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

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staropolim

Jul 6, 09 15:39

Post #51 of 192 (2006 views)

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

Check out my post: http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...;;page=unread#unread

I payed $175 to take my bike on a plane to Colorado. When I got to my hotel, there was a huge crack in the seat tube. There are pictures in my link, as well. I would strongly recommend not using them with a bike. Evidently they just toss them around. :(

Also, I have not had any luck with customer service yet!

jasonmac

Jul 6, 09 15:55

Post #52 of 192 (2003 views)

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

Excellent topic for travel with bicycles

Based on this, I've just now changed a Delta connecting flight to JetBlue and booked a separate WestJet (whom I've used before) flight.

update: changed a large ticket from United/AirNZ to AirNZ/AirCanada

BTW, the info for the airlines I've just read in this post are confirmed on their websites.

Air New Zealand http://www.airnz.co.nz is:

> Flights to/from the USA, Canada or Tahiti
> Flights between New Zealand and London via
Los Angeles

Items of sporting equipment - for example golf clubs, skis, snowboards, bicycles and surfboards - are included as part of the standard piece allowance. Excess baggage charges apply once the standard piece allowance has been exceeded.
___________________________________________
jason
north shore, nz
rst, then slowtwitch lurker since '93

(This post was edited by jasonmac on Jul 6, 09 16:55)

banana

Jul 6, 09 16:07

Post #53 of 192 (2003 views)

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

As a rule, United Airlines policies are irrational. Any attempt to make sense of what they do and why is an exercise in futility.

Allegiant Air. They fly into smaller airports in the US and are a good option for getting into Phoenix. In February, I was charged $100 on my outbound from Bellingham. My mistake, she rushed my card through before discussing the charges with me. I was permitted to stand but not touch while TSA inspected. The bike case has a plastic dowel in the centre to protect the frame and I wanted to ensure if was repacked properly. They even locked the case for me when they were done. TSA was very helpful. No fee on the way back from Mesa.

Their website states:

Exceptions � The following articles are excluded from the baggage weight and size limitations set forth in Articles 45 and 60 above and shall be acceptable for carriage upon the passenger's compliance with the special packing requirements and payment of applicable fees as follows:

Bicycles, when properly crated in a bicycle carton, will be accepted as baggage for a charge of fifty dollars ($50.00) each. Pedals and handlebars must be removed and stored so as not to be damaged or cause damage to other baggage.

<cut>

Tintin

Jul 6, 09 20:45

Post #54 of 192 (1969 views)

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

Emirates has just increased their luggage allowance for international flights to 30 kgs per passenger!! That's the allowance for cattle class too, not business class (that may be even higher, I'm not sure). They took good care of the bikes
regards
Michael

talbert

Jul 7, 09 13:16

Post #55 of 192 (1881 views)

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

I just flew with my bike on American Airlines.

$150 for the bike (Trico Case). I'm also Executive Platinum so for those wondering if there's any bonus for being EP, the answer is no (except for the normal baggage fee being waved).

Poo..

Fleck

Jul 7, 09 13:40

Post #56 of 192 (1874 views)

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

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.

Agreed!

It was always frustrating checking in with my bike box and one other small checked bag behind the very overweight couple with mammoth suit cases and golf clubs - and me having to pay something extra for the bike but the behemoths with all their luggage in front of me paying nothing extra. At least now there's a bit of parity. The airlines go on and on that it's mostly about weight on the planes - more weight means more fuel used. So if it's really about weight then start charging people by their weight!! :)

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

mrauls

Jul 7, 09 14:51

Post #57 of 192 (1857 views)

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

In Reply To:

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.

Agreed!

It was always frustrating checking in with my bike box and one other small checked bag behind the very overweight couple with mammoth suit cases and golf clubs - and me having to pay something extra for the bike but the behemoths with all their luggage in front of me paying nothing extra. At least now there's a bit of parity. The airlines go on and on that it's mostly about weight on the planes - more weight means more fuel used. So if it's really about weight then start charging people by their weight!! :)

I'm not sure it is about weight as much as the abnormal size. When I fly inter island here in Hawaii (thankfully fees are still $25-30 each way) I notice that a person always brings my case out to me. I think it's because it doesn't fit on the conveyor belts (but golf clubs do). I would bet that in big airports like O'Hare or DFW items that don't flow through the normal process are probably a huge inconvenience for them.

That said I do wish they would make rational rules based on whatever issue they have. I know some soft cases are pretty much the same size as luggage, are not as bulky etc. So if the issue is size and manual processing, then don't say "bikes get charged $175" say "items over 60 inches on a side or more than 25kgs get charged $175." Standardize the rules across all luggage classes (golf clubs, surf boards, skis, bikes etc).

(This post was edited by mrauls on Jul 7, 09 14:52)

Keyser_Soze

Jul 7, 09 19:47

Post #58 of 192 (1825 views)

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

Can we add "each way" to the price descriptions...just to be clear.

BTW - Southwest doesn't really care about weight if it is over 62 inches.

****************************************************
Socialism...A good idea until you run out of other people's money

linhardt

Jul 8, 09 6:48

Post #59 of 192 (1786 views)

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

In Reply To:

Mexicana-FREE!

Just register with the Mexican Athletic Federation before you get on the plane and print out your 1 year membership ($40) and your bike goes for free both ways

Do you have to be a Mexican citizen?

I am doing IM Cozumel and flying Mexicana from Chicago -- $40 seems better than $60x2.

Do you have a website where I can register? I googled with no luck, but then again I googled in English. My wife can probably read a spanish-language website given enough time.

Flaco

Jul 8, 09 9:10

Post #60 of 192 (1772 views)

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

Here is the direct link to the form you need to fill out...

http://www.asdeporte.com/...o=2578&service=1

This is the Website. Federacion Mexicana de Triatlon. I am linking you straight to the affiliation section and at the very bottom before the end is the link to the above link. Just in case.

http://www.triatlon.com.mx/afiliaciones.php

Let me know if you have any problems or need some translation.

"Fear is what drives you in the last part of a marathon in an Ironman. The body is depleted and the mind is fuzzy. Short course racing is driven by power and finese at the end of a race, Ironman demands so much more and is driven by will and mental strength." Chris McCormack

10/28/08 Dev Paul had 400w FTP!!!

LabRat625

Jul 8, 09 11:17

Post #61 of 192 (1757 views)

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

I just finished checking in my bike hardcase at AirTran for $79. The agent almost made me pay another $79 bike fee for my Tri-all hard wheelcase, which is nowhere near being over weight or over sized

Simple Stevie

Jul 8, 09 12:42

Post #62 of 192 (1750 views)

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

As far as I can tell, the Swiss Air policy (at least for a flight from Miami to Zurich) is as follows:

1. Charge me $200 each way
2. Lose my bike box
3. Lie to my face about the fact that the tracking phone number will get me to a person. In fact, I get an automated system that tells me there are no updates.
4. Lie to me on the phone about the tracking number, and then transfer me to the same fucking automated system (3 times).
5. Make me wait for almost an hour to finally talk to someone when I show up at the airport the next day, and then tell me to call the automated system.
6. Accuse me of being unreasonable when I indicate that I plan to set up a sign at IM Switzerland that reads "Swiss Air Sucks Ass" and parade around transition.
7. Find my bike box (which had been stashed 30 feet away from the tool who claimed for an hour that there was no way for him to find it).

The good news is that the airport ban expires well before I come back here. Can't wait to show up at the same Swiss Air counter to check in to go home in 2 weeks.

"it's a helluva day at sea"

rundutch22

Jul 8, 09 13:31

Post #63 of 192 (1737 views)

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

United tried to charge me $175 to bring my FRONT WHEEL only on last week. I got heated and argued, had to talk to mgr, she tried to tell me it's same as a kid last week who brought a unicycle which is classified as a bike. Are you kidding me?? I won the argument but still had to check it for $15. Absurd.

RichG

Jul 8, 09 15:00

Post #64 of 192 (1718 views)

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

From the official Qantas website:
Bicycles
To be accepted for carriage, bicycles must be suitably packed in a bike box. Bike boxes can be purchased from most Australian Qantas Terminals. Customers can travel with their own bike box, however it must not exceed the dimensions below.
Qantas bike pack dimensions are:

Length: 140cm (55in)
Width: 30cm (12in)
Height: 80cm (32in)

Before bicycles can be accepted they must be packed as follows:

Tyres must be deflated
Pedals must be removed
Handle bars must be fixed parallel to the frame
If the bicycles length exceeds 140cm (55in), the front wheel should be removed and fixed beside the rear wheel, inside the bike box

Your bike kit may be included as part of the free baggage allowance. If the combined weight (or pieces for USA/South America) of the bike kit and your checked baggage exceeds the free baggage allowance, additional baggage rates will be charged. The maximum weight of any piece of checked baggage is 32kg (66lb).

Here is the complete link: http://www.qantas.com.au/...rtingEquipment#jump1

I sure hope this all works out when I go to the worlds in Sept. Even though I have a Qantas ticket from St Louis to LAX, it is "code shared" with AA so I bet I get whacked the $100 on that leg of the flight.

Rich G.
Proud member of the Geritol wave!

goallout

Jul 8, 09 16:11

Post #65 of 192 (1710 views)

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

FYI everyone- My buddy is a pilot for Jetblue and he recently sent out a little email post telling me during the Tour De France Jet Blue is 1. carrying Versus TV on their flights to show the Tour, and 2. Waving the bike fee on all flights. How freaking cool is that???

RobAllen

Jul 8, 09 22:23

Post #66 of 192 (1675 views)

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

Air Transat in Canada to Europe was only $30 for the bike and 50 lbs per person for luggage.
------------------------
Cornwall (Ontario) Triathlon

Marcus

Jul 9, 09 8:18

Post #67 of 192 (1637 views)

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

British Airways is great. Lufthansa on the other hand charges 70 euros - both ways! Shit. And they made me take a cab to the airport in Nice to pick up my lost baggage :(
http://marcus-ironman.blogspot.com/

harperfromks

Jul 9, 09 10:22

Post #68 of 192 (1621 views)

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

Flew Delta two weeks ago to race Ironman France. Called in advance and they said "$175" each way. Get to airport, and they wanted $450 each way for a trico case to go international. Said if it was under 50 lbs, it would be $300 (my case was very loaded at 62 pounds). They took pitty and charged $300. In Nice, they didn't weigh the box - they just asked the weight and I said "49 lbs" so they charged me $300 US to get it back too. The bottom line is that it's "speculative" based on how you react and negotiate with the staff, but the cost can reach $450 each way if you fly International. Delta Airline ticket however was the cheapest available at $830 round trip Chicago to Nice so you have weigh the ticket cost in the total price to travel with bike.

harperfromks

Jul 9, 09 10:33

Post #69 of 192 (1619 views)

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

...also went to Nice UPS store to check on shipping bike home. They wanted 500 euro ($700 US) to ship the bike back.

redsled

Jul 9, 09 12:45

Post #70 of 192 (1606 views)

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

Delta is pretty much the worst. Flew Delta from Arizona back to Canada and when got to check in they wanted $210 per bike. I looked at the agent and said I paid $178 for a seat in the cabin and if I have to pay $210 for my bike I want the bike in the seat beside me......also said my bike does not want a snack and it weighs a lot less than I do. She looked at me and said " yup that charge is kind of silly" she went away for a bit and came back and reduced the bike charge to $90. Dont ask dont get I always say!!!!

With Air Canada make sure don't load your bike box over 50lbs if do will see extra charges
__________________________________________________________
Manufacturers Agent - Kuota, 2XU, Suunto, Campy, GU
Growing old is mandatory. Growing up? Definitely optional.

Marcus

Jul 9, 09 13:12

Post #71 of 192 (1599 views)

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

Ok, that�s more. But you�re right, it really depends on whom you�re dealing with. When leaving Nice, I told the clerk who was about to collect the bike fee "I�d never fly Lufthansa again" because of the trouble with my lost baggage. Ok, so he said he�d forget the bike fee if I had the taxi receipt. And Lufthansa was the cheapest around, 179e Helsinki-Nice-Helsinki.
http://marcus-ironman.blogspot.com/

Kaka

Jul 9, 09 14:41

Post #72 of 192 (1588 views)

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

Do we need another reason to not fly United with anything other than carry-on bags (if we have to fly United at all)? Sure, why not? The song by Dave Carroll and the Sons of Maxwell is actually good.

http://blogs.myspace.com/...amp;blogId=498887803
-------------------------------------------
"The hero is someone in continual opposition to the status quo. The hero is always becoming himself." Jos� Ortega y Gasset.

It's a bloggy blog world

(This post was edited by Kaka on Jul 9, 09 14:41)

klimmerCA

Jul 9, 09 15:47

Post #73 of 192 (1574 views)

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

Not sure how useful this is for most in N.America, but Swiss charges nothing if you check the bike in lieu of a bag AND it is under 30kg (double check the weight rules).
Last year for IM-Switzerland we paid nothing for the bike (in a Sicon case) and a large-ish bag outbound; return I had overstuffed it a bit, but still only charged 50CHF (about 50$). I believe Lufthansa have a similar policy.
--------------------------
http://eric.ronanderic.com
IM-Switz '08, IM-Louisville '09

swaco

Jul 9, 09 18:27

Post #74 of 192 (1560 views)

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

unlike trico the tri all 3 is a lot larger and less dismantling for the pc3 but anyone have any experiences w the big tri all...none of the threads say which case there using?/

bella

Jul 10, 09 10:57

Post #75 of 192 (1504 views)

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

I am looking to ship my bike via UPS or Fed Ex to Canada for Ultraman- crew member. Since NWA will charge $300 each way to fly the bike.
So far I have rates of $160 for UPS and over $200 for Fed Ex- each way.

Any tips on getting a good ship rate? I have an Ironcase.
I plan on shipping it out from a business, using our account w/ UPS or Fed Ex, to a hotel.
Scott

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