Have Brompton will travel

[Jon H]

On BA flights you're normally allowed one item of sporting equipment free of charge in addition to the normal checked-in baggage allowance. So as long as you point out to the check-in staff that your folded-up Brompton is a bike they should carry it for free.

P.S. I've no idea what the Cathay policy is.

[higg]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that BA were going to change their policy but I can't remember the details. They would honour any existing tickets though.

[Grahame]

I think BA still take bikes as sporting equipment as a free extra to your luggage, but it has to be bagged or boxed and weigh less than 23kg to be free. I can get within my limits with a mountainbike in a solid case.

If you don't already have the Brompton and this policy still applies, I'd be tempted to take a proper bike rather than a folding compromise. If you are going to buy a bike to take, I'd also look at Airnimal and Bike Friday - both of these ride more like a proper bike than the Brompton and fold down pretty much as small. The Bike Friday also comes with a case to carry it in.

[Grahame]

Can you sew?

If so, I'd be tempted to make your own bag out of some tarpaulin or rip-stop nylon, then get some medium density foam to pad it out.

Or, will it fold small enough to fit inside a (large) Samsonite type case?

[Mike I]

Alternatively, why not get with the local culture and buy a cheap bike when you get there. You can sell it through the Taipei Advertiser (or whatever it's called) just before you return. You'll be supporting local industry and using less aviation fuel getting there.