Originally Posted by
dz_nuzz
... I have avoided fees and so far the Orucase has a 100% 'avoidance of fees' average (But that is only one "trip", although it was me and the SO which equates to seeing 4 "trips" with zero fees). The airline people seem to pick up that they are bikes (despite my answering the question as to the contents with "Trade show display"). But it seems like the smaller and lighter the bags are the more likely they are to decide that gouging you for 150$-200$ is a dick move.
You bring up a good point.
FEES.
Some airlines will count the bike as a Bag - BA, Luthansa, and some charge - $200/bag/each way ($1,200 so far this year on junior). For our team and roughly 10 bikes we flew (no damage) this trip. Thing is the other airlines cost us about $800 more for the ticket than United. So these days you have to read all the stuff on sizes, weight, carry-on etc.
Some airports will not take bikes and some planes - may not. I expect you are flying LAX-BCN, so I doubt that is an issue, but it can be in regional airports. We took Bo's bag after Nationals to SFO as the CRJ door would not handle his bike from Reno.
Just Rent.