How to travel to the USA with a Bike Box Alan

When travelling with a Bike Box Alan to the USA we recommend using the Defender padlock.

Both travelling in and out of the USA our Bike Box Alan was inspected by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the American Governmental agency that is responsible for the travel safety especially air travel. The Defender padlock can be opened by the TSA officers with their special key and then relocked once the inspection is complete. 

On exiting the US via Denver we observed the TSA officer opening the BBA and inspecting the contents. Everything was carefully examined and replaced. He even inspected the inside of my bike shoes in case I was stashing anything I shouldn’t have been! The BBA was safely returned to us so we could continue our journey.

Advantages of travelling with a BBA:

  • For the majority of bikes only the pedals and wheels need to be removed.
  • Solid external shell with 7-year warranty.
  • Plenty of extra space for shoes, helmet and wetsuit.
  • Although it weighs 13kg and the bike 8-9kg, it is still possible to add in shoes and helmet without exceeding most airline baggage allowances.
  • Easy to push and wheel around an airport.
  • For bikes with extra long extension bars these may need to be removed or shortened.
  • For large frames the seat post may need to be lowered. 
  • For large frames with an Over Sized Pulley Wheel (OSPW)/ large rear derailleur this may need to be removed and taped carefully to the frame.

If you need help packing your BBA then contact Vélo Presto and one of our professionally trained mechanics would be happy to assist.

By David Hunt certified TriSutto coach

Posted on 24th Jun 2024