Bike friendly airlines

[Alan Kimber]

I have a trip planned to the GDMBT this year in July. Just researching airlines. I'm flying from Glasgow UK to Calgary. First choice is British  Airways, but asking if any of you have good experience with WestJet, Air Canada or other airlines? I might just use a clear bike bag this time,  rather than a box.

Thanks

Alan

[Alan Kimber]

A maximum of one bicycle and one helmet are allowed per guest.
All applicable oversized, overweight and extra piece fees apply - please see below. For example, if a bicycle is more than 115 inches in combined dimensions both overweight and oversize, fees will be charged.

This is the info from WestJet just now.
This is the info from WestJet just now. Any comments?    You may check your bicycle and container with a maximum weight of 45 kg (100 lb.) without paying an excess weight fee
dimension of 292 cm (115 in.) without paying an oversize baggage fee
A bicycle (including the container) exceeding the maximum:
weight must be shipped by cargo
dimension of 292 cm (115 in.) is subject to oversize baggage fees
length of 3 m (118 in.) is not accepted
WestJet may refuse carriage of improperly packaged bicycles. A bicycle must be packed flat in a bicycle bag or box. Before flying with your bike, please:
Remove pedals.
Partially deflate your tires.
Fix handlebars sideways.
Pack the bicycle in a box or bag to protect your bike and prevent leakage from bicycles containing hydraulic fluid.

[DarrenBnYYC]

Although I have never flown with a bike using Air Canada, I generally avoid them for their poor customer service. And I suspect most Canadians would prefer the customer service of WestJet over Air Canada, if they have a preference.

WestJet is also based out of Calgary, meaning they have a lot of direct flights in and out of Calgary, which may be important if you are traveling across Canada.  And they have a large presence at the Calgary Airport with excellent service, in case that matters to you.

Best to call ahead to WestJet and Air Canada and ask about their policies. Note that Air Canada has been accused in the media many times recently as quoting one policy but enforcing another, so be sure to ask their customer service reps about where their policies can be found online so that you can verify that it matches what they offer verbally (I even recall a traveler's complaint with unexpected bicycle fees on Air Canada making it on the news within the last year, but I can't seem to find it now).

Hope your tour on the GD is fantastic.

[Gr.CD]

I have a trip planned to the GDMBT this year in July. Just researching airlines. I'm flying from Glasgow UK to Calgary. First choice is British  Airways, but asking if any of you have good experience with WestJet, Air Canada or other airlines? I might just use a clear bike bag this time,  rather than a box.

Thanks

Alan

I've flown out of Winnipeg Manitoba to Hamilton Ontario with our bikes via WestJet and I'd say the experience was  positive and stress-free. One of the bikes was an alloy and was slightly over the weight limit. The lady in the WestJet front counter engaged us in a very friendly morning chatter and when I told her we were biking in the Niagara-on-the-Lakes promptly cancelled the overage charge and told us to enjoy a bottle of fine wine with it. Note though that I had the two bikes boxed and packed by my LBS. They used boxes that new, disassembled bikes come with. Hope this helps.

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[Alan Kimber]

Thanks for that reply.