Flying with a bike in China/Asia

Originally posted by Hot Runner

Not in China but often within Vietnam and to/from Vietnam and Singapore. It's usually no biggie. On some airlines (i.e. Vietnam) the bike can usually fly free if it's within the 20 kg limit (if it's in a box or lightweight bag). I ship it in a packing box, but some people use special cases and pay extra. Most of the budget airlines charge a set fee which should be on their website. If dealing with a Chinese airline, I'd let them know at the time you book the ticket that you are checking a bike--During some of the year on some routes, VN Airlines requires you to book bike transport in advance. At other times, it's been okay just to show up with the bike in its box.

Be prepared for a little cluelessness--on a few occasions I've been asked to open the box when checking in to prove that it's a bike (??), that the pedal wrench isn't a weapon, and/or that the tires have been deflated. Bring material to re-seal the box in that event, if you're using a box. I've also had situations where the "bikes fly free" policy held one direction and not the other on the same airline, or even for one person in one check-in lane and not the other, for no clear reason. It may well depend on the whim (or greed) of the clerk checking you in. Arrive with plenty of time and bring some extra cash just in case. Chinese take all manner of things on planes (I've been behind a full-size fridge at check-in) so it will probably not be an insurmountable problem in any case.

Where in Yunnan are you? I lived in Beijing for about a decade and Yunnan was kind of a second home. What's it like training there?