January 14, 2013
How to Avoid Excessive Bike Baggage Fees
Flying with your bike isn't easy, but it shouldn't cost a fortuneBY SONYA LOONEY
I love traveling to new places, and using my bike as a tool for adventure. Whether I’m racing in a far-off land or jetting across the country to explore some new singletrack (or for the less-romantic business meetings) I usually have my bike with me—and if not prepared, flying with your bike can be the most challenging (and most expensive) part of the trip. When I’m budgeting for a ride trip or a race, I often have to factor in what it’s going to cost to take the bike with me. Compounding matters, each airline has its own bike and luggage fees. Choose the wrong airline and checking your bike could cost more than the plane ticket itself.
Here is quick guide that includes most domestic airlines and their bike fees for traveling within the U.S. (some airlines waive bike fees on international flights; others jack up the price).
Frontier
I try to choose this low-fare carrier whenever I travel with my bike. They have a ton of flights into and out of Denver and they treat cyclists right. The airline charges $20 for the first piece of checked baggage and there’s no excess baggage fee for a bike when you buy an economy ticket. If you book an economy fare, and you have a bike and a suitcase, you’re looking at $80 round trip for luggage. The airline also has classic-fare tickets. A roundtrip fee usually costs about $40 more, but bikes and bags fly free. Those fees allow penny-pinching riders like me to travel without busting our budgets.
Southwest
Not only does this airline allow two free pieces of luggage, they charge only $50 each way for a bike. That’s a steal compared to some other carriers. Southwest also allows you to change your ticket without excess fees. Just pay the difference in fares. Plus, I like that the flight attendants always tell funny, cheesy jokes.
Alaskan
Alaskan also charges $50 each way for your bike. But unlike Southwest, the company charges $20 for every piece of checked luggage. That can add up to $140 round trip for a suitcase and a bike. They airline has reasonable fares, but most of its routes are along the Pacific coast.
Spirit
This small, regional carries typically has low fares, but its baggage policies can be tricky. They charge $75 one-way for a bike, but have a whole web of fees for luggage—and it’s not cheap. Checking a piece of luggage costs $45 and there’s a 40lb limit (bags that weigh between 40lb and 50lb cost an extra $25). Like some European carriers, Spirit also charges $50 for each piece of carry-on luggage that fits in the overhead bins, but there’s no charge for bags that you can fit under your seat. Don’t even think about trying to game the system and gate-check your bags: There’s a $100 fee for that. If you’re not careful, bags fees can climb sky high. The airline even charges $3 for water. I’m surprised they don’t charge you to use the lavatory!
United
This major airline charges $100 each way to fly with a bike on top of a $25 one-way fee for the first piece luggage (additional bags cost more). Fly with a bike and suitcase and that adds up to $250 or more for a round-trip journey.
American
American charges $150 each way for a bike. That’s $300 round trip before you add in the $25 checked bag fee. That’s $300 round trip just for taking a bike. Get ready to empty your wallet!
Delta
I made a terrible discovery a couple years ago. I booked a ticket on Delta to Pennsylvania for the Trans-Sylvania Epic stage race. Then I checked Delta’s bike policy. Not only did they charge $25 for a suitcase, but they also charged a shameful $200 ONE WAY to travel with a bike. The cost for taking my bike roundtrip would cost as much as my plane ticket. Fortunately, my friend drove my bike out for me. Delta has since lowered their price to $150 each way for a bike, but checked luggage still costs $25, so you’re looking at $350 round trip. To its credit Delta as a 70lb overweight limit, 20 pounds more than most airlines.
US Airways
US Airways is the most expensive airline to fly with your bike. They charge $25 for the first piece of luggage, and a greedy $200 each way for the bike. We are talking $450 to travel with one suitcase and one bike. I try to avoid this carrier at all costs.
With prices like that (not to mention the hassle of dragging a bike case through the airport), it’s understandable if you decide to skip airline bike fees altogether? If so, you can ship your bikes via Fed Ex or UPS for about $80-$100 each way. Several companies, like http://bikeflights.com, offer even better rates and will pick up your bike at your house and deliver it anywhere you like.
If you do fly with your bike, you need pack it properly and the whole package needs to weighs less than 50 pounds (some airlines, especially regional carriers, have size limits too, so double check before you book your ticket). Packing your ride in a standard box, like the ones manufacturers use to ship bikes to their dealers, is one economical option. But cardboard offers little protection. If you fly more than a once a year, I recommend a dedicated bike case. There are tons of good models, but my favorite is the $430 Bike Bag from EVOC. I bought one last year and use it at least once a month. It’s a soft case (which keeps the weight down) but it has a great design and enough space to easily fit a mountain bike. It’s a not cheap, but it’s a small price to pay to help take the sting out of flying with your bike.
http://blogs.bicycling.com/blogs/thefarride/how-to-avoid-excessive-bike-baggage-fees
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EVOC Bike Travel Bag, 475 US$
Description
The EVOC Bike Travel Bag is ready for all of your trips by plane, car, train or boat. Better still, your bike can be stowed safely within the bag in just minutes. Only the handlebar, pedals and wheels need to be dismounted. A clever belt system inside the bike bag keeps all parts held firmly in place while the robust padding and rubber reinforcements protect fragile components such as the drivetrain, fork and dropouts. EVOC's reinforced wheel pockets offer enough room for hefty 2.5” downhill tires as well as increased structure to the bag itself. The wide footprint provides stability while the smooth-running wheels and conveniently placed handles make the EVOC Bike Travel Bag very easy and comfortable bike case to use.
For additional protection when transporting road, time-trial, cyclocross, and triathlon bicycles, use our Road Pad Adapter in conjunction with our Bike Travel Bag. We recommend that when traveling with a bike that has a rear brake mounted under the bottom bracket that you use our Road Bike Aluminum Stand in conjunction with the EVOC Bike Travel Bag.
Features
Complete protection for your ride
Fits mountain (Yes, 650b and 29'ers too!), road, time-trial, cyclocross, and triathlon bicycles
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Robust system for securing frame and fork
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Two padded wheel compartments
Heavy duty nylon-ripstop with 10 mm padding
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Specifications
Capacity: 16,476.4 cubic inches (270 l)
Weight: 18.9 lbs (8.6 kg)
Outside Measurements: 53.2 in x 15.0 in x 31.5 in
(135 cm x 38 cm x 80 cm)
Inside Measurements: 50.4 in x 9.8 in x 30.7 in
(128 cmx 25 cm x 78 cm)
Material: Ripstop-Nylon (PU coated), rubber
Access: Large main compartment
Two side compartments for wheels
Compartments for pedals/accessories
Bike Types: mountain, road, time-trial, cyclocross,
and triathlon bicycles
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Sizes: One
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http://www.evocusa.com/collections/frontpage/products/evoc-bike-travel-bag
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