(from an AMR site last updated in Jan 2002. Charges have increased.)
Sports items
Certain items, such as skis and golf clubs, will be accepted as one item under the free allowance.
Some restrictions may apply outside the United States. The following items are free in place of one
62 inch/157 cm bag in the free baggage allowance: archery, backpacks, boogie/knee boards, bowling
equipment, fishing equipment, hockey/lacrosse sticks, shooting equipment, skateboards, and
snowboards.
Excess charges always apply to: antlers, bicycles, scuba tanks, surfboards, wind surfing equipment,
and hang gliding equipment.
(snip)
Sports Equipment
Sports items must be packed to withstand normal handling. If connecting to another airline, the
other airline's charges also apply. Service Charges - One way only
The following items are free if in place of 62 in. bag. If in addition to allotment, US$50 excess
charge applies.
Archery Equipment Hockey/LaCross Stick Bowling Equipment Backpack with frame Shooting equipment Ski
Equipment Boogieboard/Knee Board Skateboard Fishing Equipment Snowboard Golf Equipment
The following items are never free for travel from the US/Canada to the Caribbean and Mexico and may
never be substituted for a free bag. Excess charge always applies. Antlers $50 Scuba Tank $50
Bicycle $50 Surfboard $75 Box for Bike $20 Windsurfing Equip. $75 Bag for Bike $10 Hang-gliding
Equip. $75
It would appear the cyclists are merely paying for oversize baggage like any other passenger. I
suspect that skis are way beyong the 62 inch limit, but when airlines routinely fill planes with ski
groups heading to popular destinations, it makes sense to accomodate them. When was the last time a
group of cyclists had a big charter trip? Airlines go where the money is, and I'm afraid that
catering to cyclists just isn't profitable.
--
alan
Anyone who believes in a liberal media has never read the "Daily Oklahoman."
"amh" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "alan" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<
[email protected]>...
> > --
> >
> > alan
>
> I understand all of it.
>
> What I don't understand is why cyclists are singled out. Golfers traveling with golf clubs that
> weigh more than my bike are not charged extra. Skiers are not charged extra for their ski bags.
> Even though the ski bag is not counted in the 2 piece baggage limit.
>
> I've seen folks checking in with more weight and greater volume of baggage than I have with my
> boxed bike and panniers. And don't give me the line that the airlines take more care when the
> handlers see a bike box. I've seen my bike box tossed around.
>
> Yes airlines are losing money. But what do you expect from a company who can charge $900 for one
> seat and $300 for the next seat over.
>
> Its simple charge what it costs to move that seat to its destination. Add your profit margin and
> "extras" such as food and beverage, and you've figured out what the fare is. If you can't fill the
> plane then use a smaller plane or cancle the service.
>
> Andy