Hitchhiking the skies. Is it possible?

T

take2dsky

New Member
Hi guys,

My wife and I are on a round-the-world motorcycle trip, which started in Singapore 2.5 years ago (Singapore2Poland). We are currently in South America and by the end of the year want to be in Australia.

We are looking at the possibility of 'hitching a ride' on a private or ferry flight from South America or the U.S. For us it would not only be a cost saving exercise, but a more adventurous form of travel. Something we've tried to do throughout our trip (ie. we hitchhiked the Atlantic on a catamaran).

The first question that comes to mind: Is it possible?

If so, can anyone advise on how to go about this, suggest where to search or share their experience on trans-Pacific ferry flights?

I hold a Private Pilots License issued in Australia (also converted to a Malaysian PPL), so can claim to have some experience in Aviation and I would be more than happy to help out in any aspects of the trip.

FYI. the bikes would NOT be flying with us.

Cheers,
take2dsky
 
I'd love to hear more about the logistics of this whole trip. One day I'd love to tour southeast Asia but probably not on a motorcycle. Sounds great!
 
Considering that 99% of ferry flights (of aircraft that a flight to Australia is not a 'normal' capability) are done using special authorization to greatly exceed max gross weight in order to carry enough fuel, the odds of getting 350+ pounds of people and gear sweet-talked onboard is slim to none.
 
jknight8907 said:
Considering that 99% of ferry flights (of aircraft that a flight to Australia is not a 'normal' capability) are done using special authorization to greatly exceed max gross weight in order to carry enough fuel, the odds of getting 350+ pounds of people and gear sweet-talked onboard is slim to none.
Click to expand...

Not gonna happen for this exact reason.
 
Ask the Russian hostages flying the drug running 727s out of Africa if they can give you a ride:dunno:
 
I can't speak for flights originating outside of the U.S., but you can pretty much forget about trying to "hitchhike" on a plane trans-pac outbound from the U.S.
 
whats the old say "Grass, Cash or ....(I'll let you use your imagination for the last one) you ain't riding for free"
 
Thanks for the feedback!

My research seems to confirm your replies.
However, it`s also given me a bit of an insight into the great experience it can be, so I haven`t given up yet.

I did receive a reply from one ferry pilot who is flying a Cessna Caravan from the U.S. to Indonesia and thinks we could possibily tag along. It would be a trans-Atlantic flight (not trans-pac) and would leave us short of Australia, but we`re flexible and a change of plan is just part of the adventure...

NeilG - I`ll give http://www.pilotsharetheride.com/ a try, but it looks like something for U.S flights only.

Codyjp - Having been on the road now for a while, I can tell you the logistics are not the most important part. Like most travelers, we overplanned and only now realise how little you need to tour the world. Just grab a backpack, buy the ticket and enjoy what S.E. Asia has to offer. It`s one of the easier places to move around so you shouldn`t have too many problems. Plus, globalization has ensured you can buy whatever you forgot back home just about anywhere in the world :)
 
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