"SB" wrote in message
...
Later this year I plan to take my Trek 1200 road bike by air from
Ireland to Italy and home again. I will be travelling with Aer Lingus,
Ryanair and Easyjet.

Each of their websites stipulate that one must carry a bike in a
bicycle box or bike bag.

I've taken a bike without any sort of box quite a few times, certainly with
Ryanair and perhaps one or two others.

The last time was 2006 ... things may be stricter now, but I remember this
stuff about boxes then as well.

All that was necessary was to turn the handlebars to be inline with the bike
frame (makes it harder to push..). Taking the pedals off (and remembering to
take them, and a spanner, with you) can help too.

Sometimes, partly deflating the tyres was advised (in this case pack a
pump).

One problem with a box is: what do you do with it at the other end? As you
will probably need it coming back. (Usually I had a rental car, but
sometimes it was just me and the bike...)

And, if you're taking the bike in a car to a long-term car park, the
courtesy bus drivers don't like bikes in one piece...

--
Bartc