I'm not really sure where to ask this, so feel free to move it somewhere more appropriate.

I have a TA in the States booking me a trip this summer for work. She managed to get a Flybe flight from EXT-CDG on the same PNR, which they've never been able to do before - I've always had to go to LHR first. The current routing on offer is EXT-CDG-IAD-CHO, though I might route through YUL or YYZ if possible if I can use an upgrade cert, and I also get bonus miles for AC metal.

My question is about luggage. When I fly a domestic leg on UA connecting to an international flight (say CHO-IAD-LHR) I'm allowed the international baggage allowance (+ my *G bonus). What happens with the Flybe segments? I will have one oversized suitcase containing a bicycle (71 linear inches and about 20kg total) and my large backpack which will be about 20kg as well.

On the Flybe site the conditions are given in terms of weight only (up to 25kg/bag), not on size. I've never had trouble with the oversize bike case on United or AC, but have never risked it on a LCC. THeir bike policy says that bikes fly standby, which would be totally unacceptable. The suitcase does look like a 'regular', though large case (http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/airnimal_bags_cases.htm - last Delsey case at the bottom).

On a related note, would my bags be checked right through? I'd have about a 12 hour layover at CDG on the way back with no lounge access, so it would be nice not to have to drag my luggage around Paris if I tour a little.

Any other advice is also welcome.

Thanks,

Dr. PITUK

The only useful piece of information I have is that BE now charge for checked luggage - and it's cheaper to pre-book it - so watch out for that! Generally speaking, BE as an LCC do not through-check luggage, butt hen I know they have some codeshares with AF and CO, so I don't know what happens in that case.

However, what I really wanted to ask you about was those folsing bikes. Which one do you have? How is it to ride? There's a load of cities I travel to for extended periods where I'd love to have a bike with me!

I have an Airnimal Chameleon and love it. It's definitely not a city-type bike, though. My bike rides almost as well as my racing bike. I only take it if I'm going to be somewhere for at least a couple of days that has some good riding (which CHO definitely does despite the dogs).

If you want a bike for around the city, there are some better options. The Bromptons that you see everywhere in the UK are popular for a reason. They fold up incredibly small, very quickly. An Airnimal doesn't. On the flip side, it doesn't ride quite as well.

I did quite a bit of research when I was buying and found www.atob.org.uk to be quite useful for a range of bikes.

Thanks,

Dr. PITUK