If you look at the fine print on most airlines, they state that bikes must be packed in cardboard box or hard case. Though I have never seen any agent turn down a bike in a soft case. It's a business after all.
I just looked at delta's website which seems to have been updated recently:
https://www.delta.com/...p/special-items.html
If the bicycle is packaged in a soft sided travel bag or anything other than a hard shell case, a limited release form will need to be signed.
I have been traveling with a soft case since 2012. I just picked up a hard case a week and half ago. Glad I made the switch.
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I just looked at delta's website which seems to have been updated recently:
https://www.delta.com/...p/special-items.html
Quote:
If the bicycle is packaged in a hard shell case specifically designed for transporting bicycles, then a limited release form is not required. If the bicycle is packaged in a soft sided travel bag or anything other than a hard shell case, a limited release form will need to be signed.
I have been traveling with a soft case since 2012. I just picked up a hard case a week and half ago. Glad I made the switch.
blog