I agree with the sentiments on curbside checkin, on airline FF status and irregular shaped cases being all useful in avoiding airline fares.
As mentioned previously, we use the Orucase Airport Ninja case which is irregularly shaped. While a baggage agent can find measurements that do exceed 62”, I can also find measurements on the very same case that do not. Hence, it’s arguable. But the bag fits through normal handling flows, is lighter than the 50lb international limit and is not difficult to handle. Therefore, I’ve never paid a fee for it. Here’s a picture:
So, in my experience after a lot a
travel in general and a fair amount with bikes specifically, if you’re in an arguably correct position, if you are pleasant, you will be successful. Be a jerk, and it’s going to cost you.
that said, I’ve also had one baggage agent in MSP that was a complete a$$hole over ski equipment when I was escorting a ski team to a colorado camp. I just paid the fee because it was easier than arguing at the time but I did go through a customer complaint process on the employee later that wound up in remedial training for her. So given that, I would say that she was the great exception and not the rule. I’d also characterize that experience as an outlier since it’s one out of maybe 30 such trips over the years.
All I can say is that it’s worked exceptionally well for me and it’s not magic. It’s not worth overthinking it. Concentrate on having a great trip instead.