb 2007

On my trips I took my helmet as hand-luggage in the cabin but I allways asked it before I enter the plane.
I allways enter the plane in full bike gear, leather trouses, bike jacket etc. because it is all heavy compared to "normal" clothes and so I keep a weight margin for my other luggage.

**loxsmith** · #12 12 Feb 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by John-DownUnder

Has anyone tried fibreglass or plastic panniers and topbox as checked baggage?

We have a Honda ST1300 (Pan) and were considering wrapping these 3 items in bubble-wrap and checking them. However we are a little worried about damage by over zealous baggage handlers

.

Thoughts?
John

My Givi panniers and top box went as checked baggage via several different airlines from Bris, Sydney, LA, Dallas, Vancouver. They were wrapped in several layers of bubble wrap. They cop a hard time being loaded by people that don't give a shit. I think the hard red reflecter plastic is the only part likely to get damaged and extra wrap was placed over that section. All survived unscathed, as a matter of fact they are more likely to be damaged when your bike falls over in a carpark or ferry hold on the trip (now that's another story).

I had more trouble with the magnetic tank bag that I took as carry on luggage. When Xrayed the magnets look like explosives. I had a standup argument with an over zealous customs official at LA that wanted to cut it open and look at the magnets. The tank bag lives to fight another day!

Good to see another member lives in Brisbane.

Glen

**Shells** · #13 13 Feb 2007

I recently had no problems taking my helmet with me on 2 Easyjet flights (into and out of London, where they can be a tad more testy).
Surprisingly, although it was in a helmet bag and looked remarkably like a helmet, I was asked at each scan if it was a helmet (?).
It's handy to put your camera in your helmet on the flight too - damage limitation! (although for the scan that confuses the poor souls, so you'll need to take it out).

I was part of a party of 3, all with helmets, and no problems. I reckon Ryanair are just out for the additional check in fee