Yeah, a large suitcase isn't necessarily going to help you. If an airline has a punitive "bike" rate, then packing it so it's not obvious it's a bike may help, but you'll still pay oversized fees. If you're going to fly the bikes more than just this once, getting your bike retrofitted with S&S couplers might be a good investment. Even then, the best case scenario is just barely fitting into the airline's size allowance.
Best advice to keep the cost down is to research airline policies before you book, and don't book any connections on separate tickets.
Originally Posted by
Machka
If Air Canada flies to Bali (not sure if they do), they'd only charge you $50. Do your research.
Plus a substantial 2nd bag fee if you can't pack all your other gear as carry-on. Not sure about Bali, but when I looked into taking AC to France, it worked out to $175 each way.