Hi Peter:
I am going to Montreal as well. I am a swimmer. I work
for American Airlines. I am not sure which airline you
are using to get to montreal but, based on my
experience, I would suggest the following:
A. Contact the airline's 800 number ask what the
charge is for bike transport. There is almost always a
charge.
B. Check with the event organizer for the triathlon
portion. Sometimes as part of the contract discount,
requested, they think ahead and negotiate free
transport for bikes.
C. get your own hard sided case. The airlines have
only cardboard boxes and will charge for them. They
might even be out of these when you arrive if there
are many bikers leaving from that city.
D. There is some association/ Bike travel association.
Members get free transport of their bikes but they
must identify themselves and have the info. stored in
their reservation with the airline. I think travel
agents know about this association or check out biking
magazines for info. Read the fine print. The airline
must recognize and have sort of agreement with these
folks if not, you will still be charged.

E. Arrive at least 2 hours early to the counter, not
the line if you are travelling with a bike. Bikes
require extra handling time. Start by having the
curbside checkin folks try to assist you. They'll know
how to handle it. You'll still need to wait in line
though. Have the address of where you are going to
stay during the competition (adn dates) on the
exterior along with your permanent address

F. Arrive to the gate 1 hour prior to departure. Use
the sweetest, nicest demeanor possible to ask the gate
agent if they would be kind enough to have the ramp or
cockpit confirm if your bike is on board. Let them
know that you are travelling for a competition and
that you will need your bike for it. If they are
family, then let them know it's for Outgames. Staff
generally go out of their way to help family.

30 mins prior to departure, if you haven't been
advised yet if the bike has been boarded, check in
again. Airlines are all a little different, some may
not have the staff or ability to verify it as well as
others.

Good Luck,
Mike

--- peter chiu <peterchiu64@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Question for the Tri-athletes,
> I am competing in the TriAthlon and am debating on
> bring my own bike for the competition or just
> renting one there. Does anyone have any info on the
> approximate cost of transporting a bike or have any
> info on bike rental agencies in Montreal? Any
> helpful tips will be appreciated. Thanks.
>
> Peter

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