Kenny0

Hi! I plan to bring my road bike with me Nov 13th-Nov 30 to Ewa Beach and I was wondering if any of you have done this on United Airlines. Their website states their bike policy as:

"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."

"Max size/weight: 50 lb/62 linear inches"

"Within U.S./Canada: $85.00 USD"

So ok, I believe my bike is only 18 lbs or so. But what bike on earth other than a folding one or maybe a kids bmx is less than 62 linear inches (lengh + height + depth) in a box? I don't think any normal bike would come in at less than 62. I'm thinking at least 48 + 12 + 24 with the front wheel removed, more if not. Is this just a typo on their part?

Hmm after reading American's policy -- if it's less than 62 linear inches (folding bike?) it's free, and if not, then 115 linear is the max -- it must be a typo!

Anyone know if, in addition to this item as checked baggage -- can I still bring my two normally checked items? I mean I am paying $85 one way for the 3rd item.

ngateguy

I stopped putting mine on the airlines. I take it to my LBS who packs it then I ship it to my destination via UPS its only about $30.

Shifty

Yes, you still get two pieces of checked luggage, then pay for bike. Think about the option to rent there, they have pretty good rentals on most islands.

Kenny0

I priced ups and fedex; they only do air so no matter what it's $400+ one way.

as for renting, bikeshophawaii has Allez for what would amount to more than $400 for more than two weeks. I'm not sure who else rents. Bringing it is definitely the cheapest way. I suppose $170 to bring it isn't so bad.

ngateguy -- did you have damage when dealing with the airlines?

ngateguy

Yeah I should of paid more attention to where you are going. The only real way to ship to Hawaii is by air and that is expensive. Paying extra to have it fly with you is the better deal.
I never have had any damage problems when flying with my bike, but I always used a bike carrier when I flew. You might want to look into wither buying or renting one fro your trip.

pyeyo

Most air carriers ship golf clubs as baggage to Hawaii. If you had time you can get your frame fitted with S & S couplings or pick up a Ritchey that knocks down. My understanding is if you tell them it's a bike they are going to charge you anyway.
Try posting a blog to borrow or rent something private locally or use the bikes provided by many hotels, clunkers but free. I've heard triathalon people have a local source they use to offset shipping costs, so you might try one of the triathalon websites. For four hundred dollars you could buy something and consign it later. Co-motion is another source of travel bikes.

dminor 

As part of my yearly NORBA membership (and any USA Cycling member does too), I get two bike vouchers each year for United. Since I don't fly much and I NEVER fly United, I never have used them. I'll see if I can dig them out. PM me in a couple of days as a reminder. If I have them still, you are welcome to them.

Kenny0

hey thanks D. Actually though I heard that they stopped doing this. Did a search and came back with this:

"
United parts ways with USA Cycling

by Mark Zalewski, North American Editor
One of the tangible benefits of being a USA Cycling member has been United Airline's voucher exempting members from paying extra to fly with their bikes - saving US$80 in baggage charges each way. However, that benefit will not be renewed as United ends its sponsorships of individual sports.
"United decided to discontinue all of their sponsorships of national governing bodies, so it's across the board, not just with USA Cycling," USA Cycling's Andy Lee told Cyclingnews. "They will still be associated [with the] US Olympic Committee - they were a partner with us for sixteen years which was pretty amazing."
The loss of the voucher programme will undoubtedly affect those members who normally count on the savings, but Lee says USAC is looking at similar sponsorships for the future; "That is our goal right now. We know there are members who would pay a little more to fly on United in order to save money on their bike. We are starting to research some other companies that can step in and fulfill that role. The United deal and voucher deal was very valuable to our members, but that was only beneficial to members who travelled and lived in markets served by United. Now we can go out and try to find a sponsorships that could benefit a larger number.""

dminor 

Oh #@#$%^&*; I think I remember reading that now and kind of forgot it. Sorry.

KMURDER

you are allowed 2 checked bags. when ever i fly with my bike i pit clothing and wheels in one box and frame and other stuff in another. the boxes usually fit. the key is to NOT say it is a bicycle. I Usually say it is "artwork" or "Display". as soon as you say bike BOOOOM $80 is charged. ive never had to pay for my bike.
cheers.