My bicycle shop, located 15 miles south of SFO, does a lot of bike boxing for people traveling with their bikes. The question comes up often about the best way to "ship" the bike and we explain that, even at $100 domestic and $200 international, it's almost always best to bring it with you when flying United.

But we still get GS, and sometimes 1K folk, who assume the fee will be waived due to their status. Probably because they haven't been charged for golf clubs? It's an amusing conversation that has to be handled carefully, because there's a bit of "Do you know who I am" going on, not to mention surprise that we're well aware of the perks for various levels of elite status on United.

So- who's had their bicycle fee waived, if anyone? Thanks!