Air travel with bike$- ouch

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3 replies [Last post]
Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

Does anyone know of a way around paying $80 (each Way) to fly with my bike? I guess a rental is one option, but it's not MY bike. I did try League of American Cyclists bikes fly free program, but the fares ended up being the same.
Help!

Anonymous's picture
Anthony Poole (not verified)
Flying with bikes

If you fly to the UK on either British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, they take bikes packed in a bike box or bike bag free of charge and count it as one piece of your checked-in luggage. Moreover, they are extremely competitive on fares. I have flown with bikes several times on both airlines and had no problem. I believe the other European carriers do the same to other parts of Europe, although I haven't tried it. I'm not sure what the US flag carriers charge on transatlantic flights, although we all know that United definitely needs the money.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic apply this policy on bikes on all of their routes all over the world, so if you were going on from London on either airline to another destination, it might be worth considering.

I am assuming from what you were saying, you were planning on flying internally within the US and, therefore, with a US flag carrier. Insofar as I know, if you are flying internally, there is no way around the $80 fee, especially with the mainstream carriers. It is possible the smaller no frills airlines might oblige and not charge, but I have no experience.

Good luck!

Anonymous's picture
Carol Wood (not verified)
Bike shipping

"A long thread on this subject was posted within the last three weeks. See the thread on ""bicycle shipping procedures."""

Anonymous's picture
ScottD (not verified)
Possible AA bike fare reduction

"At the AA.com site, follow through from the main page > customer service > baggage information > baggage allowance. About 2/3 down the page is states:

""Bicycle boxes purchased from American Airlines which measure 118 in/300cm will be accepted.""

I have called AA to inquire about obtaining one of these boxes but no one has been able to help me. I have not traveled much in recent months so I hace not looked into this option thoroughly. I would be very curious if anyone finds information about this."

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