Originally Posted by
Widgets
I understood flyerCo’s post as saying that if an item is special (being defined into a specific category on delta.com) and has an associated fee, then that fee applies to everyone regardless of dimensions. Examples of these are antlers, surfboards, and bicycles. If you have any of these, then it doesn’t matter if they weigh 20 lbs, or if you have Medallion status, Delta can still charge you according to delta.com. Excess weight/size fees are separate from the special item fee.
There are 2 separate and distinct issues. One is whether an item is special. Just because an item is listed under "special" does not mean it has a fee. It may have a fee. Actually, anything may have a fee.
But if the item has a special item fee, that fee does not get waived even for status.
FlyerCo's point about "special handling" is just bogus, probably a regurgitation of what Delta agents say. A bike bag that is small doesn't require special handling (it could even come out with normal baggage, depending on the shape others may not even know it is a bike bag). They just charge you a fee because they want to charge you a fee.
I'm pretty sure golf bags require special handling. Why don't they have a fee? That was my whole point. Some, like strollers and carseats, are required by law to be free. Golf clubs are not, as far as I know. Yet why are they free? Across all carriers (well, I don't know about Spirit).