Jul 8, 2017, 8:42 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Bicycles
We’ll accept non-motorized bicycles with single or double seats (including tandem) or up to two non-motorized bicycles packed in one case as checked bags.
If the bicycles are packed in a container that’s more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and/or 62 total linear inches (158 centimeters) (length + width + height), they’ll be subject to standard service charges for oversized and overweight bags. Service charges for first, second and extra checked bags may apply.
If the bicycles are packed in a container that’s less than 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and 62 total linear inches (158 centimeters), they won’t be subject to service charges.
Service charges for first or second checked bags may apply.
There are a few restrictions to traveling with bicycles:
We’ll accept non-motorized bicycles with single or double seats (including tandem) or up to two non-motorized bicycles packed in one case as checked bags.
If the bicycles are packed in a container that’s more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and/or 62 total linear inches (158 centimeters) (length + width + height), they’ll be subject to standard service charges for oversized and overweight bags. Service charges for first, second and extra checked bags may apply.
If the bicycles are packed in a container that’s less than 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and 62 total linear inches (158 centimeters), they won’t be subject to service charges.
Service charges for first or second checked bags may apply.
There are a few restrictions to traveling with bicycles:
- The handlebars must be fixed sideways and pedals removed, or all loose items must be enclosed in plastic foam or similar protective material, or the bicycle should be transported in a sealed box
- If your itinerary includes a United Express® flight, please contact us for information about limits with space on the aircraft
- We’re not liable for damage to bicycles that don’t have the handlebars fixed sideways and pedals removed, handlebars and pedals encased in plastic foam or similar material, or bicycles not contained in a cardboard containers or hard-sided cases
Bicycles
United accepts non-motorized bicycles with single or double seats (including tandem) or up to two non-motorized bicycles packed in one case as checked baggage. If the bicycle(s) are packed in a container that is over 50 pounds (23 kg) and/or 62 (158 cm) total linear inches (L + W + H), a $150 USD/CAD service charge applies each way for travel between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and a $200 USD/CAD service charge applies each way for all other travel. If the bicycle(s) are packed in a container that is less than 50 pounds (23 kg) and 62 (158 cm) total linear inches (L + W + H), there is no bicycle service charge, but the first or second checked bag service charges may apply.
The following are bicycle restrictions:
Note: Bicycles will not be accepted during an excess baggage embargo when no excess baggage is allowed.
United accepts non-motorized bicycles with single or double seats (including tandem) or up to two non-motorized bicycles packed in one case as checked baggage. If the bicycle(s) are packed in a container that is over 50 pounds (23 kg) and/or 62 (158 cm) total linear inches (L + W + H), a $150 USD/CAD service charge applies each way for travel between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and a $200 USD/CAD service charge applies each way for all other travel. If the bicycle(s) are packed in a container that is less than 50 pounds (23 kg) and 62 (158 cm) total linear inches (L + W + H), there is no bicycle service charge, but the first or second checked bag service charges may apply.
The following are bicycle restrictions:
- Handlebars must be fixed sideways and pedals removed, or
- All loose items must be enclosed in plastic foam or similar protective material, or
- Bicycle should be transported in a sealed box.
- If your itinerary includes a United Express flight, please contact United for information regarding aircraft cargo hold limits
- United is not liable for damage to bicycles that do not have the handlebars fixed sideways and pedals removed, handlebars and pedals encased in plastic foam or similar material, or bicycles not contained in a cardboard containers or hard-sided cases.
Note: Bicycles will not be accepted during an excess baggage embargo when no excess baggage is allowed.
Consolidated "Bicycle - Related Fees, Policies, etc. on United" Thread [Merged]
Nov 22, 2011, 8:18 pm
#78
Company Representative, United Airlines
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Chicago, Houston, or somewhere in between
Posts: 2,176
United just changed their baggage policy and are forcing me to change carriers.
I am a cyclist. Like many cyclist who travel a lot I have a specially made bike that fits into a regulation sized bag. There are many companies that do this (S&S, Ritchey) These bikes break down to fit into a regulation size bag (61") and my bag, with bike, seldom weigh more then 40 pounds.
United's new policy now charges $100 each way for a regulation sized bag if it contains a bicycle. No other Airline charges in this manner.
I am a 1K with close to 1,000,000 miles. United has forced me to fly other carriers who do not charge extra for regulation sized bags based on content
I am a cyclist. Like many cyclist who travel a lot I have a specially made bike that fits into a regulation sized bag. There are many companies that do this (S&S, Ritchey) These bikes break down to fit into a regulation size bag (61") and my bag, with bike, seldom weigh more then 40 pounds.
United's new policy now charges $100 each way for a regulation sized bag if it contains a bicycle. No other Airline charges in this manner.
I am a 1K with close to 1,000,000 miles. United has forced me to fly other carriers who do not charge extra for regulation sized bags based on content
Shannon
Nov 22, 2011, 8:26 pm
#79
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
UAInsider
Well done. That's why we like UA
Responsive to customers
Straightforward
Willing to admit mistakes
Not stupid
More interested in building long term relationships than collecting the last nickel today
You just bought yourself a whole bunch of goodwill
Well done. That's why we like UA
Responsive to customers
Straightforward
Willing to admit mistakes
Not stupid
More interested in building long term relationships than collecting the last nickel today
You just bought yourself a whole bunch of goodwill
Nov 22, 2011, 8:43 pm
#80
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,135
Nov 22, 2011, 8:48 pm
#81
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: 1K on UA, Platinum on CO
Posts: 336
The bike is disassembled. It is, therefore, not a complete bicycle. If you feel a morality pang, take out one pedal and put it in a carry on. Now it's absolutely not a bicycle. If asked by the check in agent what the bag contains, you can honestly explain "It contains a variety of disassembled bicycle PARTS."
If asked if you can assemble them into a complete bike, you can honestly say "no."
Voila: No bike fee.
Nov 22, 2011, 8:49 pm
#82
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Programs: Hertz and Best Western, a free agent in all other respects
Posts: 384
As I understand it, it's against the rules to lie about TSA regulated items like explosives. A bike isn't on the TSA regulated items list. Lying to a United TA about a bike isn't the same thing. And it's perfectly appropriate, IMO. Put the burden on them to find it and charge you.
And you have plenty of time to think up a response if you get busted. "I often lie when someone tries to rip me off."
And why would a TSA bag inspector report a bike to the airline?
And you have plenty of time to think up a response if you get busted. "I often lie when someone tries to rip me off."
And why would a TSA bag inspector report a bike to the airline?
Last edited by iluv2fly; Nov 23, 2011 at 4:13 am Reason: language
Nov 22, 2011, 9:54 pm
#83
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 8,796
Hi suftel, thanks for bringing this to our attention. If you’re traveling with a bike that folds down and meets the dimensions for a first or second checked bag, then this would be the only fee that applies. If you have an Elite status that allows you to check bags for free, then the charge would be waived (unless you’re checking other bags too, of course). If you’re traveling with a bike that does not fit into a regular sized bag, then the charges outlined on our web site apply. We’re working to add this clarification to our web site and to update our internal reference sources. Thanks again for alerting us to this oversight.
Shannon
Shannon
Hooray Shannon
Nov 23, 2011, 8:20 am
#85
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: LHR (sometimes CLE, SFO, BOS, LAX, SEA)
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 5,893
Hi suftel, thanks for bringing this to our attention. If you’re traveling with a bike that folds down and meets the dimensions for a first or second checked bag, then this would be the only fee that applies. If you have an Elite status that allows you to check bags for free, then the charge would be waived (unless you’re checking other bags too, of course). If you’re traveling with a bike that does not fit into a regular sized bag, then the charges outlined on our web site apply. We’re working to add this clarification to our web site and to update our internal reference sources. Thanks again for alerting us to this oversight.
Shannon
Shannon
Nov 23, 2011, 10:30 am
#86
Used to be 'g_leyser'
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Brandon Johnson International Airport (expect delays)
Programs: AA PlatPro, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Plat, Reno Air MEGA Platinum
Posts: 10,036
Dec 1, 2011, 11:47 pm
#87
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 159
Baggage allowance to India
Flying to BOM on award business ticket, one itinerary all the way this month. UA sfo-pek, Pek-sin on CA and SIN-BOM on SQ...From what I know UA allows 3 bags right? and I want to know if UA allows 3 bags to all destinations it serves if your flying business?
Last edited by vishal407; Dec 1, 2011 at 11:53 pm
Dec 2, 2011, 12:12 am
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SJC, SFO, YYC
Programs: AA-EXP, AA-0.41MM, UA-Gold, Ex UA-1K (2006 thru 2015), PMUA-0.95MM, COUA-1.5MM-lite, AF-Silver
Posts: 13,437
3 70 pound bags.
If your itin does not require you to collect your bags at baggage claim at a connecting or stop over airport, then you are fine. Otherwise, you might be subject to the connecting airline' policies. On the return, you will be subject to the first airline's policies.
Consider flying UA to BOM via EWR.
Dec 2, 2011, 7:43 am
#89
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DFW
Programs: UA peon (+decades 1K), AA Exec Plt
Posts: 1,117
UAInsider
Well done. That's why we like UA
Responsive to customers {michael d}
Straightforward
Willing to admit mistakes
Not stupid
More interested in building long term relationships than collecting the last nickel today
You just bought yourself a whole bunch of goodwill
Well done. That's why we like UA
Responsive to customers {michael d}
Straightforward
Willing to admit mistakes
Not stupid
More interested in building long term relationships than collecting the last nickel today
You just bought yourself a whole bunch of goodwill
Dec 2, 2011, 11:19 pm
#90
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DCA ZWU
Programs: AGR WOH
Posts: 1,785
If you’re traveling with a bike that folds down and meets the dimensions for a first or second checked bag, then this would be the only fee that applies. If you have an Elite status that allows you to check bags for free, then the charge would be waived (unless you’re checking other bags too, of course). If you’re traveling with a bike that does not fit into a regular sized bag, then the charges outlined on our web site apply. We’re working to add this clarification to our web site and to update our internal reference sources. Thanks again for alerting us to this oversight.
I once booked a transcon on JetBlue (same price as UA, including one bag) because they were absolutely clear that they would not charge for a checked folded bike -- and I did not feel comfortable "stretching the truth" with a UA agent, which I have had to resort to in the past. ("Oh, it's sporting equipment.")
The other thread, BTW, did not mention folding bikes, only full-sized bikes.