Hi there,

I'm in need of some help.

My Dad and I have planned a cycling trip from Geneva to Zurich starting July 30th to Aug 6th and are flying our bikes over. Unfortunately EasyJet is stating that the bikes must be carried in a bike bag or bike box. Because we're arriving and leaving from different locations there is no way for us to transport the bags or boxes. I was wondering if I could box up the bikes and dispose of the boxes in Geneva then arrange to go to a bike shop in Zurich and collect some boxes from them when we finish our trip to box up the bikes to fly back.

Does anyone think this is possible and would you know of a shop that would be willing to give us a couple of bike boxes in order for us to complete our trip?

Any other ideas are most welcome

Cheers,

James

Will Easyjet accept this kind of bag? If they do, it looks pretty convenient to stuff into one of your panniers (or even buy two in case you rip the first one).

I believe this is doable.

This sounds like a fun trip! Be sure to pack up your bicycles carefully in the boxes--despite every precaution, Air France "autographed" my bike on my last trip.

Have you tried contacting some bicycle shops in Zurich yet? You probably also want to ask them to pack up the bikes in addition to getting boxes from them. Taking off the pedals is usually the hardest part without that special tool and getting the tape, bubble wrap etc that you need to properly wrap up your bike for commercial air travel is probably not something you want to hassle with in Zurich. BTW, I usually go ahead and throw some of my other bike stuff like the helmet in the box as well but you do want to secure any additions that are in the box--to avoid damage to the bicycle or the additions.

I live closer to the Geneva side so I don't know any bike shops over there--hopefully one of these friendly Zurich people will arrive to give you some tips. In the meantime, I would google bike shops in Zurich and start calling or emailing them and asking if they can help. (Another option is that some airlines have bicycle boxes already--maybe one of those guys would give/sell you one at the airport?--worth investigating)

Other ideas:

If you have decent re-useable bike boxes, you could post them to someone in Zurich once you arrive in Geneva and pick them up when you've finished your tour.
This will cost about 30CHF postage.

We live about 20kms outside Zurich around the lake but near to a station where you can get a direct train to Zurich airport so PM me if you want to use me as a delivery address where you can strip down your bikes and pack them.

Are the bike boxes that bikes are delivered to bike shops adequate? If so, I could try to get a couple for you and store them until you arrive.

I'm sure there's someone in Zurich itself who could do the same but let me know if you get no better ideas

I have taken my bicycle on 6 commercial flights and have always used the shipping box that bicycles come in to the store.

That looks pretty good compared to the bike bag I have at the moment. My concern is my bike is carbon fibre and I'd really like some protection. The box idea would be great if I can find a bike shop willing to help us. We're attending an event at:
Café/Restaurant "Sonnegg"
Corner at Bauherrenstr. 53 / Limmattalstr.
CH-8049 Zurich
On the saturday morning for a couple of hours before catch the flight so I'd like to find a shop that was ideally close to there.

@Tom1234 - that would be absolutely fantastic. I'm going to do some calling around some shops today and see what I can find.

James

There are two bike shops very close to the restaurant you mention. One is on Limmattalstrasse 279ish (Zurich Wartau tram stop) & called Rene's Cycle Dreams. The other is "2-Rad Elsener" and is at Regensdorferstrasse 4, 8049.

Alternatively you could try the SBB luggage transfer service and just transfer your bike bags from Geneva airport to Zurich airport. From memory it used to be about 10chf per bag.

Nick

It is a shame that you have not booked with Swiss. They will give you a free box at check in

Could you use the Swiss trains' (SBB) luggage service? You can send your luggage ahead to any train station and pick it up when you arrive (usually by train). Not sure how long they'd keep the boxes for though.

I have done end to end trips by bike with Easyjet. I have always used an extra large, thick plastic bag that can be rolled up and put into panniers. Your local bike shop would probably give you one. Also serves as an emergency bivvi!

I have never had any problems with this type of bag with Easyjet and in fact when flying home (ie. not from a UK airport) they were not bothered by having a bag, as long as the pedals were off and handlebars turned round.

Hi,

Well a thanks to Nick Blake who suggested the bike shops. I've managed to secure a couple of bike boxes to transport the bikes back safely.

A great forum. Thanks for all your help and kind offers

James