Air Canada Clings Stubbornly To Bike Tax

Claims All Bikes Need Special Handling
by Larry Lagarde

Last month, I invited Air Canada to explain why they charge a $50 handling fee (each way) for baggage that meets their dimensional and weight standards for checked baggage but contains a folding bike. Although Air Canada has not replied directly to me, RideTHISbike.com reader L. Goddyn writes that he got a reply. By the looks of that reply, it appears that more cyclists need to voice their disgust with the airline's policy as Air Canada appears unwilling to change it.

Here's what L. Goddyn wrote:

Below is what Air Canada answered to my complaint about extra charges for a boxed collabsible bike. Pretty weak reply, in my view. They have invited me to respond to their message. I am not sure what to say now, except that:

I would hope that AC does not consider a bike-in-a-box to be the most fragile item that people put into checked luggage.

L. Goddyn

-----------Begin Air Canada Response----

Subject
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Folding bike charges

Discussion Thread
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Response (Susan Rabbitte) - 04/09/2009 12:34 PM Thank you for your email.

Our checked baggage policy for bicycles applies to all bicycles. Bikes are handled with special care to protect them from damage, regardless if they are collapsible or not. Exceptions are not made for specific brands or container types.

We invite you to learn more on our website at:
http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/sports_equip.html

We look forward to serving you soon.

Regards,
Customer Relations

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In my initial story on this issue, I covered why cyclists have legitimate reason to be upset about this senseless, inconsistent and obnoxious Air Canada policy. Most striking of all is the special handling that Air Canada claims is needed for any bike. That's hogwash. Many folding bike users fly with their folding bikes stored in regular, every day luggage without the airline's knowledge. Although those bikes fly without benefit of Air Canada's "special handling," they arrive without damage...

If you're displeased with Air Canada's bag policy concerning bikes, I cannot stress enough the importance of informing them how you feel. With so many folding bike users being flyers, no airline in their right mind would tell a significant segment of their market to take a hike. Right?

Complain To Air Canada