Airlines discriminate against cyclists.

Old post got sent back to me so I could repost.

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Arriving at Seatac Thursday afternoon with our neatly dismantled and packed bikes, Bill and I bellied up to the Air France counter (giddy) to check in for our flight for direct service between Seattle and Paris (yes that brand new flight that started service in June!).

For the past 7 years traveling to Europe, the one thing I could count on was free bike transport between the us and Europe. Bill and I couldn't believe the extortion Air France played on us by demanding $150 ONE way transport fee for our bike box. I asked the agent if they charge skiers for skis or golfers for clubs. Of course the answer was no. After the agent took my box off the scale that barely registered a number (a scant 24lbs) then demanding my Amex. Coincidently a dude with some massive production equipt loaded the same scale with over 100lbs. I sighed and resolved that it was those darn French that were taxing yet another American cyclist just as they diss'ed lance and Floyd the years prior. Next time I stay with my Danes and fly SAS to Kobenhaven!

I knew we wouldn't be boarding a Boeing, yes it was an airbus 300 as I'm sure if the government subsidizes the company, its national airline would never purchase a US jet.

Oh, just landed Paris! Love this city. Sunny and it feels like 68. Gotta run to catch flight to Venice. Bill and I are determined to get a ride in before Guy lands this early evening.