The Best and Worst Airlines for Cyclists!

Airlines generally allow a bike case that measures no more than 62 dimensional inches (length plus width plus height) and weighs less than 50 pounds to fly as regular checked baggage. Beyond that, you'll pay extra. All figures quoted are for one-way travel.

// THE BEST (aka. I heart cyclists) //

Frontier (more info.)

Weight/size limits: 99.9 pounds/109 linear inches

Cost: $50

Notes: All bicycles are transported by hand, from ticket counter to aircraft hold.

Southwest (more info.)

Weight/size limits: Any bag over 100 pounds must be shipped as cargo

Cost: $50

Notes: Without exorbitant fees, this airline has managed to turn a profit for 36 years straight.

JetBlue (more info.)

Weight/size limits: 99 pounds

Cost: $50 domestic, $80 international

Notes: Bikes are cheaper to fly than pets ($100)-but Fido earns you frequent flyer points.

// IN THE MIDDLE //

US Airways

Weight/size limits: 100 pounds

Cost: $100

Notes: Liability waiver required

Continental

Weight/size limits: 70 pounds

Cost: $100

Notes: no liability for soft-side cases

// THE WORST (boo-hiss) //

Delta (and its subsidiary, Northwest)

Weight/size limits: 100 lb

Cost: $175 domestic, $300 international

Notes: Need a laugh while you're weeping over this surcharge? Read the rules for checking Christmas trees.

United

Weight/size limits: 50 lb

Cost: $175 domestic and Central America, up to $250 international

Notes: Weight allowance all but rules out hard cases, which weigh 30-plus pounds on their own

American

Weight/size limits: 70lb/115 inches

Cost: $100

Notes: You also must pay the regular checked-bag fee ($20-$30).

Pack Smart

*Don't use the bike bag as your suitcase. Some carriers assess both oversize and overweight charges.

*Read your airline's policy carefully. United, for example, will not take packed bikes over 50 pounds, period. They also charge extra on flights to Japan and Brazil.

*We hesitate to say this, but with increasingly stringent dimensional and weight restrictions, hard-shell cases are looking like a poor idea. While their protection is superb, most weigh more than 30 pounds-empty. That said, some carriers require liability release forms for soft-side cases.

*Airlines don't accept liability for improperly packed items, so use pipe insulation on frame tubes. Remove quick releases and pedals, wrap separately, and get plastic axle guards from a bike shop. For mountain bikes, remove brake rotors. Remove your rear derailleur hanger if possible. Use axle blocks, especially with soft-side cases.

*CO2 cartridges are prohibited in all checked bags and carry-ons.

*Checked bag liability usually tops out at $3,300 for domestic flights. Damage must be proved. Check your homeowner's policy to see if it covers items damaged in travel.

*Finally, it's an urban myth that your tires will burst in the cargo hold-there's no need to deflate them.