how many bikes were you shipping???

one bike that weighs about 18lbs, some food, some clothes, and the box (box weighs about 30 lbs by itself).

That is what you call ignorance. He charged you for the box being oversized and overweight. He was only suppose to charge you for oversized. The problem is that most american airlines don't have a 'button' for bike box so they have to put in like surf board for a charge. If you and they don't know that, then you get charged twice.

It pays to know their rules before hand. I actually had to hand the Delta lady the print out of their rules AND a supervisor had to come over and explain it.

Research and now I UPS my bike to in state races. Cheaper that way.

---

Owner/Head Coach for Endurance Concepts
http://www.EnduranceConcepts.com
Sponsored by: Cadence Bikes & Multisport & Brooks

I "almost" had the same deal with NWA.

Trico case weighed 25lbs, bike was 16 plus the pump, co2 (duck for cover), extra stuff. I believed 50lbs was their mark, but I was 2 lbs under. If you go somewhere humid, 2 lbs of moisture can easily get into your stuff.

Ended up telling them it was a trade show booth (I'm not kidding as I guess there was some work stuff in there), and they removed the sporting goods fee and it was free.

Same problems with skis..... They call them the Untied Airline in Vail

I've had this almost happen several times. The last time was on Delta. It helps to print out the airline's policy from the web and have it available. I've also stood there and called the 800 number while the CS agent waits.

If you still have the receipt, I would call UA and explain what happenned. You are entitled to a refund of the overweight charge.

Just went to their website. Oversized and overweight both get charged. So they charged me correctly according to their policy. Their policy sucks.

http://www.united.com/...0,6722,50773,00.html

This has to be fairly new, I've travelled United several times and never been charged twice. Maybe I just got lucky? I know mine is over 50lbs with everything in there.

That sucks.

[reply]
Just went to their website. Oversized and overweight both get charged. So they charged me correctly according to their policy. Their policy sucks. [/reply]

It does suck but all the other airlines have pretty much the same rules. As others have said, have a copy of the rules, use the smallest, lightest box possible and weigh anything that seems too heavy. I've had airlines completely ignore their rules and let the bike go free and I've had them try to say I couldn't take the bike at all.

Are there any standard bike case that measures < 62 linear inches? (not S&S couplers or Ritchey Breakaway)

I have had great success with the Akona Biospeed case. Zero fees & zero damage

Are there any standard bike case that measures < 62 linear inches? (not S&S couplers or Ritchey Breakaway)

62 inches is l + w+ h. You cannot physically get a road/tri bike into a box less than 62 inches. It is possible to get the frame, without seat post and fork attached, in a custom box, but you would have to ship the wheels in another box. There goes your two piece luggage allowance.

---

Support Crew
This information contained herein has been assembled for your assistance and convenience. It is believed to be reliable, however, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All opinions shown are subject to change without notice.

Speedy, did you always place your Akona case with the slanted side facing away from the attendant, so he/she doesn't realize that the base is much wider than the top and wouldn't think about measuring it?

You give me much more credit than I deserve. When I get to the check in counter, when asked how many bags I say two. Put the Akona case & other bag on the scale. The bags are tagged & I'm done.

For more info, check out www.akonabiospeed.com

Last time I shipped my bike, with all my gear, tools, pump, food, etc. my box only weighed 35 lbs. Just how much stuff did you stuff into your box to get up to 60 lbs?

I've done the same thing. One piece of luggage for me and one bike box......no fees.....no hassel.......

---

.
.
Paul

I don't think United is alone in this rip-off. If I recall correctly most domestic airlines started charging for over weight (usually 50 lbs.) luggage over a year ago due to concern for injury claims by baggage handlers. Unfortunately, if you use a Tri-All 3 case as I do, you are pretty much screwed as the empty case weighs 30 lbs. As soon as I throw my wetsuit, helmet and spare tire, pump, etc. in the box I am over weight even with a light bike. Plus, there is no way to disguise it as something else.

It looks like I either stick to my current plan of only doing races within driving distance or invest in one of the Akona cases Speedy recommends.

Anybody want to buy a Tri-All 3 case?

Dean Wilson
http://www.anaerobiczone.com

---

Dean Wilson
http://www.anaerobiczone.com
Bicycle Protection Indoors & Out

I have a triall-3 case that I have flown with a lot. It's never been more than 50 pounds. If it is, it's easy enough to move some of the excess to another bag.

In this case, the airlines are screwing everyone they can. Bikes are only a convenient target.

Jeff

From the picture it looks like you have to take off the rear derailer, do you have to take it off and is there anything else that has to come off besides the normal handle bar, pedals, and seat post?

if you don't mind screwing with the airlines, then leave out some of your stuff when they weigh it, then put your stuff in before you bring it over to the security guys. have done this a bunch of times without anyone noticing or caring.

also, start by saying it is a trade show case. they cannot question this as you could be taking a bike to a trade show.

Had a similar situation with them. They wanted to charge for the bike, plus count it as an extra bag. Called customer service later and they said they should NOT be double-dipping on the charges like that.

It's very easy to take off the rear derailleur and something you should do on any clamshell or bag-type bike case.

2 lbs of moisture? where are you going Atlantis?

For those of you who ship your bikes, how long does UPS ground usually take? I'm taking my bike cross country next month and have a race at home the following week. I'm wondering if I ship it whether it'll make it back in time!