Originally Posted by
Mike Jacoubowsky
...how
reality compares to theory. Not that there can be differences in the wonderful world of air travel...
Once tried to bribe a UA ticket agent with a twenty to get my bike on for free. With a subtle roll of his eyes and a slight sigh, he said in a monotone voice "Sir, I'm not willing to risk my job for your bike". I sheepishly ponied up the (at the time) $75.
I was able to partially dismantle my bike and get it in a box about the size of the frame. albeit a bit thicker. I still had to pay the bike fee but you might squeeze it in as baggage and pay the oversize fee.