Topic: Post-doc interview....flying with motorcycle stuff?

[laminarflowone]

Sooo, I have my first of hopefully a few interviews for post-doc positions and because I do not have a car nor are any of my room-mates volunteering to take me to the airport, I will be taking the bike.  Anyone have any experience parking their motorcycle at the airport for a few days? 

Unlike taking a taxi (they increased prices to $150 rt!!! ) I have to actually give my luggage situation some serious thought.  I have to pack my fancy suit, and a change of clothes for two days, not to mention a place to stow my motorcycle jacket and pants (ok, maybe not jacket).  I was looking at US Airways and they allow one personal item and one carry-on luggage.  I don't feel comfortable leaving my helmet locked to my bike, so I also have to bring that with me on top of it all. 

So, I'm trying to decide what would be my best solution to this dilemma.  Should I get something like this backpack and then use a rolled-up garment bag for my suit as a carry-on?

http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/251/165/Luggage/Blaster_Backpack

Or would it be better to borrow my mom's luggage and use a helmet bag with it?

Any other suggestions?

Gracias!

[Gordon]

How about a locker at the airport (do they still offer those?) to stow your motorcycle gear until you get back? 

[seaweb11]

How about a locker at the airport (do they still offer those?) to stow your motorcycle gear until you get back? 

Those are only good for 24hrs.  Don't ask me how I know

[laminarflowone]

They don't offer them at the airport that I am flying out of, unfortunately, because that would have been an optimal situation.  I am trying to use some of my 'engineering skillz' and I think if I just use the same small commuter backpack along with a traditional boxy carry-on luggage, it might work. My small backpack is the one one of our sponsors gave us for swag and has a helmet pouch on the back.  With a little coercing of the straps, my motorcycle helmet has been known to fit in well enough for carry....Only thing is that it makes me a little nervous my fancy Shark helmet will only be 'protected' by the helmet sack....

[scottly]

Check out Airport shuttle services...

[andy750]

Much better bags available here for a better price:

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/181/

especially this one...

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/4045/181/

which is very very waterproof.

Id have no problem locking helmet to the bike if helmet was in a helmet bag. Or better yet put a cover over the bike and no one can see helmet or bike. I have never parked my bike at the airport (are you flying out of Logan?) and guessing the car park - short term or long term is not open to bikes but call and ask. Long term parking is $18/day I think...my g/f uses it often.

If you want to store your bike at my place in Roslindale (garaged) and take the commuter rail (100 yds from my house) to South Station then take the Silver Line you could be at airport in 40 mins. Not ideal I know but offers there.

good luck with the interview!
cheers
Andy

[The_Crippler]

Unfortunately, I have parked a bike at an airport...for only a few hours.  Came back and my cover, helmet (cut the strap from the lock) and bungee nets were gone.  I wouldn't leave anything of value on it while you are gone.

[gmonkey]

I see you're from MA.  You going to Logan?  The T goes directly to it.  You can take either the blue line or the silver line.  Since you're talking about taking a taxi, I assume you're in metro west so if you're out beyond the 128 loop you can still take a commuter train in.  Total cost won't exceed $10 and you can bring whatever luggage you're willing to pull around.  There's also logan express which is like $10 but leaves from specific locations.  Can't one of your buddies give you a ride to the train station or bus terminal?

[ev0lve]

Flying east for family visits I would ride the bike and drop it in long term parking just outside the airport. Packed everything I needed in a large messenger bag carryon and just took the helmet on board. No muss, no fuss.

Now that we have a train that goes right there though I'd opt for that 

[laminarflowone]

Thanks so much for the offers and advice.  I'm actually flying out of Bradley International because Logan is always such a pain, plus its 3hrs  away.  A taxi is out of the equation because with the hours I am departing and returning, they want to charge me an outrageous price out here. 

I think I might get something like this and just use my mom's carry-on luggage because that is the cheapest route. 
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/12/443/3848/ITEM/Tour-Master-Deluxe-Helmet-Bag.aspx
Thoughts? Should I still go for a backpack?  Keep in mind, I still have to carry my interview suit somehow...

[weekend_junkie]

Thanks so much for the offers and advice.  I'm actually flying out of Bradley International because Logan is always such a pain, plus its 3hrs  away.  A taxi is out of the equation because with the hours I am departing and returning, they want to charge me an outrageous price out here. 

I think I might get something like this and just use my mom's carry-on luggage because that is the cheapest route. 
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/12/443/3848/ITEM/Tour-Master-Deluxe-Helmet-Bag.aspx
Thoughts? Should I still go for a backpack?  Keep in mind, I still have to carry my interview suit somehow...

Check out the Skyroll, I've flown all over the US using it for suits.  I've also slung it across my back and ridden my mototcycle 2 hours in February.  It is the best piece of luggage you can get for the application.

WOW! I just checked their website and they make something specifically for motorcycles!  It might be late timing for you, but check it out anyway.

[andy750]

Thanks so much for the offers and advice.  I'm actually flying out of Bradley International because Logan is always such a pain, plus its 3hrs  away.  A taxi is out of the equation because with the hours I am departing and returning, they want to charge me an outrageous price out here. 

I think I might get something like this and just use my mom's carry-on luggage because that is the cheapest route. 
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/12/443/3848/ITEM/Tour-Master-Deluxe-Helmet-Bag.aspx
Thoughts? Should I still go for a backpack?  Keep in mind, I still have to carry my interview suit somehow...

Check out the Skyroll, I've flown all over the US using it for suits.  I've also slung it across my back and ridden my mototcycle 2 hours in February.  It is the best piece of luggage you can get for the application.

WOW! I just checked their website and they make something specifically for motorcycles!  It might be late timing for you, but check it out anyway.

Wow thanks for mentioning the Skyroll - looks like a good product!

[gmonkey]

There's often shuttle buses running from college towns to local airports.  Are you at UMass?  That's a big one, there's gotta be something.  On the other hand, when I was trying to get to Stratford from that airport the only thing I could find was a car rental and some limo place.

Can you rent a car locally and turn it in at the airport?  Might be cheaper than a taxi or parking and you don't have to worry about people messing with your bike or handling luggage.

Also 3 hours to boston seems a bit high.  I used to make it to Framingham in ~2.5 hours from RPI.  Maybe I'm just confused as to where you're coming from.

[laminarflowone]

...I drive the speed limit, so it does for me...

I don't want to take a taxi because I have about 10 or more interviews and the cost will be astronomical.  I'm trying to find a 'system' that I can use now and when I am interviewing for professor positions later.

[andy750]

For later on (professor positions) they will pay your travel expenses

[laminarflowone]

I know, but dammit, I want to drive my motorcycle!!