Can you bring a bike on southwest for free?

[EWG]

This has probably already been asked and answered, but the bike policy on southwest is confusing. Seems like maybe if the bike bag/box is small enough (under 62" maybe?) it can fly for free.

Anybody know for sure? Anybody know how it's measured?

[funkendrenchman]

Any experts on American, would be helpful as well.

[smmokan]

FWIW, it’s all about how much it weighs…. I’ve never had anyone measure a bike bag.

[El Chupacabra]

I haven't done it, but Southwest says a bike counts as one of your two free checked bags -- must fit within weight/dimensions, but whether they actually measure -- ?
https://support.southwest.com/helpce...tedSportsEquip

[toast2266]

FWIW, it’s all about how much it weighs…. I’ve never had anyone measure a bike bag.

That's always been my experience as well.

Although most airlines say they waive the dimensional restrictions as long as the bike weighs less than 50 lbs. Southwest doesn't - they say the bike has to be under 50lbs *and* less than 62 inches total (which no bike bag is). No idea whether southwest actually enforces that - I imagine it comes down to the mood of the gate agent.

[doebedoe]

That's always been my experience as well.

Although most airlines say they waive the dimensional restrictions as long as the bike weighs less than 50 lbs. Southwest doesn't - they say the bike has to be under 50lbs *and* less than 62 inches total (which no bike bag is). No idea whether southwest actually enforces that - I imagine it comes down to the mood of the gate agent.

I've flown several times on SW, always has counted as one of my bags. Never seen them measure, but mine fits into the standard dimensions (S&S couplers).

[Roxtar]

It depends if they consider it a checked bag like they do skis.
If so then the checked bag thing would apply; H+W+D<62" and weight <50

[EWG]

Based on all this and some other online searching, looks like it's damn near impossible to find a bike box that measures under 62" and they would require close to full disassembly anyway. $75 each way looks like the best you can reasonably do on southwest.

[CantDog]

Any experts on American, would be helpful as well.

Small n, but haven’t been charged overweight fee for my bike on American. One flight they asked if there was anything else in the box besides the bike, said no, didn’t get charged.