I mis-read your airline choice. You said you were not flying Southwest. Of all the airlines, I have had the best luck with them. They only charge $50, and sometimes you get a gate agent who just lets it through without paying. I secretly suspect they have a few cyclists among their employees. One time one of them grumbled something like "If golf clubs are free, your bike is free."
Here is a shameless plug. I run a small business rent road bikes from my home, and I deliver to South OC and North San Diego County. I have modern CAAD10's as well as vintage road racers from the 70's and 80's. Discounts are given to forumites! Check out the link, it is in my signature block