I've lost track of exactly where on the East Coast you're riding....

But next time, consider taking Amtrak. All told, it could be the easiest/cheapest way on the continent for long-distance travel with your bike. $15 for a one-way transport (with passenger ticket), which includes the box -- and the box is so big you just roll your bike in, no major disassembly required, just turn the handlebars and take off the pedals. (Some routes even have roll-on bike racks, no charge for the bike.) With a couple of wrenches, in 20 minutes you can be rolling out of the station.

I don't think any airline can come close to that, for cost and convenience. Of course, some people just hate the train..... can't help there.

-- Mark