" i'm told that you should point out that it's not a bike beacuse a whole bike would have brakes and gears. thus it's bike parts for sale at a trade show."

you'd lose that argument. A dog without a tail is still a dog.

"why the hell is "trade show equipment" cheaper for them to transport than a bike of same size, weight, and packaging? this is such BS!"

its not, but they do set their ticket prices based upon personal and business luggage. Bicycles are considered 'sporting equipment', which they kinda view as 'unnecessary' for travel.

havent travled with my bike much, but have traveled extensively with my surfboards and have heard/seen it all. Beware - sporting equipment is typically not reimbursable for damages.