Yes, the unfriendly policies of US airlines led me to buy a folding bike that can be packed in a regular suitcase and therefore doesn't lead to any questions at the check-in counter.

But if you can book on a more bike-friendly airline like BA then I wouldn't expect you to have any problems - esp. if you use the CTC bike bag since their policy is to accept regular bikes in any recognized bike bag with minimal preparation (turned bars, pedals inward). It's too bad the US airlines don't adopt similar policies.