Armored Hen House

Tom Box

So I decided a couple months ago to get the armored hen house case from Ruster sports. I have a trek speed concept and went through bike dissemble before making the purchase so packing the bike was no problem. I used the case for the first time this past week flying from Oregon for Florida 70.3. I flew on southwest and no questions or comments about the case from the ticket agent. Only thing I needed to do is carry the two cases over to the oversize drop off area. $75 saved! However on the way home I obviously fell to the wrong agent. She seemed to know it was a bike without asking about it. I think the wheel bag gives it away. Right away she was charging me the bike fee despite my pleas that the case is specifically designed to be under the airline oversize/over weight standards. She was having none of it. I asked for a supervisor who came over after being prepped by the agent about it being a bike.

I know all about not saying it's a bike specifically ( ergometer, carbon fiber equipment, etc) but any suggestions on disguising the case even better? I was thinking I should have had my wife go to a separate agent with the wheel bag but our reservation was under one confirmation number. In the future I may do that and make her reservation separate from mine and have her go with the wheel bag to a separate agent.

Mike Roberts

Tom,

You got jobbed.  I've flown with the Armored Hen House 6 or 7 times (having to check baggage 12 or 14 times) and when asked, I always just say it's bike parts in two airline-approved suitcases, and they almost always just check them. The one time an agent thought about charging me, I told her to read their policy. When she couldn't find it, I showed her a copy I printed off before leaving.  She then agreed that bikes are regular luggage if they meet the weight (50lbs) and dimension (62') limits. She actually got out the tape measure, measured it, checked it as regular luggage.

I would pull up SW's policy on the website (I know for a fact it's 62' and 50lbs), then call them and get a refund. They'll probably give it to you. I'd also ping Ruster and let them know (their business model is based on airlines not doing what SW just did to you).

novaavant

I fly with a Pika soft case. On airlines that charge for first bag I usually pay for bag online before getting to the airport. Virgina America as an example I can pay for first bag when I check in for my flight online. This makes it easier for agent since it's already done and paid for and makes it more difficult (PITA) for them to change and charge you for a bike. I've done this twice flying to Alcatraz and it worked both times but I'll see if third time is the charm this June.

Unless they are in a real bad mood I find even if they ask they won't charge you because now they have to enter a bunch of new information and re-swipe your card especially if the check-in line is busy. I also put the case off to the side and let the agent do their thing and only put the case up at the last minute. If they do ask I usually just say it''s either camping gear or trade-show booth gear. Again, unless they really woke up on the wrong side of the bed they are not going to challenge your and make you open the case to prove that it's camping gear.

Kerrie Freeborn

If you flew Southwest on the flight home, I'd try appealing the charge by sending an email on their website. I read the Southwest policy after reading your post.

https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/special-luggage-pol.html#baggage_special_luggage_pol_tab_list_tab_13

As I read Southwest's policy, unlike some airlines, I think it says they'll charge you if it is an oversize bag (62"+) but not just because the contents are a bike. They've been reasonable to me in the past on the rare occasions when I ran into an employee who misinterpreted their rules. I'd say it is worth an email.

Sorry that happened to you.

Tom Box

Thanks everyone. I will definitely be sending southwest an email as well as Ruster to inform them of the events. Mike, I like your "bike parts in two airline approved suitcases" and will definitely use that next time. Paying for the bag ahead of check-in is a good idea as well although not helpful on southwest.

This is the kind of info I need for the future and why EN is such a great group!

Tom Box

Got my reply from Southwest. They are refunding the $75 the agent charged me in error!

Leslie Knight

Southwest charged me for my bike when I had it in a Pica Packworks.  I was on official military orders and they should not have charged me no matter what it was.  I talked to supervisors on both ends who were inflexible.  I didn't have the time or energy to fight it when I got home.  I'm getting a Ruster next.