Thanks to Pete's and my parents my bike box, rucksack and myself arrived on time at Hobart airport. Virgin airlines noted the bike box to be heavy but ok, weighing in at 28kgs. I was reminded in the new year bikes would no longer be free.
Tears were shed.
But then off across the runway, the trip was finally happening.
Since I had given plenty of time between the domestic and international I had 5 hours to kill in Melbourne. First I picked up my bike box which not only weighs 28kg but is 0.3 x 1.5 x 2m, not the most mobile of objects even with a trolley. Thankfully I managed the escalator and to maneuver it in to a coffee shop where I was able to hide till my plane was ready for boarding. I got a bit nervous about the weight of the box and decided to re pack putting things like vegemite in my hand luggage... big mistake.
The flight to Singapore was uneventful, 2am stop over, bleary eyed. Then had three seats to my self and slept through to Vienna. Off in Vienna to transfer to a smaller plane. Through security again, but they didn't like the vegemite.... I tired to explain it was for toast, one whiff and to the bin. Onwards to London, off at Heathrow to be met by Pete thank god, he took over the bike box.
Anyone flying to Europe, be aware the hand luggage restrictions have changed, 100ml containers only and only 5 of these. So basically no duty free alcohol into the continent. These Austrians must be having some pretty good parties with all the grog they are confiscating.
Bridgette.