Back in 2018 I flew my Medici up to New Hampshire so I could ride with some BF folks in Boston, while my wife and I visited our son and daughter-on-law. Went to the American Airlines website fo get the requirements for their bicycle as baggage policy at that time. Had a purpose made hard case that our club allows members to use for free, checked that one off. Took the pedals and saddle off and placed them in my suitcase (which I paid to fly, still under weight for both), check off two more boxes.
Arrive at the airport to check in bags and get boarding passes. Case with bicycle placed on the scales, attendant looks at the case and its weight, says that will be $150.00 sir. I asked why the website information did not apply to my case. Told me to pay or don't fly, since they were declaring the case and bike to be overweight, I ask why the websites weight requirements did not apply, told that they could set their own standards at each location no matter what their website said, my wife was not happy with me or the attendant at all. Paid the price and kept the peace.
When preparing to fly back home, I made certain that everything was exactly as the AA website said it had to be for size and weight. All are well within their standards, as published. Get to airport in Manchester, New Hampshire, and get the same response from the bag check attendant, I ask why, she said as a supervisor she had the right to declare anything placed in the aircraft as baggage to be too large and subject to extra charges, pay up or don't fly. Paid the $150.00 so we could just get home. Immediately sent complaint to AA Hq, via email. On landing at Regan/D.C. for layover, I checked email, AA replied that it was my problem, they always stand behind the supervisors decisions (it was a form-reply, as expected.)
I kept up the emails and tried to call the AA Hq and customer services, as both were listed. All emails were answered with form-replies, calls were left in holding hell.
Never again will I fly American Airlines, regardless of any changes they now have in place. I would not trust them ever, for anything.
I hope that Delta and other airlines will honor these new policies for flying bikes, and that others get to enjoy their travels, but I am not convinced that they won't look for any reason at all to get the extra costs from us. Air travel is just not good any longer.
Bill