My first ever cycling holiday was to Ireland in 2010. My flight was with Delta Airline and it cost me $150 to and $150 back, for a total of $300 to fly my bike. My second cycling holiday was to Scotland in 2011. My flight was with American Airlines and it cost me $200 to and $200 back, for a total of $400 to fly my bike.

My solution was to buy a Surly Trucker Deluxe frame with S&S couplers.

I have since done 5 other tours (Belgium/Norway/Switzerland/Austria/Slovenia) and paid $50 each time. The standard rate for an addition checked piece of luggage.

I'm sorry to say, US airlines have no problem screwing cycle tourist and you really don't have any options with a USA departure.