Bike shipment to UK

[JD140]

Hoping to get some help here

I recently bought an expensive MTB in Neuquen and due to a change in circumstances, need to fly it home with me to the UK. When attempting to book flights, none of the airlines seem to offer an option for sports equipment or oversized luggage.

Any assistance would be very helpful.

 

[carride]

Hoping to get some help here

I recently bought an expensive MTB in Neuquen and due to a change in circumstances, need to fly it home with me to the UK. When attempting to book flights, none of the airlines seem to offer an option for sports equipment or oversized luggage.

Any assistance would be very helpful.

There is a DHL office there. That will be the most reliable, and better than an independent shipping service. Or ViaCargo ship to Buenos Aires if one of international airlines will then take it to UK.

 

[NoSoyDeAqui]

A few years ago I brought two bicycles to Argentina, with me, flying Aerolineas Argentinas. I just checked, and their sports equipment policy is posted on their website, see below. I removed wheels, seat and pedals, took the handlebar off the stem and to the side, and put all in used bike boxes that I got from a local bike shop.

Aerolineas rules for bikes (size, weight, etc) were the same as other airlines. So, it looks to me you could fly NQN-EZE with Aerolineas and whichever other airline to LHR

Franquicia de equipaje

La Franquicia de Equipaje comprende todo lo que el pasajero está autorizado a transportar sin cargo de acuerdo a la tarifa adquirida. Incluye lo que despache como equipaje registrado en bodega y lo que lleve consigo en cabina, como equipaje de mano. Se de

www.aerolineas.com.ar

 

[jlynch]

why don't you sell it here and buy another one in the UK? Bike prices, both new and used are inflated here compared to EU/UK, so you could recuperate you outlay, save yourself between 1 and 2 bike transfer fees on planes, and get a bike at a better price in the UK.

 

[barg]

I'd recommend buying a used bike in the UK if you can flog yours here for within $200 of what it would cost to buy a new one in the UK.
Used high end bikes in the UK are super cheap and there's lots on offer. I've bought quite a few on ebay UK. If you can sell the bike here for a decent price you may actually make some money buying a used one at UK prices and selling yours here at Argentina prices. Check ebay UK to see what your bike or another one you want has sold for used recently.

If you really want to transport your bike, plane luggage is the only reasonable option. You'd either go to a bike shop around you and get the bike boxed up in a suitable box they have lying around or buy a bike bag. Then book it as luggage on your flight, which on many (but not all) airlines is considered the same as any other piece of luggage. Sometimes there's an additional charge but it will usually be way less than DHL, etc. Make sure to bring it in as personal luggage and you'll probably not be taxed in the UK. I've brought bikes to the UK that way several times and even transported them from the airport on the tube. Lots to check here if you go this route but I have to think that it's better to sell it here and buy a new used one in the UK. Could be wrong - happy investigating!

 

[devilclam]

If you really want to transport your bike, plane luggage is the only reasonable option. You'd either go to a bike shop around you and get the bike boxed up in a suitable box they have lying around or buy a bike bag.

I've also considered bringing a bike back from the states and always wondered how you'd go about doing it (i.e. disassembly). This is useful info!

 

[jlynch]

its straight forward to do yourself, I have brought 7 here in cardboard bike boxes discarded by bike shops, from experience the main thing is to leave rear wheel in place, remove saddle, pedals, front wheel and handlebars/stem, I detach the rear derailleur and tape it to the the chainstays. wrap the frame in pipe lagging or reuse padding that came in the bike box, and add extra cardboard/form underneath the front fork for protection.

 

[Lanick]

I brought mine from the UK on an Iberia flight. No problems at all.

 

[Jimbob]

Hoping to get some help here

I recently bought an expensive MTB in Neuquen and due to a change in circumstances, need to fly it home with me to the UK. When attempting to book flights, none of the airlines seem to offer an option for sports equipment or oversized luggage.

Any assistance would be very helpful.

Who you flying with? I've flown with BA twice here with bikes. I just went to the local bike shop and asked them for a bike box, packed it up and checked it in as oversized luggage. Cost me around £200 last time about two or three years ago, although it may be cheaper as that time I flew with three suitcases and they ramp up the price a bit if you start taking the mickey.