bike on plane without box - experiences?

I am thinking of flying American or US Air with my bike unboxed.
First, they no longer provide boxes. Second, I am flying in and out of
different cities so don't want to ship in a bike suitcase i will lose.
Does anyone have experience flying bikes "naked" this way - just willl
turn handlebars, remove pedals, secure wheels, cushion sensitive spots
with bubblewrap.

"bobdobbs" wrote in message
...
I am thinking of flying American or US Air with my bike unboxed.
First, they no longer provide boxes. Second, I am flying in and out of
different cities so don't want to ship in a bike suitcase i will lose.
Does anyone have experience flying bikes "naked" this way - just willl
turn handlebars, remove pedals, secure wheels, cushion sensitive spots
with bubblewrap.

With enough bubble wrap, it's probably as protected as it would be in a
box. But that's a *lot* of bubble wrap, which you'll have to keep track
of (and you're worried about "losing" a bike suitcase?). Realistically,
you're going to have to wrap the entire bike in bubble wrap, not just
the "sensitive parts."

I've seen people do this, and haven't heard horror stories. But make
sure you've got a way of hauling it around.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

"Mike Jacoubowsky" wrote: With enough bubble wrap, it's probably as
protected as it would be in a
box. But that's a *lot* of bubble wrap, which you'll have to keep track of
(and you're worried about "losing" a bike suitcase?). Realistically,
you're going to have to wrap the entire bike in bubble wrap, not just the
"sensitive parts." (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
As I visualize the wrapping and unwrapping process, I think it will be far
more time consuming and tiresome than using a protective container. Instead
of a box, how about a soft-sided zippered bike case. I know they exist,
'cause I have one, but I can't remember where I got it. Mike, do you sell
such things? Turning the handlebars and removing the pedals is an excellent
idea. Do you ride clipless? If you don't need clips, consider putting on a
pair of folding pedals (like the ones on my Dahon.) Quick, and no tools.