Help...flying with my bass

[DD Flynn (ddf)]

Does anyone have any thoughts on carrying the bass on in a softcase or checking with a flight case?
 
I have an essence and would need to buy a flight case, but would really prefer to walk it on, since there is a connection.
 
Any suggestions would help.

[Simon Taylor (staylor)]

Different airlines handle this issue differently.  Some airlines will allow you to carry on w/ advance notice.  Some will require you to purchase a second seat.  In the past, the second seat option has been offered at a discount.  However, last time I flew, the airline I flew with no longer offered the discount.  The basic message here is contact the airlines, tell them you are a musician carrying a valuable instrument who would like to know what your options are for the instrument.  Be prepared with its dimensions and, if they do tell you that you will be able to carry the instrument on the plane, be sure to find out if there are any special procedures required during check in and security-clearance with the instrument (many security stations these days have mandatory limits for size of carry on items).
 
If you decided to ship in a flight case, be sure to get a high quality flight case made specifically for your instrument.  The folks at Alembic can help to hook you up with this.  This is very important, as I know that other Alembic owners have had woes shipping instruments in regular hardshell cases.  Can't remember who, but I recall one of the club members telling a woe-full story of receiving their instrument with the headstock punched through the end of the hardshell case :-(
 
Also, if you decide to check it, you should still consult the airline to determine what level of liability coverage they have.  When I flew, the value of my Series II FAR exceeded the liability limit of the airline's baggage insurance.  You may wish to obtain full replacement insurance through a musical instrument policy like those offered by Clarion, etc.
 
I have recently flown using a custom flight case that I checked and it worked out well.  However, no matter how good a case you buy, remember that once it is out of your hands, all you can do is sit back and breath deeply until you pick it up on the other side :-)
 
Simon

[Jonathan Johnstone (stoney)]

Generally they will let you walk your instrument on the plane.  Call your airline and ask them. When you get to the counter, tell them you have called (if it's ok) and that you wish to carry your instrument.  They can also check it gate to gate but I wouldn't recommend doing that without a hardshell case.  When they do that, the put it on the plane in the passanger compartment and it'll be waiting for you in the jet-way, right next to the strollers!

[DD Flynn (ddf)]

I called the airline and they said it was up to the discretion of the flight crew...
 
The front area (in first class...I'm in coach) has this hang up area that would fit the bass fine.
 
I've not had good luck with luggage and planes and would be afraid to check it.

[Simon Taylor (staylor)]

Sounds like your choice is to show up at the airport, go through the hassle and either get on the flight or not get on the flight based on whether the flight crew will allow you to carry on your bass.  Not much of a choice.
 
If I remember correctly, the musician's union folks have been working for quite some time to deal with this issue, as many musician's have fragile instruments that are too large to call normal carry-on luggage.  I dug up a link from info that I read last time I traveled:
 
http://www.menc.org/information/infoserv/traveltipsformusicians.html

[DD Flynn (ddf)]

Thank you everyone for the info!
DD

[Wayne McLemore (wayne)]

Hey DD-
 
I'll chime in, being the woeful story that Simon mentioned.  That was a bass coming back from Santa Rosa via UPS.  A bit different scenario.
 
I've flown Southwest airlines recently with my Series II underneath in a custom flight case.  It was still in tune on the other side - going and coming.  If you do the filght case thing, make sure it has a secure lock.  Also, expect to get hit with an oversized luggage charge.  Mine was $45 each way.
 
About the hanging compartment:  I heard a story from a guy here in Dallas that used to tour.  He lost his '57 Strat that way.  He put it in the hanging bag area when he got on the plane, but the Strat left the plane before he did.  :-0
 
Good luck.  I know it's a hard choice to make.
 
C-Ya............wayne

[Dino Monoxelos (dean_m)]

Hey DD,
 
Here's my take.  I've flown many times with my Elan in a gig bag.  The two airlines I've yet to have any problems with are American and US Airways.  Here are some hints that seem to work for me.  First off, make sure your gig bag has a garment hook on the top.  This way you can carry it on as a garment bag.  When you get to the plane, just ask the flight attendant very nicely if there is a garment compartment that you could hang it in.  Most times they'll let you hang it in their storage.  Some times they'll say just put it overhead.  Which if that's the case at least you still have control over where your bass is being stored.  Be sure it's a good quality gig bag that offers plenty of protection.  If you stop and ask them at the counter, you run the risk of letting them say no to carrying it on.  Just walk on the plane like you've done it a thousand times before.  Just be very nice and polite.  If you do hang it, just be careful that it doesn't leave the plane before you like the poor guy from Dallas.  Good Luck - Dino