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@scottmac
Some interesting reading on here.
I've travelled to France a couple of times using http://www.bike-express.co.uk
They used to make you leave your luggage with your bike in the trailer (don't know if they still do) but I take mine on board the coach with me when travelling with them because I know of stories of people getting off the coach in the middle of France at 4am after dreary eyed picking up the wrong pannier and not being able to contact the coach because they had their phone switched off!
They only pick up cyclists from certain stop-off/collection points across Britain. If you live in Scotland or the West it's a bit of a bummer as you will have to travel to a pick-up point. Hope you're reading this EBE?
EasyJet are renowned for "losing" ski stuff, bikes, cases etc. and you won't be insured for their "misplacement" of your goods, so take note. I wouldn't travel with them with my bike.
When visiting foreign countries, don't use the turn the bars and take the pedals off routine. Malaysia airlines drop bicycles from the plane to the tarmac (20+ ft) and only the "skill" of the baggage chuckers will determine if your bike lands on its wheels or not.
One guy I know, saw his Mercian bounce off the ground with two buckled wheels as a result.
I don't recommend the padded bag routine either. My Paginini had the rear mech holder bent at right angles and the bike was bubble-wrapped and pipe clad with plumbers insulated m'larky. I even saw the French "handlers" pick it up by the chainset! The Feckers!!!
It's a hard case which is left at the airport every time for me now. In fact, I'll probably be hiring a bike when I travel abroad, as it's just getting too expensive to take your bike, with an added risk of damaged goods on arrival attached.