Delta Airlines will definitely score points with the active crowd in a recent move that removes fees for toting along your prized athletic possessions, like bicycles and skis. The fees for checking large or oversized items as such was quite expensive – a charge that could tack an extra $150 onto the overall price of your plane ticket.
It was American Airlines that led the way and was the first to remove the fees associated with carting along sporting goods on the plane. The move by American Airlines proved to be extremely successful, and, therefore was expected to cause other airlines to follow suit. Now, your items like surfboards, golf clubs, bicycles, and other oversized equipment is considered as a standard piece of checked luggage (although, bummer, musical instruments and scuba gear might be charged according to the oversized policy). Generally speaking though, the price to check the first regular sized bag usually starts at US $30 – you only have to remember that weight restrictions are still applicable.
The good news is that this offer is not only valid within the boundaries of the continental United States. This new deal is good for travelers bound worldwide on all tickets purchased starting July 17, 2019.
But, as always, don’t think that you’ll get away scot-free, as they say. You will be charged accordingly for a first, second, third, and so on piece of checked luggage at standard pricing – per the rules associated with SkyMiles status.
Information regarding the new change can be checked at Delta.com or other airline websites. But, not so fast, the devil is in the details as they say: make sure to read the fine print on the matter to understand any limitations that may exist on certain flight segments.
According to Delta for example, “You can bring most sports equipment with you on your trip and standard checked baggage fees apply based on cabin, travel region and total number of checked bags. Overweight baggage fees apply to bags that exceed 50 lbs (which is 23 kg) and bags cannot exceed 115 linear inches/292 cm (length + width + height). Items in excess of the baggage allowance will be subject to additional, overweight, and oversized baggage fees.” Anything outside of these parameters will fall into the oversize baggage category and jack up the fee.
For American Airlines, you’ll need to keep in mind that a bicycle case needs to be hard-sided: if it’s not the item could be damaged potentially, and thus, will be considered a liability issue. If this is the the situation, it will fall under the “fragile item” category, and the fee will be higher in turn.
It’s pretty easy to stay under 50 lbs. In fact, to give you an idea … a 60 x 35 x 11” bike box is within limits – a standard size for a bicycle box. If your box is lighter than that, than by all mean, use the extra space to stuff additional personal items within – you’re only limited by your creativity as far as that’s concerned.
This is a very nice move by leading US airlines that is sure to benefit those of us who love to travel in search for activity and adventure. Keep in mind that you’re still permitted to have your one small carry and personal item – according to the airline’s policy.
The only thing is, if you’re a global traveler, you might be a little underwhelmed since airlines like Virgin Airlines Australia and Qantas already offer such a policy for some time now. And Southwest and Alaska Airlines already have bike-friendly regulations in place. So it’s time to travel on with your gear.