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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread

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Raptor

Jul 3, 09 6:07

Post #26 of 193 (2290 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [bartturner] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

I had a very bad result from AA....

Why is that a bad result? There are countless threads on ST about being overweight.

And on American, if you pay the fee, you get 70 pounds.

Raptor

Jul 3, 09 6:13

Post #27 of 193 (2288 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Rappstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

...

THE WORST
Delta
United
Continental
Northwest
AmericanAirlines

It should be:

NOT GOOD
United
Continental
American Airlines

THE WORST (Try not to fly)
Delta
Northwest

Delta and Northwest will charge up to $300 per flight before any overweight fees kick in. They are truly in a class of their own.

Also, you should list weight limitations. Many on ST do not understand overweight limitations and the additional fees that being overweight will generate.

TriBodyboarder

Jul 3, 09 6:16

Post #28 of 193 (2285 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [JulianInEngland] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

BA top the VAA sllowance as trans atlantic flights are 2 bags, each having a maximum of 32kg! The free bike is in addition to not instead of!

So odd considering that the surfing community has called for a boycott of BA because they have a complete BAN on surfboards. A surfboard in a board bag weighs probably 10lbs.
------------------
My MOP'er Training Log
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My business-eBodyboarding.com

bartturner

Jul 3, 09 6:41

Post #29 of 193 (2279 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Raptor] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I called the Platinum desk and was told to stay under 50 lbs and a size my case was less than. I think it might have been 115 inches but I don't remember the measurement now. I followed the rules explained to me. I should have had it noted on my record. I am usually careful like that but did not in this case.

Staying under the weight was really not difficult. As an executive platinum they don't charge me for extra bags. The size measurement is what triggered the $100 charge each way.

When I got home I looked up the policy online and it states less than 62 inches to avoid a charge which my case was not. So they did charge me as stated on the web.

What bothered me is they told me wrong on the phone and did not honor. What bothered me more is I have am a life time platinum with the 2 million miles and did not honor what they stated. She also looked at the case and said it was no way under 50 pounds. I told her that it was and she said no way. In my opinion calling me a lier. I then insisted that she weigh it and it was something like 47 pounds.

I just found it to be a very unpleasant experience. My company does business all over the world so I have to travel a lot and I therefore fly One World airlines. Don't have too much choice. But boy I wish I could never travel AA again in my life.

For family travel we always fly AA because I have so many frequent flyer miles. So I really dislike AA but fly them 99% of the time :(

Fleck

Jul 3, 09 7:03

Post #30 of 193 (2278 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Rappstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Jordan,

Great thread and great information.

Triathletes and cyclists should start to vote with their $$$$. It's the only way that messages ever really get across these days to large companies like the airlines. Letters, emails, whining, complaining and harassing at check in do nothing. Vote with your pocket book.

Yes you may pay a bit more up front and you might have to go off the first page of Expedia, or Hotwire or whatever source you use to get your tickets, but you will save in the end and collectively, the airlines may start to get the message that the fees that some of them charge for bikes is absurd. I support a reasonable additional fee for a bike and the $50 that some airlines charge is reasonable, but when some airlines are charging more to put the bike in the hold than for you to sit on a seat in the plane, then that is ridiculous.

Steve Fleck
http://www.nineteenwetsuits.com
http://stevefleck.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/stevefleck

(This post was edited by Fleck on Jul 3, 09 9:05)

grrhss

Jul 3, 09 8:19

Post #31 of 193 (2263 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Rappstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Alaska/Horizon - $50
Replacement of broken disk wheel and aero bar rest: $1,000

Ironman bikes confirmed no damage when they packed it in Boise, and the bike shop found no note from TSA or damage to the bike box. The damage could only have happened by someone who opened the box and repacked it poorly.

Worse, Alaska/Horizon rejected my insurance claim because it was not submitted within 24 hours. My mistake was taking the box home, then to my bike shop for reassembly (who found the damage).

Make sure you unpack and inspect your bike upon arrival in the airport or you will find the box fee a pittance compared to replacing your bike!
________________________________
In consideration of others, please refrain from talking.
www.prepfortraining.com � www.tnstraining.com

Chubbly

Jul 3, 09 8:52

Post #32 of 193 (2255 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [grrhss] [In reply to]	Can't Post

What I don't understand is why people don't pack their own bikes? It is not rocket science. Sadly most triathletes don't spend the time to learn the most basic of bike maintenance.

____

Do people with Hockey or Golf equipment get charged as much as bikes?

JustJulian

Jul 3, 09 9:17

Post #33 of 193 (2248 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [TriBodyboarder] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I can only guess that it's because of the size and fragility, as suggested at their site. At least they offer an alternative with BA world cargo.

http://www.britishairways.com/...agsport/public/en_gb

Since I have my flight booked with them, I'll boycott from late August ;-)

"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS

Mach5

Jul 3, 09 11:54

Post #34 of 193 (2220 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Rappstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

United should be moved to "WORST" - it's $175 each way, without the 2nd baggage fee.

http://www.united.com/...034,00.html#oversize

tomd

Jul 3, 09 12:21

Post #35 of 193 (2212 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Mach5] [In reply to]	Can't Post

thanks for posting, good to know

R10C

Jul 3, 09 15:40

Post #36 of 193 (2178 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Chubbly] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

What I don't understand is why people don't pack their own bikes? It is not rocket science. Sadly most triathletes don't spend the time to learn the most basic of bike maintenance.

We do pack our own bikes....then TSA unpacks them and wont let us help repack them. Then, you cant blame them or charge them for damage. Maybe fly with a bike before you make a suggestion that we learn to properly pack our gear.

----------------------------------------------------------

f.k.a - Record9, Record9ti Record10, Record10ti, Record10Carbon, but not SuperRecord11 as there are no bar ends.

mfreeman72

Jul 3, 09 18:23

Post #37 of 193 (2159 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Rappstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Jordan,

Please note that Air Canada's $50 is only if you pre-register the bike at the time of booking the ticket online (there's a little place to to check off when you book your ticket).

Just showing up with the bike will run you $50.00.

Matt
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Eagles may soar, but ferrets very seldom get sucked into jet engines.

Spector

Jul 3, 09 19:09

Post #38 of 193 (2154 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Rappstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Virgin America doesn't know their own policy. The website says $50 a customer service person I called confirmed that it was $50 and on my outgoing flight from LAX they only charged me $50, but when I showed up at JFK for my flight home, they told me it was a $50 bike fee PLUS the usual $15 per checked bag fee. That's still less than a lot of airlines, but $15 more than I expected to pay. Fortunately, I had printed out the page from their website and got to the airport early so I was able to hold up a growing line until they agreed to "make an exception" and "waive" the $15 fee. But they put a note in my permanent file that it was only a one-time waiver. So... moral of the story is the fee should only be $50, but they'll likely try to get you for the extra $15 too.

http://j-tris.blogspot.com

pmcdc

Jul 3, 09 19:59

Post #39 of 193 (2148 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Rappstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

i have a related question, while we're on this subject. are the size guidelines for "oversize" the same for all airlines? or, the other way around, are the maximum sizes for a "normal" bag/luggage uniform across all airlines?
peggy

ianpeace

Jul 3, 09 22:25

Post #40 of 193 (2129 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [CaptainCanada] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Quote:

More confusion. Seems likes most airlines have no idea what there own policies are and they vary between airports.

That's the only certainty we can expect - it's a crap shoot every time you approach the counter.

I have to travel with a bike often to coach and for that it's the Ritchey Break Away. Thank god for that!!

Ian

Ian Murray
www.TriathlonTrainingSeries.com the adult pathway to your best performances..
If you're into Twitter - @triathlondvd.

Philb

Jul 4, 09 6:19

Post #41 of 193 (2108 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [JulianInEngland] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

BA top the VAA sllowance as trans atlantic flights are 2 bags, each having a maximum of 32kg! The free bike is in addition to not instead of!

On BA, the free alowance is only for bags up to 23kg. Between 23kg and the maximum of 32kg ,excess baggage fees apply. You're right about the 2 bag allowance plus a bike bag!

JustJulian

Jul 4, 09 6:53

Post #42 of 193 (2104 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Philb] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I guess they must have changed that in the November reshuffle. Thank you for correcting me.

"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS

Philb

Jul 4, 09 7:25

Post #43 of 193 (2101 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [JulianInEngland] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Your welcome, I only know because I've just booked a flight to Houston.

catchmeifucan

Jul 4, 09 11:47

Post #44 of 193 (2071 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [bartturner] [In reply to]	Can't Post

American Airlines is $100 per bike each way, and if I read it right, they might also try to charge you the second bag fee too. It's $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second, which I think it nuts.... so the $100/bike isn't even the whole story. This is all crazy because that's the same price as taking a hang glider on the plane!!!

That being said, I sweet talked the lady at the desk at PHL into only charging me the 2nd bag fee and not the $100. This was when my gf and I were traveling together, each with a bike! Niceness goes a long way! When I was coming home from collegiate nationals, the airport had caught on to all the bikes and there was no leniency there.

ericcech

Jul 5, 09 12:24

Post #45 of 193 (1933 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [catchmeifucan] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Flying Boulder, CO to Santa Barbara and gave up on United, now $175 plus $20 1st bag - went with UPS. Door to door service in 3 days (Ground) for $47 (ok, $5 additional to pick up at each location). Charge your shipment online, print the label, tape it to the box and schedule a same-day pickup. Wetsuit, shoes, tools and helmet in the free bike box from the local shop too. $100 for 3 day guaranteed - less for the same time Ground but then UPS has the option of accidentally not getting your bike to you on time. You can then get a compact rental car, too. Not having to lug the bike box around is SO worth it!

baselbutt

Jul 6, 09 7:05

Post #46 of 193 (1833 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Rappstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Virgin America is $100 each way (limit 50 lbs)... Just paid the fee 2 minutes ago..

urbansombrero

Jul 6, 09 7:22

Post #47 of 193 (1823 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Rappstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yes, Delta is the worst.

I flew from the US to Denmark last month, taking a bike back with me to Denmark. Delta charges $300 each way to travel with a bike. Fortunately, I had it packed in a bike case and when the guy at the ticket counter asked what it was, I just said "training equipment." I was then "only" charged the $175 fee for oversized luggage.

alaina1

Jul 6, 09 8:18

Post #48 of 193 (1810 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Record10Carbon] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

What I don't understand is why people don't pack their own bikes? It is not rocket science. Sadly most triathletes don't spend the time to learn the most basic of bike maintenance.

I've made a habit of insisting that I watch TSA inspect my bike. Get to the counter extra early, say that you will wait around until they get someone, and then 'help' them go through your stuff. Sometimes the folks at TSA don't even know how to latch/un-latch the bike box itself, let alone repack your stuff, there is NO WAY I will let them check without me there. Also, when you're standing right there, they tend to believe that it is actually a bike....

mrauls

Jul 6, 09 15:12

Post #49 of 193 (1722 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Fleck] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

Triathletes and cyclists should start to vote with their $$$$. It's the only way that messages ever really get across these days to large companies like the airlines. Letters, emails, whining, complaining and harassing at check in do nothing. Vote with your pocket book.

First, there aren't enough cyclists to make any sort of difference. I fly a lot. I rarely see bike boxes. Second, I think what you and other people complaining about these fees don't understand is that airlines probably don't want cyclists' business. I really believe this isn't a case of them trying to rip cyclists off, as much as it is a case of them trying to dissuade people from flying with abnormally sized/weighted luggage. They have determined for whatever reason that bikes cause them problems, and will raise fees until we stop traveling with them. I've heard my surfer friends complaining about the same things.

sto

Jul 6, 09 15:15

Post #50 of 193 (1719 views)

Re: The Official Airline Bike Fee Thread [Rappstar] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Jordan:

My BF is a Delta pilot, and I can confirm, as can another above poster, that Delta / NW now charges $300 EACH way on International Flights for bikes. Yup, $600 round trip.

BTW, if anyone wants to rent a bike in Tuscany, I know a GREAT guy and service for ya. Quality carbon road bikes, awesome service for under $200 US a week.

beats the hell outta paying the airlines and worrying about them losing or breaking your baby!

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"so i've got that going for me, which is nice"
- Carl Spackler

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