Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues

Fwiw, I believe your concern is valid given the smaller planes used to fly into the airport.  Tri-bike transport is viable option - but remember that they have a drop off typically 10 days prior to the event ... so advance reservations are a must.

UPS is another option - as is looking through the registration list to see if you know anyone from Memphis that is driving down and willing to take your bike along for the ride.

Bottom line: I wouldn't count on the airlines to get your bike there - they could surprise you and be able to get it on board ... but the week is already going to be full of stress, why add to it?

Oh, Canada is next to Memphis ... who knew

Another option is to fly into Ft. Walton.   The runway is bigger and often they have larger planes.  The airport is about 40-50 minutes away.

I'd check with your airline before you make any decisions (both on IF you can transport your bike and how much it would cost).

I'm flying Delta from Denver - Memphis - PCB for IMFL.  I was planning to travel with my bike.  However, Delta says:

You can check two bags per passenger free of charge.

Each bag must:

• Weigh 50 pounds (22.5 kg) or less.
• Not exceed 62 inches when you total length plus width plus height.

I'm sure I can keep the box < 50lbs but it looks like the l + w + h of the box would surely exceed 80" (guess I'll be shipping too).

If you happen to be in SW Ontario, or not too far from Detroit, there is a TBT pickup location at Bikesport, MI, in Dearborn.  I used them to go down to St. Anthony's, and they were great. 

But you'll drop your bike off on Saturday to race the NEXT Weekend, and will likely only have access to it starting Friday before the race. You'd have to have 'plan B' to keep your legs loose during the week.

Now this approach kinda creeps me out. Put a pistol in your luggage so it stays with you?  Just remember to leave it in transition during the race, I don't need anyone shooting out my tires.

But...now you've got me thinking...Maybe superglue yourself to the bike, that'll do the trick, too? Or just call it a wheelchair, with ergonomically-required carbon attachments. That'll work.