If you love to ride your bike or know someone who does, then you understand how attached cyclists are to their bikes. Chances are you also understand that taking a bike on a trip can be frustrating — and expensive — because some air carriers still charge outrageous fees for transporting bikes.
Last month, for example, United Airlines was charging cyclists an additional $200 — each way — to transport a bike, an article on CyclingTips.com reports.
But that was last month. Now, in a move that has U.S. cyclists rejoicing, United has changed its policy. Instead, United now treats properly packed bicycles as standard luggage that doesn’t incur oversized bag charges.
In other words, United now joins American Airlines and Delta in making it easier, and cheaper, for cyclists to take their bikes on trips.
Here’s how American, Delta, and United now deal with bikes.
American Airlines
American was the first airline to change its policy about bikes when it eliminated oversize bag fees for sports and music equipment in May 2019.
“As the busy summer travel period quickly approaches, American Airlines has announced changes to its policies regarding oversize sports and music equipment,” the company said in a statement at the time. It went on to note that the updated policy “will also ensure that customers can more easily pursue active and healthy lifestyles wherever their travels may take them, without having to pay additional oversize bag fees.”
American now explains that passengers can travel with a non-motorized touring, mountain, tandem, or racing bicycle if the bike meets certain conditions. The bike must be in a hard-sided case, bicycle bag, or box built for bicycle transport. Plus, the bike’s handlebars must be fixed sideways. Finally, the pedals must be removed or the pedals and handlebars must be wrapped “in plastic foam or a similar material.”
One important note, American does point out that “if your bicycle is not in a hard-sided case, it…