Hey guys.
Wanted to see if anyone had any tricks of the trade they could share.
Background: Ive air travelled w/ my bike enough times now to know to expect the unexpected:
2010- Economy to Peru: Air Canada, $100.00 each way.
2011- Economy to Costa Rica: United. Tried Charging us $250.00 at the gate, but I had pulled their latest web info, printed, and it showed $100.00 each way. They honored. FYI- apparently they now classify Costa Rica as Domestic. How do they figure? Anyhow
2012 (June)- First Class to Minnesota (Road bike, charity event- dont think less of me): Delta. Called customer service ahead of time because the website is very unclear. They ruled since 1st class, no extra charge. I asked them to make sure there was a note on our account. At the gate, they tried to hit us w/ $200.00, even though we were 1st class. Note was on account, so they honored.
2012 (last week)- First class to Tuscon: US Airways. Charged me $200.00 going down. Website is still very ambiguous, and makes no mention of bikes. They claim there is a hidden website, and even though my bag would otherwise be classified oversized, but no extra charge, they said bikes have their own category. On the way back, the clerc in Tuscon just saw an oversized bag, did not ask what was in it, and I went through w/ out an extra charge.
Flying to Colorado next week, and considering leaving the bike at home and renting, because this is a pain in the ass. Not to mention I feel like Im being raped.
Lately Ive been upgrading to 1st class since I have a ton of points. Benefit is the waived fees for extra bags. BUT, with the airlines classifying bikes in their own category- for domestic travel, anyhow- seems to me youll be stuck in check-in no matter what w/ an extra fee.
Im considering just telling the gate people it is art supplies. Ive never been asked to open my bag at check in, and I think beyond check in, they dont give a shite.
I know other people have run into this. Christ, there were two dudes behind me last week going to Vegas, with what looked like kids bikes in Norco boxes, and the clerk was going to hit them w/ $200.00 each.
Its an effing joke and just another cash grab for the airlines, I know. BUT, there must be a white lie / workaround.
Lets hear your tricks.
***Disclaimer: this post is in no way, shape, or form intended to insult anybody, anything, any animal, any lifeform, or non lifeform, or otherwise, of any kind.