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-   -   Free Transport of Bicycle? (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-canada-aeroplan/1506036-free-transport-bicycle.html)

EuroRob Sep 25, 2013 1:48 am

Free Transport of Bicycle?
 
I was mildly pleased early this year when we were told bicycles would be handled free of charge on AC operated flights. I had plans to travel with a bicycle in August. But based on my recent experience, this benefit has not been widely communicated within AC.

Last month I had issues both times when checking my bicycle.

At the Elite counter in MUC, they wanted to charge me for the bicycle. They had no knowledge of any policy about free-of-charge carriage of bicycles. We talked to a Manager, he called somebody else. Still no confirmation. Finally, after 10 minutes and some muttering about SE's causing trouble, they accepted the bicycle free of charge.

On the return flight from YVR at the SE counter, I was told bicycles were free only for domestic flights. Again after some discussion, an "exception" was made and they agreed to accept the bike FOC.

I find it hard to believe that by August, AC staff are not aware of their clearly stated baggage policies? From the Altitude website:

Complimentary Sports Equipment Handling

Enjoy waived handling fees when special items such as bicycles and surfboards are checked within your complimentary checked baggage allowance on flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Express


With all that is being taken away, difficult to access the remaining perks.

payam81 Sep 25, 2013 8:51 am

Put this on your phone/tablet and show them when you run in to trouble.

AC clearly is not educating the front line staff on the (constant) changes...

https://www.aircanada.com/en/agents_...er-program.pdf

YYZFlyboy Sep 25, 2013 4:38 pm

This has been going on for a while....they seem to be making so many "enhancements" even the staff can't keep up with them!!

Back in June.......

With the new sardine planes, the ghetto airline (Rouge), recent eup offensive and the latest flex fare class disembowelment.......they are completely f'd!!

caziz Apr 11, 2021 11:09 am

Bumping an old thread
Does the Sports Equipment fee waiver apply on other *A carriers? Like UA?

capedreamer Apr 11, 2021 1:15 pm

Wow I did not know this was a thing! Would have loved to take advantage of it to transport my bike from BER to YOW last year.

tomvancouver Apr 11, 2021 7:10 pm


Originally Posted by caziz (Post 33169517)
Bumping an old thread
Does the Sports Equipment fee waiver apply on other *A carriers? Like UA?

No - UA have high costs for bikes (i.e. in a bike box). Last time I researched it around $250 from Canada to Europe. You need to look at each airline's policy on this. Its one reason why I use AC as much as I can when I take a bike. Sometimes the extra cost of the 'luggage' can be offset by travelling business - I flew BA from LHR to NCE and it was less expensive to get the Biz flight, which came with an extra bag allowance, than it would have been to travel economy and pay for the extra 'bag'. And I got the lounge etc. Some other airlines are pretty generous when it comes to bikes but you need to keep an eye on the weight limits. If you can get a bike that comes apart and fits in a large suitcase (eg Bike Friday or Breakaway) then you can check it as regular luggage (just don't declare it as being a bike)!

The Lev Apr 11, 2021 8:11 pm


Originally Posted by tomvancouver (Post 33170528)
If you can get a bike that comes apart and fits in a large suitcase (eg Bike Friday or Breakaway) then you can check it as regular luggage (just don't declare it as being a bike)!

One of these would do the trick - almost small enough to carry-on...
https://ca.brompton.com/bikes/brompton

folkart Apr 14, 2021 7:45 pm

How about an mountain
ebike with a large heavy Li ion battery, can the battery be taken onboard in carryon?

caziz Apr 14, 2021 8:01 pm


Originally Posted by folkart (Post 33178428)
How about an mountain
ebike with a large heavy Li ion battery, can the battery be taken onboard in carryon?

That one goes in the overhead bin lol
But I feel if they saw that battery, with all the fuss about them they wouldn't be pleased

Looking at UA's detail they measure these cases by both size and weight

TechnoTourist Apr 14, 2021 11:06 pm

TSA and CATSA also have limits on battery size (amperage). I've brought 2 bulky drill batteries on before without issue but an e-bike battery may be too big

leisurefly Apr 15, 2021 12:57 am


Originally Posted by folkart (Post 33178428)
How about an mountain
ebike with a large heavy Li ion battery, can the battery be taken onboard in carryon?

https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/guidelines-batteries
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...rport%20agents.


Batteries are generally restricted to 100 Wh or less with some exceptions up to 160 Wh.subject to airline approval.

​​​​​​Battery assisted bikes are not allowed.

folkart Apr 16, 2021 9:39 am


Originally Posted by leisurefly (Post 33178916)
https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/guidelines-batteries
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...rport%20agents.


Batteries are generally restricted to 100 Wh or less with some exceptions up to 160 Wh.subject to airline approval.

​​​​​​Battery assisted bikes are not allowed.

Thanks, I guess I won't be taking my ebike on any trips.

Adam Smith Apr 16, 2021 9:46 am


Originally Posted by folkart (Post 33182154)
Thanks, I guess I won't be taking my ebike on any trips.

AC Cargo can arrange shipment. And perhaps they could even arrange for shipment on the same flights. It just won't be free. It would be interesting to see what they would charge.

mountainboy Apr 16, 2021 10:41 am


Originally Posted by Adam Smith (Post 33182175)
AC Cargo can arrange shipment. And perhaps they could even arrange for shipment on the same flights. It just won't be free. It would be interesting to see what they would charge.

The regulations are so strict that most bike shops will only sell ebikes in-person, and will not do shipping. Even if the shop has the required dangerous goods permit. Some bikes (for instance Rocky) have their battery deeply embedded in the frame -- not easily user-replaceable -- and so disassembly isn't an option. Therefore I expect an owner will encounter great difficulty shipping their own ebike via any cargo or even a courier.

I recommend buying lighter bikes (high end), and becoming stronger :)

FlY2XS Apr 16, 2021 5:47 pm


Originally Posted by mountainboy (Post 33182314)

I recommend buying lighter bikes (high end), and becoming stronger :)

Easy there, for some of us it might require getting younger. Older riders (some of whom could have spanked you on that climb back in the day) have become the biggest demographic for E-bike according to one article I read. Less time to ride combined with declining cardiovascular health make these assisting bikes a very nice option. Then add in that the proper brand ones are very expensive and we are the Gen with the available fund$. I could spend 15K on an S works which isn't gonna help my MAMIL rear end up that hill much, but 10k on a Turbo sure will.
My riding group were mostly 10 years younger than me, and I stopped going on the group rides a few years ago when I could no longer keep up - no one wants to be that guy. These are a very attractive option for me.
Almost bought one last year, but DW forbade it, said I was giving in.
If they are very hard to bring along, it does shift the buying value proposition for someone who plans to live in more than one place.


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