by Larry Lagarde

If ridiculously low air fares have you dreaming of flying away to finally take that perfect bike trip, beware. The cost to check your bike may actually be more than the airfare.

Take United, for example.
Right now, United has 5 different airfare sales going with pricing from $47-150 one way to all kinds of destinations but that's just half the story. The fee to check your bike one way on United is $175.

I reported on the $175 fee back in February when I was planning a trip to Los Angeles. I was traveling to a show with 2 folding bikes. Since any bike is subject to United's $175 fee, I would have been socked with $700 in fees for 2 tiny folding bikes (one being small enough to carry on).

Naturally, cyclists are getting frustrated. One called me from an airport today because he had just been fleeced by United for $175 to check his bike. It wasn't a folding bike but that's not the point. Are bicycles such a liability that airlines really need to charge such exorbitant fees? No way!

If you're tired of any of the petty fees airlines are imposing, here's an opportunity to speak out and be heard. Join the new Facebook Group...

Say NO To Bogus Airline Fees

Do it today and be heard.

Labels: baggage-fees