This just out from United Airlines today:
United is announcing a new checked bag policy for customers who purchase nonrefundable domestic economy tickets. Customers purchasing nonrefundable domestic economy tickets who do not have status in Mileage Plus or Star Alliance may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 service fee. Customers who have attained Premier status or higher in Mileage Plus or who have Silver status and above with a Star Alliance partner, are exempt from this policy change. This policy is for travel exclusively within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada and applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. Please view the Domestic baggage questions for additional details on this policy.
We are now allowed only one bag. BUT it can be 50 pounds so I guess it’s time to purchase bigger luggage.
This spurred me to see if they plan on giving an even larger middle finger to cyclists…you can bet your boots they are.
Check this out (United Airlines new bicycle policy):
Bicycle
Allowance/Requirements
Non-motorized bicycle must be prepared for travel by the customer. United does not provide tools. Handlebars must be turned sideways and protruding pedals and accessories must be removed. The bicycle must be contained in a protective/durable case, bag or box.Cost*
Travel before May 5, 2008:
Within U.S./Canada: $85.00 USD
Travel on/after May 5, 2008:
Within U.S./Canada: $100.00 USDMaximum size/weight
50 pounds/62 linear inches
I love comparing it to Golf Clubs, which are allowed the same size requirements…:
Golf
Allowance/Requirements
1 golf bag with clubs and 1 pair of shoes.First set is free in place of one checked bag. (bold added for emphasis)
Maximum size/weight
50 pounds/62 linear inches
Say goodbye to yet another $15 each way.
If your mad at United…like I am, then fly Frontier. They charge $50 for a bicycle properly packed (yes golf clubs are still free).
Humm I wonder if I could just call my bicycle a set of golf clubs….?
I am flying United to Nationals this year and I think instead of giving them $200 of Troy’s hard earned money I plan to use some sort of triathlon bike transport. I think they are a little more pricy but I am all about putting $ into the hands of folks that plan to use it responsibly, and United Airlines is not longer on that list for me.
john D, Van Meter says:
Well, if you’re a frequent visitor to Orlando, you can just leave your stuff here and not hassle with hauling it back and forth. We store people’s personal items–including golf clubs and bicycles–between visits. We have our Members’ gear waiting for them when they arrive, pick it up when they leave, and keep it in our climate controlled warehouse until they tell us they’re coming back. Have a look at Owner’s Locker.
http://www.ownerslocker.com
jdvm
February 5th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Sonja says:
Very cool site! Something we will keep in mind for future vacations. I wish I could to have a bike “live” in Orlando permanently, but a great idea for some other locations I visit!
February 5th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Dan says:
What a pain! I thought $50 was too much and when you add in the golf club reference, the principle of the whole thing makes me fume.
I traveled with a gigantic bike box in the early 90’s; thing was the size of a hybrid car. Tahoe/Seattle/Victoria BC/and then down to Race Across America/unloaded in Georgia/Boston/Tahoe/Boise. Add that up at $50 a leg. Kiss the college graduation money goodbye!
February 6th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Jo says:
will s and s hard cases for coupled bikes be allowed to travel free?
They look like regular suitcases and fit the 62″ linear total… thanks.
Who to contact at United to find out-
May 13th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Sonja says:
Yea, I bet they will if they don’t qualify for oversize baggage. I had some luck when I said my box was full of “bike parts” not a bike. If you can’t take it out and ride it, it’s not a bike!
May 14th, 2008 at 8:11 pm