Quote Originally Posted by shootingstar View Post
Air Canada does charge for non-folding bikes that are boxed up cardboard bike box. I believe the provide bike box. Ask if they have a used one, just in case. One takes off pedals and turns the handlebars sideways to slide in whole bike. Bring your own tools.
Flying with a full-size bike is a PITA I will now do everything I can to avoid.

Shootingstar is right about the pedals and handlebars (I also like to undo the derailer but it's not required) but not about the box. You can get a box from your bike shop, though. If you do use a box you'll need to take off the wheels, in which case I recommend wheel spacers (that will protect your fork and rear triangle against squishing). I've always been wanting to try the "clear plastic bag" version. An AC baggage handler (who's a cyclist) told me he thinks it's the safest way to carry a bike within Canada, because baggage handlers just can't pile it up with other stuff.

The quality of the welcome for bikes on Air Canada entirely depends on who you're talking to. They definitely do not offer boxes but you might score a big, clear plastic bag. Don't count on it though. I have a friend who got a big bag marked "AIR CANADA BIKE BAG" from one AC staff and then the next AC staff she saw emphatically denied that bikes were allowed on AC planes. (My friend won, eventually, but not without a fight.) In any case there's no more evading the $50 fee in my experience. However I believe WestJet still doesn't charge for bikes.

And just be aware you can't take bike tools in your carry-on. The warehouse where they sell the items that are seized at the security control is full of them!!

Seriously, if I was only 15 hours away as you are, I'd consider driving. Your environmental footprint will also be smaller that way, if it matters to you. Now I can't give advice about the dog aspect.

Good luck! It looks like the trip is worth it.