My partner and I are planning a bike trip to Arizona in April flying out of Spokane. I'm wondering if anyone has advice on flying with bikes or possibly shipping them with a courier? All the airlines' websites are so vague about what they charge and I haven't found any recent info online about it. Thanks!
Town: Rossland, BC
Check them as hockey gear and pack carefully
Most of the major airlines simply count a bike as regular baggage, not oversize. You have to keep it under 50 pounds. Get cardboard bike boxes from a bike shop. You should only have to take the pedals off and turn the handlebars.
I am not entirely sure of US airlines but we have flown internationally many times with our bikes. Most airlines charge an extra fee for bicycles which ranges in price (~$50-$150 each way). Our bike boxes have always required a reservation ahead of time. Put the bikes in a box or bike case that meet the dimensions listed on the airlines website. The weight allowance is usually 32 kg or 50 lbs. The bike boxes are always considered oversized luggage and require going to the oversized baggage drop off. We have always had to leave the boxes open for security check but that might not be required on domestic US flights. Deflate the tires, remove the pedals and turn the handle bars. We pack all our extra gear into the box that we cannot bring as carry-on luggage. Expect the bikes not to arrive with your plane and rejoice if they do.
I have travelled overseas twice with a bike. The first time a strap was rigged to the top of the box so you could carry the box with the strap over your shoulder. Very handy. The strap was climbing sling - a few cms wide attached just shy of each end of the box.
The second time the challenge came at the other end when trying to get the box into a cab or bus. Very awkward. At the airport I watched another person take their bike out of a plastic bag, reattach the pedals, straighten the handle bars and ride away. I tried that on the way home. Worked great until I tried to ride away. The front wheel was bent.
It has been a long time since I travelled with a bike. However, I regularly travel with other sports gear and it does not qualify as regular luggage. Sometimes it is cheaper. You should be familiar with your specific airline's policy on sports gear. At times I have had to clarify the policy for the ticket agent. Also, I suggest taking some tools with you in case you need to abandon the boxes somewhere and get your bike riding or rolling ready. I recall the tires were soft but not flat. Hope this helps.
Also, this was a road bike. Not sure if the approach is different with a mtn bike.
I flew with my mountain bike from Spokane to Jackson Hole on Delta Airlines in the fall of 2022. I had to pay extra for the bike luggage and paid at check-in. Max allowable weight for the item was 50lbs and I just squeaked in with the weight of the bag included. When I flew in the US I got called back to open the bag so security could check it as I didn't have TSA-openable locks, which is something to consider (I've had the same with my snowboard bag).
And make sure you are familiar with the airline's baggage policy before you go in case the check-in staff are unsure what's what.
I have an EVOC bike bag which does a great job and has seen my bike arrive undamaged on that trip and to Nepal and back (with some added foam pipe insulation applied to vulnerable areas and my hard shell knee pads over brake levers/reservoirs)
I've flown a handful of times with bikes, adding on to other comments, I'd recommend also taking brake rotors off the wheels. I've had both rotors damaged upon arrival before and depending on where you are going, it could be hard to find spare parts. Takes 5 min but could save a lot of hassle.
Thank you for the advice! Much appreciated