Carry-on on Frontier Airlines

[juggernaught]

Greg, that's exactly what I wanted.  Thanks.
 
I'm not taking it personally  I just get annoyed when I ask for an apple and I get a banana.  I'm just anal as far as getting info, that's all.

[jet_powers]

And fruit are fruit....

[juggernaught]

what?  how am I supposed to make apple pie with a banana?  Banana pie?  I'd like to see you eat that after some turkey.

[keith_h]

Devon,  
I've had more problems with AA as opposed to United and Delta and these are typically on larger aircraft such as 747's and 757's (in addition to MD-80's and 737's). Back to the point is no one can give you an answer as there are too many variables.  
 
By the way  I never have owned or used an ATA case. I always traveled with an old fashion hard shell.  
 
Keith

[juggernaught]

Too many variables?  Keith, it's pretty easy: either you have experience with Frontier or you don't.  If you have then you can answer the question.  Then it's up to me to evaluate the risk.
 
In regard to Greg and your experience, I may just bring a hard case and have them gate check it if they complain.  That sounds like a safe option.  Thanks a bunch for the great advice in the face of my silliness.
 
(Message edited by juggernaught on September 28, 2008)

[bsee]

Devon,  
 
I did a little research for you and here is what I have found.
 
First, the TSA doesn't have any policy to prohibit carry-on of musical instruments, so they'll let you through security.  We already knew that, but Frontier's documentation refers to the TSA regs, so I figured I'd make sure.
 
Second, in case you didn't look, Frontier's official written policy will prohibit you from carrying a guitar on the plane.  Their contract and website both say the following: Your carry-on bag's dimensions can't exceed a total of 49 linear inches (length + width + depth) and the bag can't weigh more than 35 pounds.  There is almost no way that any standard bass guitar, even a Brown Bass, would meet that size rule.  My SC measures around 57 linear inches before you even put it in a bag.  Certainly, there are travel guitars that would meet that spec and it's one reason I own a headless bass.  I'm a short scale player like you, so I can tune a Steinberger down a whole step and capo at the second fret to get a feel much like the SC in terms of scale.
 
Maybe the PlanetBass guys can lend/rent you a bass for the week?  If they are near your parents as opposed to a pilgrimage, maybe you can contact them ahead to ask?
 
(Message edited by bsee on September 28, 2008)

[keith_h]

If you decide to gate check don't forget to lock the latches. I also take a small bit of strapping tape with me and tape the latches closed at the gate.  
 
Keith

[oujeebass]

Yeah, unless it was for a gig, I wouldn't bother trying to take your bass. Unless you can risk its demise. I would just take pictures of it if you'll miss it.

[juggernaught]

Bob: yeh, that's what I gathered too.  I called a rep afterwords and they told me the official line with over-sized was if there's room in the plane or something to that effect, which isn't very reassuring.  Also, planetbass letting me rent one of their basses would be a dream come true, but I can't imagine them doing so.  
 
Keith: so you usually gate check it?  How many times have you done this, and has your bass ever sustained damage?  Do they ever give gate-checked items to the throwers?
 
Wade: my thoughts exactly.  It's just I have all this crazy afro-cuban to practice, and I don't want to fall behind.
 
(Message edited by juggernaught on September 29, 2008)

[keith_h]

I use to fly with my Jazz Bass up till 10 or so years ago. Mostly between the west coast and Chicago. It was generally a couple/few times per year.I mainly did it when I was going to visit old band mates or was on a temporary assignment for work that lasted a month or more. I've done it once or twice since then. I've never had any damage to the bass. The case however shows 30+ years of use.  
 
Typically I would add a little additional padding in the case and tape the latches down at the gate as I as said above. The gate person tags it and sets it aside with other gate luggage. At some point a baggage handler comes up and retrieves the  luggage. The few times I saw it loading from the cabin they put it on the conveyor into to the plane. Once you land the luggage is carried up to the gate by a luggage handler.
 
To be honest I wouldn't do it for a week long trip. Given all of the hassles of getting through security and the extra crowded flights I think the lighter you can travel the better off you are. If I still did long trips like the old days I would probably consider packing it up in a box or crate and overnight the thing via UPS or other courier service.
 
Keith

[Bradley Young]

Devon,
 
Every airline has the exact same policy on carryons:
 
Every single line employee that you meet along the way has the right to reject your bag.
 
Every one.
 
And the airline/TSA will back them to the fullest.
 
If a TSA agent decides that your instrument should not go through security, IT WILL NOT.  Go read the TSA guidelines: every line employee has absolute authority, and will be backed by management.
 
If the gate attendant decides that your instrument will not go on the flight, IT WILL NOT GO.  Same policy applies.  I have seen people kicked from flights for asking an impertinent question.  No kidding.
 
If the flight attendant decides that the instrument will not go in the overhead bin/must be checked, IT WILL, or you will get off the flight (and if you raise too much of a fuss you can be arrested).
 
So, the questions you should ask (rather than some specific airline):
 
Will someone be in a bad mood, and take it out on me?
Will the flight be oversold?
Do the people in question hate guitar players, because they just broke up with one?
 
These are the sorts of fickle things that could destroy your instrument.
 
Just in case it isn't already abundantly clear: an airline can have any policy they want, but if the flight attendant/gate attendant decides otherwise, that will be the official airline policy with regards to you and your flight.
 
Finally, I want to separate reality (the above) from my opinion, which is that this is really, really messed up, and makes me feel like I'm in a police state.
 
Bradley

[rockbassist]

A couple of years ago, I flew from Providence to Nashville and brought my bass in a hard case, as a carry on. I was told that as long as it fit in the overhead bin that I could take it. I asked them what type of plane I would be taking and then had them check the size of the bins. I made sure that they put a note in the computer stating that I would be taking a guitar on board so that I would not have a problem when I got my boarding pass. When I arrived at the check-in counter, I was told that I would have to check the bass and put in the cargo hold. I asked to speak to a supervisor and she allowed my to take the bass on board.  
Here is a link to a website that lists the airlines and the maximum size and weight that you are allowed to carry on. Good Luck
http://www.thetravelinsider.info/travelaccessories/airlinecarryonluggageallowances.htm

[basstard]

Bradley - you said that an airline employee has the right to say the luggage will not go. How do gigging musicians who have to fly with their instruments frequently manage then? Have you heard horror stories? I'm quite worried here because I'll be flying to Chicago (and back) with my band in early November...

[Bradley Young]

I have seen many, many horror stories in my frequent flyer days.  Not just instruments.
 
Musicians who fly frequently (I can't speak for all of them, but have seen enough to establish what seems like a pattern) use ATA approved flight cases and check their instruments.
 
The only other option (which I suspect upright bassists are likely to use) is to buy a seat for the instrument.
 
I didn't want to buy a flight case for my bass, which left me two options:
 
1) Buy a seat for the bass
2) Drive to Santa Rosa
 
Fortunately, the mothership is only 800 miles from home, and my brother lives nearby.
 
So, I drove.
 
The one policy that does matter with regards to airline policy: if you check the instrument, make sure that they are willing to insure it.  Also, I'd be hesitant to fly with an instrument that I could not replace for $2500 or less (the limitation of damages), even in an ATA case.
 
Bradley

[bsee]

I don't suppose the Brown Bass can be made to fit in the ATA case for your Distllate, can it?  Either that, or that you can take the Distillate with you to practice for the week and delay your sale until the trip is over?  Probably cost you $50-75 to check the flight case, though.  I bet they charge you that amount each way, too.  Financially, you'd do better to find the local guitar shop and buy the cheapest used Dean or Yamaha you can find and then sell it back at the end of the week if you can stand to play such an instrument.