Originally Posted by
Presser
I think if you use something like this:
Mountain Bike Cycle Luggage Carry Bag Travel Case | eBay
and disassemble your bike well enough fit even smaller than the bags limits (I ride a 60cm road conversion, it's not tricky to do), you can get away with the size guidelines and pay the regular checked bag fee (25-50, maybe free if its your only item).
I have used a
soft case with good results, but no bike with either 700c or 26" wheels that I know of fits in case that is under the L+H+W=62" or less restriction, unless it has couplers in the frame. Even with couplers it is a very tight fit.
I did manage to get all of my gear in the one soft bag with the bike, but it required packing pretty light to keep it under the 50 pound limit. It still was an oversize bag though.