Originally Posted by
asya999
I’ve traveled a few times with my bike in case - all simple and I don’t even remember them asking what was in the case but it’s very obviously a hard side bicycle case. Way over linear 62” but usually right around 50lbs with my bike.
I want to use it to transport something else (a couple of framed posters that otherwise I don’t think would survive being checked). Would anyone care that the sporting equipment case has something that’s not sporting equipment in it?
Also on the way back I’ll be checking the case *empty* so technically it also won’t have sporting equipment in it … would that be an issue?
I think if it looks like a bike case it's highly unlikely they'll ask you to verify there's a bike in there. And as a 1K it's even less likely, because they aren't in the habit of trying to make money for checked luggage fees off 1Ks.
Analogy - ski bags are supposed to contain only skis if you're taking advantage of ski bag plus boot bag= 1 bag. I have never had UA ask to confirm I have only skis in the bag (and I don't - I have jackets, gloves, etc.). Of course, a boot bag and a ski bag as two separate bags and I'm still not at the 3 bag allowance. But point being - they haven't seemed too rigorous on verifying sports bags are being used for sporting purposes per the rules.
Same for empty bag - though you could always toss some dirty laundry in to weight it down. ("Damn that's a light bike!")