Airline policies for flying with a removable neck DB...

Brian K · #1 01-28-2011, 11:47 PM

Hi gang.

I'm looking for info on policies and pricing from different airlines for flying with a bass in a removable neck flight case.

This past summer I had the neck chopped off my bass, and bought a Gage removable neck carbon flight case.

The body and bow and bag in the flight case weigh 49lbs. The neck in it's case is less than half of that. They can go as two cases or strapped together as one.

I've only been flying in Canada and the UK so far. The Canadian airlines have been great with it. Air Canada and West Jet cost $0 - $50 for oversize. Unfortunately Porter won't take it, or at least that's what the customer service people say, as their x-ray machines won't fit it.

Any experiences with a bass in this state on the US airlines? Or in Europe?

Next month I'm going to fly from Buffalo to Memphis, and I hope to hear of some experiences with different airlines and flying with a removable neck db. The cheap tickets are from Delta or Continental, but info about any airlines will be useful in the future.

Thanks,
b

Andrew McGregor · #2 01-29-2011, 12:46 AM

There is an international treaty governing this. Airlines are not allowed to refuse to carry musical instruments, and oversize charges can't be any more than standard. X-Ray inspection is not an excuse, as you can always have it hand inspected. Airline personell can't be relied upon to actually know this, however.

PaulCannon · #3 01-29-2011, 03:09 AM

Always best to either call ahead and speak with someone in a manager position (write their name down), or print out the airline's official policy regarding instruments.

Continental's official policy specifically mentions double basses, and that they cost $100. Because your bass is now below the magic 50 pound line, it might cost a bit less to check it normally. If you fly Continental, print the policy in case they refuse you outright, but don't mention it unless they ask for more than $100.

I've heard from many people that Delta is awful to fly basses with.

Local favorites seem to be Southwest and Jet Blue. Southwest might charge as little as $25 if it's under 50 pounds. Normally it's $50 under 100 lbs.

JAKBOUND · #4 01-29-2011, 05:27 AM

Does anyone have any experience flying from France to the USA with a regular trunk? Later this year I will be bringing a bass back to Texas. I'm wondering between Continental and Air France. Also does anyone know of a trunk / case manufacturer in France?

PaulCannon · #5 01-29-2011, 06:01 AM

As I posted above, Continental has a good policy, which is available in writing on their homepage, regarding double basses. It is a flat $100 charge, even on international flights.

I have not flown Air France with a bass, but I have heard their charges can be absurd and are haphazardly assigned by the clerks.

If you want to buy a case while in France, I don't know of any specific brands. You may want to contact the shop your new bass is coming from (Laborie?). However, particularly with the exchange rate, it may be cheaper to buy a new case in the States and fly it empty to France.

Jason Sypher · #6 01-29-2011, 06:14 AM

Do not fly Delta...they are awful and occasionally refuse to take it AT ALL!
I've heared good things about Continental.

Alex Scott · #7 01-29-2011, 06:46 PM

I did just that, same flight back and forth from houston to paris.

Definitely call ahead and have them note it on your ticket, don't just ask. They did give me a little hassle from houston to paris, but in paris they were totally cool with it.

JAKBOUND · #8 02-03-2011, 02:22 PM

Paul
Continental it will be. Hopefully in August.

Original plan was to head out to Asia with it but that is now in doubt. Tell your teacher the big English guy has one on order, as he suggested. I am trying to get a price on the Cosi case in France, but at $100 each way that may not make much sense. Now I just need to save up for the Boris bow, and do some serious practice!!!!

JAKBOUND · #9 02-03-2011, 02:28 PM

Cosi have a new web page, with dealers which solves the problem.

Brian K · #10 03-07-2011, 02:32 PM

Flew there on Delta, flew home Air Canada.

Because the Gage removable neck trunk can be under 50lbs when you check the neck case separately, I paid no overweight either way. Because they were nice, I didn't pay oversize either way either.

Life is good.

dansolobass · #11 04-15-2011, 07:32 PM

Where can you buy the Gage travel case for a bass with a removable neck?

Stilettoprefer · #12 04-15-2011, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dansolobass

Where can you buy the Gage travel case for a bass with a removable neck?

Where can you find a bass with a removable neck?

Eric Hochberg · #13 04-15-2011, 09:47 PM

Haven't you guys heard of Google?

Stilettoprefer · #14 04-15-2011, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Hochberg

Haven't you guys heard of Google?

I meant more along the lines of playing one:P

dansolobass · #15 04-16-2011, 09:52 AM

I have a bass with a removable neck and am looking for a flight case for it in two parts for easier travel. I was referring to the first post in this thread where Brian K said he bought a Gage removable neck carbon flight case. I've looked around everywhere and cannot find any info on it, although I've heard from various builders that David has been working on the design.

damonsmith · #16 04-16-2011, 10:21 AM

Policies? If only....

paulunger · #17 04-17-2011, 10:20 AM

Southwest is definitely the best airline for basses.

I have flown with my "Folding Bass" twice and they just checked it as baggage. No extra charge.

Feral Feline · #18 04-21-2011, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulunger

Southwest is definitely the best airline for basses.

I have flown with my "Folding Bass" twice and they just checked it as baggage. No extra charge.

Great. Does Southwest fly Hong Kong to Vancouver? London to Buenos Aires? George Town to Dubai?

Seriously, this is an interesting thread and I hope someone can contribute experience with detachable-necked basses and associated trunks/cases with other airlines around the world. So far my travel tales involve only ferries, public transportation in its many guises and private vehicles...

arnoldschnitzer · #19 04-22-2011, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dansolobass

I have a bass with a removable neck and am looking for a flight case for it in two parts for easier travel. I was referring to the first post in this thread where Brian K said he bought a Gage removable neck carbon flight case. I've looked around everywhere and cannot find any info on it, although I've heard from various builders that David has been working on the design.

I shipped a bass out yesterday in the new Gage case. I found the design and execution to be spot-on. The neck, tailpiece and bridge go into a foam-core rifle case with handle, which attaches to the main case with velcro straps. It can be removed to keep the weight down. Because of restraints on travel with a full-sized case, we've been setting up a lot of New Standard basses with a removable neck (a single bolt), and recommending this case to travelers. It's expensive, but does the job well.

**Freddels** · #20 04-22-2011, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feral Feline

Great. Does Southwest fly Hong Kong to Vancouver? London to Buenos Aires? George Town to Dubai?

Seriously, this is an interesting thread and I hope someone can contribute experience with detachable-necked basses and associated trunks/cases with other airlines around the world. So far my travel tales involve only ferries, public transportation in its many guises and private vehicles...

Check out this thread:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f1/ult...b-w-rn-614664/