I am totally disappointed by this. How ironic that all 3 sporting goods items that was describe on the AirAsia website is not even an Olympic sport! Cycling being an Olympic sport is not even listed as sporting equipment.

If your looking at a profitability stand point doesn't it make sense to charge people who bring their golf bags and scuba equipment to their destination. Besides isn't AirAsia is about making money; charging for meals, pick seats, checking baggage....

To be honest cycling is the lowest carbon footprint equipment. Golf courses cut huge number of trees = increase carbon. Going to a scuba destination by boat which is powered by a petrol motor = increase carbon. Surfing and cycling uses only human power = no carbon increase.

AirAsia seriously has too look at its own policy of Sporting Goods equipment. In my view change the name since its misleading to begin with having non sporting items in there. They should also reconsider their policy to allow bikes on their planes without having to charge a bomb.

BTW: In Canada their airports have been specially retrofitted to accept bike boxes. This not only creates a bike friendly policy but also promotes cycling within the country.

I am a cyclist as well and I am aware that bicycles have been removed from Sporting Goods. But that shouldn't stop you from travelling with your bike(s).

May I suggest a foldable bike which can be packed into a 30 inch suitcase.

Not all foldables are necessarily flimsy commuter types. Dahon makes a number of serious touring foldables such as the Jetstream XP or the Speed TR. How serious? Check out Dahon's website for accounts of riders doing Madagascar and Canada. So I think a week jaunt in Indochina or a trans Indonesian archipelago cycling tour should not be an issue.

Disclaimer: I work for AirAsia and not Dahon but I think a sturdy tour-worthy foldable makes sense for the very reason you mention in your post. Good luck.

Dear Amir, Sorry for the late reply - I was still cycling around the world..

Thank you for your reply.

However, you simply do not understand.. To suggest I abandon our two bikes, which cost about AUD$25,000. (combined) and purchase two inferior machines is just ludicrous.
We are into our third year and eighteenth country on our tour.. As much as I would like, I cannot use AA now. In the past I have had a "go holiday" to Hong Kong (great) and some flights.
Whilst I understand you must toe the party line - as an AA employee... Could you not - "as a cyclist" - lobby your employer for a more "green" approach????

Ariff's comments are VERY pertinent also and very well crafted.

Air Asia IS a progressive airline with many innovations that have truly helped people to "fly".

This removal is a retrograde step - I was an AA customer and advocate, but now fly Tiger with AND without my bikes.. Do your sums AA, there are millions of cyclist out there and a potential revenue base...
Regards
Mal

Hi Guys,

I'm a little puzzled about this problem. Is bicycle listed as a sporting equipment or not? Because as of today (May 27th 2009) i checked the airasia.com website and it states that :
"#Sports Equipment Fee is charged for Golf, Scuba Diving, Surf Boards and Bicycles only. All other sporting equipments are accepted as part of the baggage allowance."

So does this mean that bicycle is relisted as a sporting equipment?


Regards,


Rick

Hi Rick
Sure hope they have - but it would pay to check with them. They are a good airline, very innovative.

Good luck with your bike

Hi Malcolm,

Thanks for the reply.. You're right, i think i'm gonna give them a call and ask directly.. I'll post the result here :D

Regards,


Rick

I don't mind traveling lightly.. but is it confirmed that a foldable bike which can be packed into a suitcase is free from the extra charges?