Bikes on planes. Thank you ST

Triathlon Forum
1

As I knew we’d be traveling with a bike box, I’ve been reading all the posts about flying with a bike. Based upon what I read, when I checked in online, I checked in 2 bags instead of 1 and paid the extra fee ($20) for a second bag. Then when I got to the airport, I got a tag for the box which we then had to take to the oversized luggage area. I wasn’t charged for the extra bag on the way down to Mexico. Then, on the way back I did the same thing. At the airport in Mexico they said I’d have to pay for the extra bag, I said “Yes, I already have”. It worked!

I don’t know if this will always work but heck, every time it does it is a bonus. Now, I am traveling with a para Triathlete and all his wheelchair gear goes on at no additional cost but the separate bike bag isn’t part of his stuff.

So, my advice, which I read on ST some time ago, is to check in online and just add your bike box as an additional piece of luggage. Worst case is that you’d have to pay the difference but if you get lucky as I did then no extra charge.

And, we are traveling with Westjet which is my favorite Airline. As a Canadian I am embarrassed by “Air Canada” but with how I’ve been treated on Westjet and what I’ve read about them in other situations, I’m giving them my money first if I can.

2

Good tip. Thanks, Don. Airlines charge way too much for bikes, this might help keep the cost down.

3

glad you got lucky.
Every time I’ve taken a bike box it has been with Southwest.
there is never any discussion, they know immediately it is a bike box and charge me the bike fee, haha

4

While I agree that bike fees are astronomically unfair, if they lose or wreck the bike box would you have more trouble getting paid back?

5

While I agree that bike fees are astronomically unfair, if they lose or wreck the bike box would you have more trouble getting paid back?

Even when you pay the bike fee there’s (explicitly) no special coverage. And they certainly don’t take any extra care. It’s subject to the same inadequate compensation in the event of a loss.