I’ve flown with folding bikes before but I had no idea how much easier it would be with a Brompton.

In less than five minutes at the airport, I can get the bike into an $5 Ikea Dimpla bag, including the time it takes to put padding on the delicate bits.

After I arrive, it takes even less time to unpack the bike, remount the bag, and wheel it triumphantly through Customs effortlessly. I’ve got nothing to declare officers…except that this bike is awesome.

A nice bonus of traveling this way is that it forces me to pack lightly. If it doesn’t fit into the 20L Brompton bag or my Kriega sling bag, it ain’t coming. That’s often a good thing.