Flying with Bromton in a soft bag - never again?

Taking Brompton as checked baggage into flight in a soft, light bag is an attractive option for ride - fly -ride travel. I did it and think twice before doing again. See my video to see why.
Here are links to videos which I have mentioned:
Wendy Lee
SILVEROCK Flight Checkin Case for BROMPTON, FOLDABLE!
• SILVEROCK Flight Check...
2Bikes4Adventure
3 Ways to Fly with your Brompton:
• 3 Ways to Fly with you...
2 More Ways to Fly [ Vincita Sightseer & Cabin Carry-On ]:
• 2 More Ways to Fly [ V...
Music from KZbin music library.
Please check my other videos on www.youtube.com/@finn111/videos

[@fumeokid]

In the USA I have found that putting the word Fragile on anything spurs the handlers to toss it even farther and harder. I only travelled with my Brompton once and I used the B&W Hard Case.

[@finn111]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I can just hope and pray that handlers don’t punish my bag for Fragile text- or optionally I need to pack my bike in hard case.

[@PRH123]

Officially "fragile" is not a category that IATA requires special handling for, so the baggage handlers have no instructions to treat them specially. It's up to the customer - passenger to pack or package their stuff adequately to protect it, as per the conditions of carriage that are an appendix to the ticket (which nobody ever reads). As per your contract with the airline if you pack your bike in a soft bag and it gets damaged, it's your fault. Same thing with "this end up." It's just some helpful advice that someone might if they have a chance pay attention to. But usually not. It's only official categories like dangerous, radioactive, live animals, etc that will get actual special handling. A lower deck cargo container is large enough for someone to stand in, and as a rule larger items (like your bike) should be loaded at the bottom, so everything else will be on top of it. That could be quite a lot of weight.

[@gordonmculloch4904]

Look at the Vincita Sightseer 3.5 bag. It is such a great design for traveling with a Brompton.

[@bcd3rdgen699]

A month ago I used a soft bag, but I use a card board box then cut it with same sides of brompton and masking tape all the sides of the box I cut. So far no damage of the brompton. Before check in for baggage I declare it as a folding bike them ask them to put a fragile. When I check the bike no damage and it was a success. Cheers!

[@finn111]

Thank you for hint, I never thought to mention to airport staff that there is folding bike inside, and handle it accordingly. Cycling Finn

[@captkkk]

Use Vincita, I used it travelling to Kobe for 8 days, 239km, back to Hong Kong again, no issues

[@paulmay1839]

I used the Vincita Sightseer 3.5 plus their Nash rack bag for a 3 week trip from Australia to the UK and Netherlands. I rode from Delft to Utrecht, and then to Amsterdam the following day using it as a front bag. A bit wobbly on cobbles, but basically fine to ride with.

[@finn111]

Thanks for comments, I appreciate your experience and feedback about Vincitas. Your combination may be good for me, although it's not cheap. I guess you used indoor accommodation and no need for tent, sleeping bags etc? Space is a bit limited when front bag is replaced by Sightseer. Cycling Finn

[@il_escriber]

I flew with the Vincita Sightseer 3.5 and had no issues. I used to fly using the dimpa but it is a hassle to pack and unpack. Vincita is sturdy and light suitable for check-in luggage unlike the hard case which is already 7 kg empty.

[@finn111]

Thank you for sharing your experience. Based on many comments, Vincita Sightseer seems to be robust enough to protect Brompton and OK (but a bit wobbly, based on some comments) to ride when attached to the rear carrying block. Have pleasent flights and rides :)

[@il_escriber]

@@finn111 yes, it is quite bit to fold, hence I do not recommend riding with it on the front block or even on the rack. I normally unpack my bike at the hotel and that's it. The main advantage is 3kg empty weight compared to 7kg of the hard case, that makes a lot of difference during check in, since most limitations are 20kg at least. With the bike I top off at 17.5kg and just stuff the rest with clothes or carton boards for extra padding.

[@kittencollective]

I have a thick padded bag made for the Brompton - and my brompton usually gets damaged at the rack/fender. This last time I put it in doubled up Ikea Dimpa bags transatlantic flights, absolutely no damage. Always pad up the rack and all corners with foam.

[@normanmart7933]

I went from a standard bike to a Dahon , I live in Scotland so flying is best option . Got sick of big bike box etc and having to go and return from same airport. I use packaging and leave at the airport and do same on return. Corrugated plastic etc, so far so good. It's so handy when you can ride to/from the airport. Enjoy.

[@finn111]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@user-zw6pn3ql7y]

1) I take the eazy wheels off. That way the pressure from other people's luggage gets applied more evenly on the rear rack. 2) I stick something (a piece of foam) between the tyre and the mudguard. When pressure gets applied to the mudguard now it can't move as far because there's something (a piece of foam) holding it in place. 3) if possible I wrap the bike in cling wrap before dropping it into the Dimpa bag - that way there's an additional layer of protection between the bike and the outside.

[@finn111]

Thanks for hints, I appreciate them.😁

[@2Bikes4Adventure]

Hi Pekka, We used the Dimpa solution in our last 2 trips to Europe this year. As suggested by @Akibatai00, we also used 9mm floor mats to protect the sides of the bags (and our usual corrugated plastic panels for the perimeter). We folded and carried all packing material on the back of one bike while travelling (if you refer to our Continental Urban tyre video, you will briefly see our setup). It’s bulkier with the (folded) floor mats, but quite light. On our most recent trip, we left the packaging at the arrival hotel (free luggage storage) as we were returning from the same airport 3 weeks later. In our experience, the Brompton rack/Eazy Wheels seem to be particularly susceptible to damage. We now put additional (foam) padding on top of the rack (held by the Brompton rack bungees) so the Eazy Wheels do NOT touch the ground when the bike is folded. Happy travels Pam and Gilbert

[@finn111]

Thank you for watching and your valuable comments. I watched your Continental tyre video to see how the packing material looks like on rear rack: not beautiful but practical 😁. If I dare to fly again with Brompton, I think I'll prepare my own package with extra protection to absorb or prevent impact, especially for rack wheels. Something that softens the impact if some bag handler throws or drops my bag. Hopefully my FRAGILE text helps a bit. Your advice is highly appreciated. And I enjoy your videos. Pekka

[@kgilliagorilla2761]

Hi. I used the Dimpa bags (2) just doubled up. With the corrugated plastic and an old 3/8” sleeping pad nestled around the bike. I also used pipe foam (pool noodles) zipp tied to the fold junction. Of course remove outside pedal, saddle, and spin clamps. I used a cheap web strap once around. With helmet and tools, water bottle, and air tag in case, it was 35lbs. for my little B-75. Cheers from Chicago! Edit: I also found it fit better to loosen my Ergons, and spin them sideways.

[@lhchar2]

any video about it?thanks so much 😊 I mean the additional foam padding🙂

[@finn111]

@@kgilliagorilla2761 thanks for sharing your experience. I've been thinking about how to protect the rack and eezywheels against the impact from bag dropping. I think your idea about pool noodles zip tied to rack might work. I need to try that, whether I fly again with my Brommie.

[@kgilliagorilla2761]

@@lhchar2 You could double up a couple of old yoga mats. Second hand stores will have them. The web strap around the outside of entire package makes it ez to lift and carry to check in.

[@Dutcharmytent]

As a Design Engineer you have another two options. 1. Make the two outer alloy stays a thicker diameter so they are stronger. 2. Make stand offs “ the whole width of the bike “ that fit across the width of the bike and possibly brace across the rack down tubes, make them easily removable on arrival. Motor bikes use short stubby ones to protect the frame ,should the motorbike fall over in a crash. Another brilliant video I must say, thumbs up. Love the maps to show locations.

[@finn111]

Thank you for your comments and suggestions. Strengthening the rack is of course one option, but I think that absorbing shocks with some suitable padding between rack and bottom of the bag could also work well. It has been suggested in several other comments. Removing Eezy wheels for the duration of the flight might also be wise.

[@tdgdbs1]

I fly with the Vincita 3.5 bag, made 4 international trips so far only the the bag suffered some abrasions. It is a semi rigid bag, designed to be carried by the front block but I strap it to the rear rack with my carry on back pack inside; I also have a Vincita front bag for the frequent use items. They are far cheaper than Brompton propriety bags, and the quality is decent.

[@finn111]

Thanks for your comments and experinces. Vincita seems to quite much used and liked. I will keep in mind your setup for my next flight with Brompton.

[@edwardhirst6027]

I have to Europe and around the US with my Brompton and BW Hard case. The hard case has served me well and kept my Brompton protected. I usually have either shipped my case on to my destination or found a place to store it locally. I've also used a luggage delivery service so I could ride my bike from the airport. Even if the staff handle your bikes carefully luggage can shift inflight and fragile items can be damaged.

[@finn111]

Thanks for your comments and recommendation. Hard case may be the only safe option for the bike.

[@Me_and_My_B]

I've probably now done 40-50 flights with bromptons.....and so far, I have been lucky. I've used soft bags, hard case, and a brompton cardboard box. It's always a compromise between convenience, weight, security, and bike safety. 2bikes4adventure are fantastic as is brompton traveller for ideas. As for me, I now use a Brompton Travel Bag (£165) which has a solid bottom, but folds into a size which I can carry on my rear rucksack. I use a vincita clothing bag which when filled with clothes etc provides protection for the sidea and top of the Brompton. Plus my helmet and front bag (a Brompnton T bag with an S bag frame can be used to pad the rear of the brompton. It works pretty well.

[@Me_and_My_B]

P.s. Never use a dimpla, and if you do use soft bags.....its really important to pad the bottom of the bag with at least 5 cm of padding (if there isn't a solid base in the bag.....I test dropped a brompton from 50cm with 5cm of padding and damaged the easy wheel stays).......i used folding camping mats to some success here as these are very conventional to carry.

[@finn111]

Thank you, this was a good hint. Pekka

[@zazi77]

i've use the vincita sighseer 3.5 from sweden to italy and back and the bike arrived safe

[@finn111]

Thanks for your comment. Did you ride around with Vincita as a front bag?

[@zazi77]

i secured it on the rear rack vertically with a strap , it takes just a minute or two @@finn111

[@anahhungria]

@@finn111 I did it on a 10km ride between airport and train, twice, and it was amazing. Another suggestion I would give you is to buy a small electric compressor to easily pump your tires when you leave the airport

[@finn111]

@anahhungria, thanks for comment. About the pump, I prefer the Biltema pump, which I have introduced in one of my videos.

[@anahhungria]

Have you tried the Vincitta 3.5? I went to Maastricht recently from Lisbon, with no issues and it is super easy to connect to the bike to cycle straight from the airport. Also, it comes with what they call "garment" that allows you an extra layer os protection while you can at the same time fit some clothes in.

[@finn111]

Hi. I haven't tried Vincita Sightseer but it's definitele worth to consider. Thanks for your comment.

[@luisfernandomezaflor1053]

A bit nervous my wife and I are doing our first flight with our bromptons. We have the vincita bags and we have padded with clothes, I hope our bikes arrive well because we have many connection 😅 Thank you for your pieces of advice

[@finn111]

I wish you luck with your travel. Many comments of my video are related to protect the rear rack, if you have it in your bike. Some kind of padding (for instance pieces of pool noodles) to the bottom of your bag is recommended. I'd like to hear about you when you have done your trip; how did you manage. I hope you enjoy your trip.

[@luisfernandomezaflor1053]

@@finn111 Hi thanks for your reply. Everything arrived correctly. We don't have a rear rack so we did not experience any problem. We used clothes and yoga mat for padding (I cut pieces to protect important parts). Our vincita bags really did the job. I just used a cord to wrap around the bag to make it look slimmer. By the way, we did an overseas flight without any problem.

[@finn111]

Thanks for update.

[@michaeld4637]

Maybe they have luggage storage at the airport? Luggage delivery? Uber to storage location? I use a Samsonite Stryde large because I don't want to take any chances of damage.

[@finn111]

Thanks for your ideas and suggestions. I have bought an old, large suitcase for future trips. Helsinki airport has a luggage storage.

[@joachimsmith]

Another option is to pack it in a cardboard box and then discard it at the airport. However, you will need to find another cardboard box for the return trip.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

I have both a solid B&W box (Which is too small for my Scandinavian Brompton, with a 600mm seat post as Standard, without being taken apart!) and also a softer B&W version, but sturdy and foldable. And I have a "Vincita pedal pouch", which is extremely expensive. Danish Finn.

[@finn111]

Thanks for your comment. I have telescopic seat post, I recommend it.

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

@@finn111 I also have an original "Telescope Post" for my bike (Taiwanese based, Joseph Kuosac also makes one, which may be lighter? J.K. makes Special Parts for Bromptons or - the many Copies) , from Bromptons advice to my "size complaints", but it is so "heavy" from the double tube and clamp, that I don't use it! For now I use a black 535mm titanium post from China, with a turned round, on top, Chinese Clamp for my Printed saddle (I am a tall guy of 184cm, so I found my Standard 600mm post fine at first (Now I also have one from titanium)). I have changed much on my 2019 SuperlightM6LXBrompton to carbon and titanium so for now, with mudguards, it weighs: 8,5kilo (About the same as an original Brompton T-line - also with mudguards)! And I expect to come at least below 8 kilo with a little more changes on my bike! Finn. Denmark 😄

[@markifi]

i once flew mine in 6 layers of clingfilm. it's tougher than it sounds, you can not even cut it with scissors if it's so many layers. the front wheel was out of alignment, but otherwise a good experience

[@finn111]

Hi Mark, thanks for your comment. Do you mean you wrapped your Brompton with a heavy duty cling film which is available at some airports? Unfortunately it's not available at all airports. Did you have any bag with some kind of handles to carry? Pekka

[@markifi]

i just bought regular store ones@@finn111 the one at the airport is an excellent material but they ask a bit much for it there and i'm a bit of a miser. didn't need a handle, the material is quite grippy when you touch it, and my brompton is "only" 10 kilos (s2l, everything stock, 2009, raw lacquer)

[@PAINTuRED]

First off, I am absolutely envious that you have access to proper public transportation, but I digress. I feel the Cyclone IV Chubby from Radical Designs from the Netherlands might offer a solution for air transportation of a Brompton, although it may pose an issue finding a storage solution while the trailer is not in use, if you don't have lodging and you don't feel like hauling the trailer around on a day excursion.

[@finn111]

I am happy about public transportation in Finland. I've been thinking about Chubby trailer, but I think it works better if I go for a longer tour. As you said, moving around in the city with trailer is a bit inconvenient. Thanks for your comment anyway. Pekka

[@afgbilder424]

If you use a softbag, maybe you take some air inside with an OLD air mattress, pump air inside ......an then close your softbag. And use one of the old air mattres where ist hard to make a whole

[@finn111]

Thanks for your idea, maybe it's worth trying next time. A challenge with pumped air is the lower air pressure in cargo section of aeroplane when it's flying in 10,000 meters. I have vitnessed some buble plastic to be empty (punctured) after flight. That's why I also lower the air of my bike tires during flight.

[@afgbilder424]

@@finn111 mhhhh....that might be also a problem because of the temperature.........

[@the987abc]

Just ordered the Closca folding helmet too. How’s it been so far based on your experience?

[@finn111]

My wife likes her helmet. It’s easy to fold - or actually flatten - and fits well inside small bag.

[@the987abc]

@@finn111 : Thank you. I just received it and it does fold and unfold easily. Cheers!

[@HolgerNestmann]

my rack had the same bend without ever flying. I think it happens when there is too much load from the top - in my case to heavy shopping cart mode. Maybe some other luggage was stacked onto your bike?

[@finn111]

Holger, thanks for watching. Nobody knows why the bikes had no damage when arriving at Helsinki, but back at Oulu they were damaged. I think it's either about difference in luggage conveyors between airports, or manual handling of luggage. Handling can be harsh, like in kzbin.infoWWcDOj7hFFA See @fumeokid comment about his experience, that handling can be even tougher if FRAGILE text is visible. However, I'm glad about all hints and recommendations, they are very valuable if I pack my Brommie for air travel. Have great rides and buy a big front bag to balance your shopping between front and rear of your bike to prevent rack damage.😊

[@HolgerNestmann]

​@@finn111 Thanks. Yeah either how it was loaded or handled. But I believe yours stood upright and got a bang or more load from the top. At least this is the explanation I have for my bend Thank you - I have since changed a couple specifically taking a normal shopping basket and loading the heavy items onto the brompton once unfolded. Plus I bought many bags, but more because I want to :)

[@tombristowe846]

It has happened to me too, though not with a Brompton. Has anyone invented a hard case to put the bike in, which turns into a bike trailer, so you can tow it ? You could carry your luggage in a back pack on the flight and then put it in the trailer when you take your bike out.

[@finn111]

Hi. There is www.radicaldesign.com/cyclone-iv-chubby for this purpose. This was mentioned in comment from @PAINTuRED.

[@e14ph]

Does someone did hand carry a brompton on a flight?

[@finn111]

Hi. I have seen some videos where Brompton has been taken into overhead lockers as cabin package. In Finland (and I believe in many other countries as well), it's not possible, because hand cabin luggage limitations are getting more and more strict. I got one good hint: instead of self service package drop, it's worth going to the counter and tell airport staff that there is a folding bike inside. And ask if they could treat it as fragile bag.

[@stevelindley2041]

You need to add THIS WAY UP with arrows

[@finn111]

Good point, I need to do some repainting.

[@sspoonless]

I think the hard case should have been the start, packed snug so it can't bounce around inside.

[@finn111]

I agree, hard case is the safest option for the bike, assuming I have a place where to store the empty case.

[@dvance1949]

*promo sm*

[@GP-du3qq]

Are you serious?! You obviously need to unscrew the eazy wheels before putting the bike into any kind of checked-in luggage and you also should pack clothes in between your folded Brompton and also should place some foam cushions underneath the bike or thick cardboard. Unless you do this, your bikes will always be damaged in the airport.

[@finn111]

Thanks for comments. When I watched videos how people like Brompton Traveller or 2wheels4adventure pack their bikes for flight, removing eazy wheels was not mentioned. But you are right: it's worth doing, as well as get some shock absorption material attached to rack. What kind of bag / luggage are you using on flights?

[@effyleven]

* BromPton

[@jgcondron]

Should have just taken the night train and skipped the airport nonsense.

[@finn111]

Train is a good travel method, but takes 6 hours, while flight is 60 minutes.

[@jgcondron]

Take the night train at 23:53 and arrive at 09:15 in Helsinki. 6 hours is not enough time to sleep. Flying takes way longer than just the flight time.

[@IslamicOrigins]

Still wearing masks in 2024? Breathing in all those plastic fibres is not going to do your health much good in the long run. I've noticed a jaundiced look in the faces of those still wearing masks. Please reconsider what you are doing to your health.

[@michaeld4637]

Why do people worry about what others do. Mind your own business. I guess surgeons should stop wearing masks to perform surgery since they are inhaling all those plastic fibers. Geez.

[@IslamicOrigins]

@@michaeld4637 Minding your own business is not something you practice so why say it. Moral indifference to others' harm is not something I buy into. Surgeons wear masks for brief moments during the day, they don't wear them 24/7. If they did wear them for weeks on end you would see the same telltale signs of toxicity overload resulting in a jaundiced face. They banned glass fibres for use in insulation years ago for similar reasons.

[@thebrommuters6220]

Don't worry, we all have had some hammering to perform after air travels 😂 🫣 We use both, the Dimpa and the Brompton BW Case, wich is basically to big for check in luggage. So if you are unlucky, you have to pay extra, wich shouldn't be a problem on shorter or domestic flights. Our BW Case tip: a lot of airports offer relatively reasonable priced luggage storage. For us, peace of mind and not thinking bout transportation is worth the extra cost, but we decide from flight to flight. Hope you will make some great memories with the flying Bromptons! Regards from the Germans! Ben&Sarah

[@finn111]

Thanks for your comments, maybe next time I’ll try hard luggage and find a service for luggage storage- assuming I return same way.