Airline Travel With Upright Bass

[BrandonEssex]

Hey, I'm curious about how everyone deals with airline travel with a bass. Specifically, has anyone had experience with the newest restrictions for baggage size, which went into effect more or less across the board this month. Previously, the limit was 100 inches combined, (LxWxH). Now I'm seeing 80 inches total, which precludes even a bass with a removable neck in a flight case. I was just asked to do a tour on the other coast for the first time, and opted to FedEx a removable neck bass, rather than try to negotiate with the airlines.....
I did see on several airlines websites that it is possible to buy a seat for a bass. Is this the only option now?

[jsbarber]

I don't know how you'd fit a DB into the coach seats that I sit in these days - minimal leg room and luggage compartments overhead... Are they expecting you to buy a first class seat, or can it really be done in coach?

Jim

[bribass]

Originally Posted by jsbarber

I don't know how you'd fit a DB into the coach seats that I sit in these days - minimal leg room and luggage compartments overhead... Are they expecting you to buy a first class seat, or can it really be done in coach?

Jim

You need to request a bulk head set row if the airline will let you bring it into the cabin at all.

[Dave Whitla]

I haven't flown with the bass in a couple of years, but I used to fly with a trunk quite a bit. The bass trunk has always been oversize and overweight whatever the guidelines have been, but I've never been charged both fees. In fact, more that 50% of the time I didn't have to pay any extra charge at all to check it in as baggage. I'd always travel light as far as clothes were concerned (unless someone else, like an orchestra, was paying the ticket) so that I wouldn't have a second checked bag. When they'd ask how much it weighs, I'd answer "48 kilos", which put it under the magical 50, and I'd point out that it is a specially designed flight case with wheels for easy handling. Always show up early so the check in people are not under pressure yet and might even be in a decent mood. This also allows time to sort out any problems, hopefully.

I flew two or three times having a seat for the bass and had hassle nearly every time; once not even being allowed on the flight and being sent by the airline to the bus station

I think everyone has horror stories about flying with their bass. The alternative is to play something small, portable and high-pitched, and that just doesn't bear thinking about!

[MingusAmongUs]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWLc7eRq47E

[robobass]

Originally Posted by MingusAmongUs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWLc7eRq47E

That was great! I love Jay Leonhart.
Back to the topic...The people who make folding basses and fitted cases claim that their customers are never hit for oversize charges, though even these are outside the stated limits. I think that up until now, most airlines were somewhat flexible, feeling sympathy for artists and wanting to curry favor with frequent travellers. Unfortunately, things are so desperate nowadays for air carriers that all bets are off. If they think you'll still fly if they demand a hundred bucks extra, well, they need the money badly and they'll do it. Only the most ruthless and aggressive players are going to survive the current crisis, which isn't ending anytime soon, so don't expect compassion. I heard an interview the other day from a WSJ travel writer who said that you really shouldn't even book a ticket more than a month or two in advance without first checking up on the carrier's financial condition. My recommendation: Either ship your bass to the destination (besides FedEx, there are lots of small trucking companies and freight forwarders eager to make a buck - if you can find them), or try to arrange a rental. It's wishful thinking, but perhaps if airlines decide they're losing business because of restrictive and nebulous baggage policies, they will lighten up a bit, or at least make their policies clearer. There is a big difference between agreeing to an oversize charge when you book, and being totally at the mercy of the check-in people when you show up at the airport.
Robobass

[Bruce Lindfield]

I have noticed that there have been more threads on TB along the lines of "I need to hire a bass in xxxx..."

In Europe we have high-speed rail links to most cities - would that be any better?

[coreybass]

I'm currently on tour in the U.K., Ireland and Scandanavia. I fly with my bass in a hard foam case, which has been discussed here in the past. Works great. I've always been able to get my bass on the plane and only get charged about 65 percent of the time, usually for oversize, not overweight. That's domestically of course. In Europe, they don't seem to care about the size at all and it's just the total weight of everything you are checking and varies from flight to flight, airline to airline. I'm of the belief that it all comes down to who is checking you in. There just isn't much consistency.

Also, I'm not sure when all these new rules went into effect, but I flew over here on British Airways on April 28th and wasn't charged at all. Hope that helps!

Corey

[psycholalia]

Originally Posted by BrandonEssex

I did see on several airlines websites that it is possible to buy a seat for a bass. Is this the only option now?

Rufus Reed suggested purchasing a seat for your bass and place it in upside-down with the coil on the floor and the seat belt strapped around the middle. He may have added some blankets too. And the kosher meal.

[Jake deVilliers]

"And the kosher meal." LOL

Great, TWO inedible dinners!

[damonsmith]

I have gotten used to borrowing. They wanted extra last time for me EUB, the key is they will take it, and the costs are clear. Traveling with just a bow case as I will do this sat. to Chicago is pretty nice. I have to bring an end pin, the bass I am borrowing has a really funky not adjustable bent endpin, so I bought the guy a cheap one, hopefully it works as carry on.

[neal davis]

did you get the non sharp tipped end pin? if not be ready for some hassle Damon, I've never been able to get a metal rod of any type on a plane, I had a carbon fiber endpin I bought in Europe confiscated at the security check because it was in my carryon and it did not even have a sharp tip