cycloaptrgangr

"Note this is not their official policy."

As noted above, it really depends upon the ticket agent that checks you in.

For example, SAS did not charge me returning from Trondheim and Oslo but I was charged by United in SF on the outbound legs.

cccorlew

Thanks to all for the great advice.
Right now I'm thinking to buy a ShipBikes.com box. It's cardboard-ish, but made to do the job. Maybe I'll buy the wheel kit as well.
Another option is borrowing a case. I've had a few offers and need to check them out.

I HAVE to take my own bike. I have physical issues that mean the brakes and shifting are set up in a way no rental could match. Plus, if I'm riding a metric century, over mountains, every day for two weeks I want MY bike. It'll be hard enough with that.

Thanks again, all.

metalheart44

I'm also planning a trip next year and thinking about taking my own bike. I have rented before with mixed results, although I have some confidence that the tour I'm doing will have decent bikes. Still, for a week of riding, I would rather have my own bike but I don't want to be dragging a large hard case or box around in the days before and after the tour when we plan to do some other activities. So, I am considering a soft-sided case. Three are on my short list and each of these has been recommended by multiple folks who travel often with their bikes and report they have had no damage issues. The ones on my list are:

Pika Packworks Pika Packworks | Bicycle Travel Cases and Bike Luggage

Gavilan BFF Featured Products

Orucase https://orucase.com

There may be others that I have not considered, but the above 3 are well-recommended and I am thinking hard about it depending on which Airline we take and their fees or not...

cccorlew

OP here.
After endless reading, and getting advice here, (and other forums) here's my plan. YMMV

Flying United (I know, . Click for a great song...) because that's who flies nonstop from SF.

I'm using a borrowed Evoc case, and buying another for my wife. Expensive, but oh well. I can sell it later.

My friends have had very good luck with it. It's soft, but super padded. Their theory is that a hard case gets treated as indestructible, a soft case gets slightly more gentle treatment.

This case also seems like it's easier to move around and easier to store, which is a big plus.

So, plane tickets, check. Bike bags, check, trip deposit, check. Needed: insurance, lodging reservations. It's looking good.

THANKS FOR ALL THE INPUT.