This is perfect timing for me, as the BF and I are flying on Delta to France tomorrow with our bikes. One bike has couplers and is in a regulation-sized (i.e. not oversized) suitcase and weights just under 50 pounds. The second is in a BikeBox Alan and also weighs under 50 pounds. If we do get charged or run into any trouble, I’ll report back here.
I am happy to be wrong but per their website excess baggage fees are related to weight and dimension. I just don’t want people to show up and pay hundreds of dollars because they think airlines felt magnanimous and decided shipping thousands of dollars of bike equipment suddenly became low risk and was a competitive advantage for growth.
https://www.delta.com/...our-trip/excess.html
I agree, when the flat fee was $150 it was all about the weight. They waved the oversize for sports equipment and would only charge additional if over 50 lbs.
At least with United, once the bike fee was “dropped†the tape measures came out.
If the company employee at the desk checks you in without charging you, bonus, as sometimes even they don’t know the rules. However, I suspect there will be fewer and fewer company staff working baggage and will be outsourced even more, and when you do that you want simple rules. Weighs more than this, charge this amount. Measures more than this, charge this amount. Golf clubs and skis, you’re good.
I don’t want you to be right but I believe you are definitely right.
“CHECKED BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE EACH WAY:
BAGGAGE SIZE MUST NOT EXCEED 62 INCHES (157 CM) WHEN YOU TOTAL LENGTH + WIDTH + HEIGHT”
I guess the bike publications are making a big deal out of this because on the surface it seems very customer oriented, but drilling down it seems like nothing has actually changed. The only case that is sort of within those guidelines (but not really, ever, if a ticket agent actually measures it the logical way) is the Hen House.
Further, American Airlines actually appears to be the leader in this category. Their baggage policy actually DOES appear to be bicycle friendly.
“Standard checked bag fees of your destination apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kgs and 126 in / 320 cm (length + width + height) or $150 fee applies from 51 lbs / 23 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs”
I am happy to be wrong but per their website excess baggage fees are related to weight and dimension. I just don’t want people to show up and pay hundreds of dollars because they think airlines felt magnanimous and decided shipping thousands of dollars of bike equipment suddenly became low risk and was a competitive advantage for growth.
https://www.delta.com/...our-trip/excess.html
I agree, when the flat fee was $150 it was all about the weight. They waved the oversize for sports equipment and would only charge additional if over 50 lbs.
At least with United, once the bike fee was “dropped†the tape measures came out.
If the company employee at the desk checks you in without charging you, bonus, as sometimes even they don’t know the rules. However, I suspect there will be fewer and fewer company staff working baggage and will be outsourced even more, and when you do that you want simple rules. Weighs more than this, charge this amount. Measures more than this, charge this amount. Golf clubs and skis, you’re good.
I don’t want you to be right but I believe you are definitely right.
“CHECKED BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE EACH WAY:
BAGGAGE SIZE MUST NOT EXCEED 62 INCHES (157 CM) WHEN YOU TOTAL LENGTH + WIDTH + HEIGHT”
I guess the bike publications are making a big deal out of this because on the surface it seems very customer oriented, but drilling down it seems like nothing has actually changed. The only case that is sort of within those guidelines (but not really, ever, if a ticket agent actually measures it the logical way) is the Hen House.
As I said before, good luck getting a bag that is under 62 inches without using two different bags, or as posted above, having couplers to split the bike in two, or only fits a small sized road bike.
This is perfect timing for me, as the BF and I are flying on Delta to France tomorrow with our bikes. One bike has couplers and is in a regulation-sized (i.e. not oversized) suitcase and weights just under 50 pounds. The second is in a BikeBox Alan and also weighs under 50 pounds. If we do get charged or run into any trouble, I’ll report back here.
From the articles I read the new policy applies to tickets purchased on or after July 17th, so unless you bought your tickets yesterday the old policy and $150 fee may still apply.
Hopefully you luck out and they follow the new policy.
LOL! I don’t want to be right either. When UA dropped the fee showed up and lady said, oh we don’t charge for those anymore, so rolled with it. On return, person at the desk was also confused and charged me $100. Flew a couple months later and the training and awareness had been spread. If all the airlines go to the same rules, then staffing contractors can just bid the whole airline or terminal and move people from carrier to carrier as demand dictates - especially if we pay all the fees on the app. From business standpoint totally makes sense.
Ah, that makes sense, thanks! Fingers crossed though.
I flew Atlanta to Ireland on Delta with my titanium road bike with S&S couplers. 26x26x10 inch case. Flew as my checked baggage. One way was free and I think I paid $25 coming back. Unsure why, but I was in a hurry and didn’t bother to ask.
It is usually well underweight. I avoid cramming a bunch of stuff in it, because TSA usually opens it and never packs it back correctly. I don’t want them popping a spoke because they are sitting on it trying to shut it.
Alaska airline hasn’t charged for bikes for a couple of years now. They are expanding their routes considerably, so worth looking into. The also have many flights to HI.
I am happy to be wrong but per their website excess baggage fees are related to weight and dimension. I just don’t want people to show up and pay hundreds of dollars because they think airlines felt magnanimous and decided shipping thousands of dollars of bike equipment suddenly became low risk and was a competitive advantage for growth.
https://www.delta.com/...our-trip/excess.html
I agree, when the flat fee was $150 it was all about the weight. They waved the oversize for sports equipment and would only charge additional if over 50 lbs.
At least with United, once the bike fee was “dropped†the tape measures came out.
If the company employee at the desk checks you in without charging you, bonus, as sometimes even they don’t know the rules. However, I suspect there will be fewer and fewer company staff working baggage and will be outsourced even more, and when you do that you want simple rules. Weighs more than this, charge this amount. Measures more than this, charge this amount. Golf clubs and skis, you’re good.
I don’t want you to be right but I believe you are definitely right.
“CHECKED BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE EACH WAY:
BAGGAGE SIZE MUST NOT EXCEED 62 INCHES (157 CM) WHEN YOU TOTAL LENGTH + WIDTH + HEIGHT”
I guess the bike publications are making a big deal out of this because on the surface it seems very customer oriented, but drilling down it seems like nothing has actually changed. The only case that is sort of within those guidelines (but not really, ever, if a ticket agent actually measures it the logical way) is the Hen House.
As I said before, good luck getting a bag that is under 62 inches without using two different bags, or as posted above, having couplers to split the bike in two, or only fits a small sized road bike.
here is american:
Standard checked bag fees of your destination apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kgs and 126 in / 320 cm (length + width + height) or $150 fee applies from 51 lbs / 23 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs.
i don’t see how delta has really changed anything of substance as regards bikes, unless i misunderstand. on american, you’re gold with your bike, as long as you keep it under 50lb.
Lol 110% me. Things I’ve said my bike is:
**1. Wheelchair **
2. I’m a phys graduate student, and it’s my ergometer for my dissertation.
3. I’m an art student, and it’s my easel and art equipment.
4. I’m a carbon manufacturer, and I’m on a sales trip, and these are my samples.
5. I’m a band equipment manager, and this is the band’s equipment.
6. I’m a news reporter, and it’s a camera and news equipment.
7. I’m a professional gamer, and it’s my gaming equipment.
There might be more, but that’s all I can think of. Haha
A lot of times they’d ask me to open it, so I started locking it and told them I didn’t have the key because my “boss†has it at my destination. They technically can’t open it, only TSA can. I suppose they could go get TSA, but no one has ever done that.
So you will impersonate a person who needs a wheelchair or needs to transport one to save a few hundred buck?. That is reprehensible.
I am happy to be wrong but per their website excess baggage fees are related to weight and dimension. I just don’t want people to show up and pay hundreds of dollars because they think airlines felt magnanimous and decided shipping thousands of dollars of bike equipment suddenly became low risk and was a competitive advantage for growth.
https://www.delta.com/...our-trip/excess.html
I agree, when the flat fee was $150 it was all about the weight. They waved the oversize for sports equipment and would only charge additional if over 50 lbs.
At least with United, once the bike fee was “dropped†the tape measures came out.
If the company employee at the desk checks you in without charging you, bonus, as sometimes even they don’t know the rules. However, I suspect there will be fewer and fewer company staff working baggage and will be outsourced even more, and when you do that you want simple rules. Weighs more than this, charge this amount. Measures more than this, charge this amount. Golf clubs and skis, you’re good.
I don’t want you to be right but I believe you are definitely right.
“CHECKED BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE EACH WAY:
BAGGAGE SIZE MUST NOT EXCEED 62 INCHES (157 CM) WHEN YOU TOTAL LENGTH + WIDTH + HEIGHT”
I guess the bike publications are making a big deal out of this because on the surface it seems very customer oriented, but drilling down it seems like nothing has actually changed. The only case that is sort of within those guidelines (but not really, ever, if a ticket agent actually measures it the logical way) is the Hen House.
As I said before, good luck getting a bag that is under 62 inches without using two different bags, or as posted above, having couplers to split the bike in two, or only fits a small sized road bike.
here is american:
Standard checked bag fees of your destination apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kgs and 126 in / 320 cm (length + width + height) or $150 fee applies from 51 lbs / 23 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs.
i don’t see how delta has really changed anything of substance as regards bikes, unless i misunderstand. on american, you’re gold with your bike, as long as you keep it under 50lb.
It’s really confusing it took me a good 20 minutes. But I believe how it works is the bike is it’s own item under the two bag rule so you have your suitcase and your bike. Since it is oversize sporting equipment you go to the sporting equipment section. This changes the size piece to a normal bike box. So you just pay the regular check bag fee.
It’s the only thing that makes sense because if you look at the sizes on the regular bag page you could never actually ship a bike with delta if you go off those limits.
I am happy to be wrong but per their website excess baggage fees are related to weight and dimension. I just don’t want people to show up and pay hundreds of dollars because they think airlines felt magnanimous and decided shipping thousands of dollars of bike equipment suddenly became low risk and was a competitive advantage for growth.
https://www.delta.com/...our-trip/excess.html
I agree, when the flat fee was $150 it was all about the weight. They waved the oversize for sports equipment and would only charge additional if over 50 lbs.
At least with United, once the bike fee was “dropped†the tape measures came out.
If the company employee at the desk checks you in without charging you, bonus, as sometimes even they don’t know the rules. However, I suspect there will be fewer and fewer company staff working baggage and will be outsourced even more, and when you do that you want simple rules. Weighs more than this, charge this amount. Measures more than this, charge this amount. Golf clubs and skis, you’re good.
I don’t want you to be right but I believe you are definitely right.
“CHECKED BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE EACH WAY:
BAGGAGE SIZE MUST NOT EXCEED 62 INCHES (157 CM) WHEN YOU TOTAL LENGTH + WIDTH + HEIGHT”
I guess the bike publications are making a big deal out of this because on the surface it seems very customer oriented, but drilling down it seems like nothing has actually changed. The only case that is sort of within those guidelines (but not really, ever, if a ticket agent actually measures it the logical way) is the Hen House.
As I said before, good luck getting a bag that is under 62 inches without using two different bags, or as posted above, having couplers to split the bike in two, or only fits a small sized road bike.
here is american:
Standard checked bag fees of your destination apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kgs and 126 in / 320 cm (length + width + height) or $150 fee applies from 51 lbs / 23 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs.
i don’t see how delta has really changed anything of substance as regards bikes, unless i misunderstand. on american, you’re gold with your bike, as long as you keep it under 50lb.
I hope Delta is matching American as I think that is their intention but does not seem to say that. Interesting United site is now showing the $150 flat bike fee is back so will need to call them back as they overcharged me. So confusing.
Now that I have another screen in front of me I have real numbers.
So when you go to the standard check bag allowance page it gives you the cost up to two bags. Now those two bags cannot exceed 62 inches. Which means like one bike box fits maybe.
So then I clicked on the baggage fee and details rules. Then onto the overweight and oversized bags. When you go to oversized it says bags larger than 80 inches aren’t allowed. Well that obviously can’t be the right section either because only one or two bike boxes fit. No one could ever fly on delta if that was the case so oversize isn’t the right section to use.
Then you click on specialty items, then sports equipment. For all sports equipment at the top of that section it says you now get up to 115 inches. So this is the correct section at least. And it says normal bag fees apply.
For the bike section it says “standard baggage allowance and feesâ€. You still have to be under 50lbs to not get an overweight fee. But it really does look like the bike fee is gone. There is other section you could actually cover a bike under besides the bike section.
Now that I have another screen in front of me I have real numbers.
So when you go to the standard check bag allowance page it gives you the cost up to two bags. Now those two bags cannot exceed 62 inches. Which means like one bike box fits maybe.
So then I clicked on the baggage fee and details rules. Then onto the overweight and oversized bags. When you go to oversized it says bags larger than 80 inches aren’t allowed. Well that obviously can’t be the right section either because only one or two bike boxes fit. No one could ever fly on delta if that was the case so oversize isn’t the right section to use.
Then you click on specialty items, then sports equipment. For all sports equipment at the top of that section it says you now get up to 115 inches. So this is the correct section at least. And it says normal bag fees apply.
For the bike section it says “standard baggage allowance and feesâ€. You still have to be under 50lbs to not get an overweight fee. But it really does look like the bike fee is gone. There is other section you could actually cover a bike under besides the bike section.
that’s what i thought it said at first read. but if you look at it closely, what’s more likely is that you can’t take the bag on at all of it exceeds 115". not that it goes as regular baggage under 115".
i think it’s likely that they’ve matched american. however, at the ticket counter the agent is simply going to look up the rules and read them. what is that agent likely to interpret? in any case, we’re researching it now.
Now that I have another screen in front of me I have real numbers.
So when you go to the standard check bag allowance page it gives you the cost up to two bags. Now those two bags cannot exceed 62 inches. Which means like one bike box fits maybe.
So then I clicked on the baggage fee and details rules. Then onto the overweight and oversized bags. When you go to oversized it says bags larger than 80 inches aren’t allowed. Well that obviously can’t be the right section either because only one or two bike boxes fit. No one could ever fly on delta if that was the case so oversize isn’t the right section to use.
Then you click on specialty items, then sports equipment. For all sports equipment at the top of that section it says you now get up to 115 inches. So this is the correct section at least. And it says normal bag fees apply.
For the bike section it says “standard baggage allowance and feesâ€. You still have to be under 50lbs to not get an overweight fee. But it really does look like the bike fee is gone. There is other section you could actually cover a bike under besides the bike section.
that’s what i thought it said at first read. but if you look at it closely, what’s more likely is that you can’t take the bag on at all of it exceeds 115". not that it goes as regular baggage under 115".
i think it’s likely that they’ve matched american. however, at the ticket counter the agent is simply going to look up the rules and read them. what is that agent likely to interpret? in any case, we’re researching it now.
I don’t think so because there isn’t a fee for oversized bags over 80 inches. So you would have to go off the sporting goods section as it’s the only way to get something on the plane up to 115.
But yes I agree on the second point, if I can’t figure it out easily the person at the counter is going to have a rough time unless they see a bunch of bikes
We just checked in with two bikes for an international Delta flight. The ticket agent said she was just told today to stop charging an oversized fee for bikes as a second piece of checked luggage. The overweight fees still apply if the weight is greater then 50 pounds for an international flight if you have two checked bags, or so she said. We purchased our airline tickets in February. One bike box was over fifty pounds but we didn’t get charged the overweight fee since we each only had one bag to check. We only checked the bikes and carried on everything else.
In sum, we (two passengers) just checked two bikes and no other luggage on an international Delta flight and paid nothing even though one of the bike boxes weighed over 50 pounds. It was my understanding that we would’ve had to have paid an overweight fee if we had two other checked bags, but no oversized fees.
So you will impersonate a person who needs a wheelchair or needs to transport one to save a few hundred buck?. That is reprehensible.
I don’t advocate this, but sometimes you need to do what is expedient. Last month, a United Airlines contractor asked me what was inside my S&S suitcase, and despite my inner voice, I said it was a bike. The guy tells me to take it to oversize luggage drop. I say it’s not oversize, he says if it is a bike it must be. I argue, finally asking for his supervisor, who asks him “well, is it oversize?”. Five minutes lost in a stressful situation, where “trade samples” or something would have been expedient.
Hello trimule and All,
Thanks for the heads up …
Excerpt:
Bicycles
Bicycles, non-motorized touring or single seat racing, are allowed as checked baggage on most flights, with the exception of certain Delta Connection® carriers.
Standard baggage allowance and fees based on cabin and travel region applyBicycles weighing over 50 lbs. will be charged the applicable excess weight feeIf the outside linear dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 115 linear inches (292 cm) or exceeds 100 lbs, the item will not be acceptedItems in excess of baggage allowance will be subject to additional or overweight baggage feesA limited liability release form must be signed by the passenger in the case that the bike is not properly packedIf the bicycle is packaged in a hard shell case specifically designed for transporting bicycles, then a limited release form is not requiredIf 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
Delta is not responsible for damage noted at the time of check in or damage due to over packing the bag.
Yep, looks like I was wrong on this. Delta and American seem to not worry about oversize for bikes in cases just the weight. So no $150 charge just whatever normal bag fees would be if applicable. United seems to be back to the $150 fee.
Whether any companies follow Delta and AA depends on sales. If all the sudden 95% of sport related commercial travel goes to two airlines other companies will follow suit and try to one up each other. If everyone ships their equipment and flies whatever other companies won’t follow suit.
Bottom line you direct companies and vote with your dollar. I haven’t flown in a while, but likely flying next year. I’ll still go with the absolute cheapest price after what will be a frustrating amount of research and a bunch of excel spreadsheets looking to save as much as possible.