Did you know that it can cost up to $100 to ship your bike one way on an airplane today---depending on the airline ?
With the holidays just about to begin, struggling airlines are using every available options to increase profits.
"I hope you would agree we are allowed to make a profit," said one airline spokesman, adding his carrier doesn't know what it costs to provide baggage service.
Click HERE for a full breakdown of how much it costs to ship a bike by plane.
According to the Wall Street Journal:
"We all know how frustrating airline baggage service can be. At least one passenger per planeload arrives without his or her checked suitcase, and others are left to discover damage to their luggage, or even theft. But airlines do spend a lot of money moving luggage.
Until recently, soaring oil prices were adding to that cost. That's why earlier this year, UAL Corp.'s United Airlines imposed a $25 fee to check a second bag on domestic flights, soon matched by most big U.S. carriers. In May, American became the first major carrier to impose a $15 fee on the first piece of checked luggage, also widely matched. Airlines also increased fees for large bags, heavy bags and people with more than two bags.
Today, most major airlines charge $15 each way to check one bag; $25 each way for a second bag; and as much as $125 each way for a third bag or any bag that weighs more than 50 pounds. Notable exceptions: Southwest Airlines Co. allows two free bags; JetBlue Airways Corp. and Alaska Air Group Inc. transport one bag free."