General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues Rss Feed  
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2007-09-24 11:10 AM

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Subject: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues
I'm flying from Memphis to Panama beach and the plane we're taking is a CRJ (a smaller commuter plan). My concern is that they wouldn't be in a position to take more than a few bike boxes. Has anyone had problems with this last year?

I am flying in on the Monday, so I'm assuming that the flight will be light on triathletes since most are coming in later that week, but just thinking should I UPS my bike or take it with me?



2007-09-24 11:54 AM
in reply to: #976638

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Subject: RE: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues
check out these guys. I've never used them, tho.

http://www.tribiketransport.com/

2007-09-24 12:04 PM
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Subject: RE: 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?

2007-09-24 12:05 PM
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Subject: RE: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues
Tribike transport is great.  I used them to get my bike to IM Arizona.  However, I don't think it would be that beneficial to drive it Birmingham for them to take it to Panama City.   I would say look into flying it (call the airline) or into shipping it.  Worst case, if you are in Memphis, I could drive it down for you.  I am going down on Thursday, so you would be without it for a few days, but I was without mine for a week before IMAZ and was fine.  Your call, but I would be glad to do it.
2007-09-24 12:33 PM
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Subject: RE: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues
Cavu9 - 2007-09-24 12:05 PM

Tribike transport is great.  I used them to get my bike to IM Arizona.  However, I don't think it would be that beneficial to drive it Birmingham for them to take it to Panama City.   I would say look into flying it (call the airline) or into shipping it.  Worst case, if you are in Memphis, I could drive it down for you.  I am going down on Thursday, so you would be without it for a few days, but I was without mine for a week before IMAZ and was fine.  Your call, but I would be glad to do it.


Thank you for the offer, its very nice of you. I'll be travelling with my buddy who's racing too, so I need to find an alternative for both of us. I would use tribikes, but being in Canada I don't have access to their services. I think I'll be shipping it UPS both ways.
2007-09-24 10:55 PM
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Subject: RE: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues

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.



2007-09-25 1:18 AM
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Subject: RE: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues
http://www.dhl.com print your own shipping label and they pick it up at your house.  UPS and fed ex will too but dhl was cheepest for me anyway.  AND cheeper than flying with it it without the hassles of traveling with a bike box which I can tell you are significant.  Be  genorous in your favor on the bike box dimensions.  If it is 46 inches instead of 48 its WAY cheeper. 
2007-09-25 8:47 AM
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Subject: RE: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues
We shipped our bikes seperately via UPS. There were bike boxes on the plane, but a lot of our luggage came in bits and pieces...I think we got all of it by midnight. SO, with that being said, you may or maynot get your bike on the same plane....it's kind of a cr#pshoot.
Good luck with the race!
2007-09-28 4:14 PM
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Subject: RE: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues
I went with the transport company, because if my bike took a different vacation than me, I would have a complete coronary.  Its so unlikely, yet I would stress myself horribly until it was back in my possession (but then I'm a major worrier....).
2007-09-29 8:29 AM
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Subject: RE: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues
It is a valid concern. An IM pilot I know shared that she was flying someplace and many passengers had bikes with them for some event not a tri but bike race/event. She tried to get the folks loading luggage to put them on the plane but there wasn't room so they were left. She did tell the folks that their bikes didn't make the plane and what to do.
2007-09-30 7:13 AM
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Subject: RE: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues
I read somewhere, that if you put a starter pistol with your bike, that the FAA rules indicate that that piece of luggage must follow the passenger. Is this true?


2007-10-02 10:17 AM
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Subject: RE: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues

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).

2007-10-02 11:14 AM
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Subject: RE: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues

snake111 - 2007-09-24 1:33 PM
Cavu9 - 2007-09-24 12:05 PM Tribike transport is great.  I used them to get my bike to IM Arizona.  However, I don't think it would be that beneficial to drive it Birmingham for them to take it to Panama City.   I would say look into flying it (call the airline) or into shipping it.  Worst case, if you are in Memphis, I could drive it down for you.  I am going down on Thursday, so you would be without it for a few days, but I was without mine for a week before IMAZ and was fine.  Your call, but I would be glad to do it.
Thank you for the offer, its very nice of you. I'll be travelling with my buddy who's racing too, so I need to find an alternative for both of us. I would use tribikes, but being in Canada I don't have access to their services. I think I'll be shipping it UPS both ways.

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.

2007-10-02 11:17 AM
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Subject: RE: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues

snake111 - 2007-09-30 8:13 AM I read somewhere, that if you put a starter pistol with your bike, that the FAA rules indicate that that piece of luggage must follow the passenger. Is this true?

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.

2007-10-03 9:44 AM
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Subject: RE: Flying into Panama Beach - Bike issues
rkreuser - 2007-10-02 11:17 AM

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.



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