Flying out of LAX with a bass?

VondaP · #1 05-16-2011, 08:21 AM

My daughter and I are looking to fly out of either LAX (nonstop) to Lubbock, TX or from Ontario, Ca (plane change) to Lubbock. We are looking at a flight around 10:00 a.m. on a Sunday. I have never flown out of LAX, but have flown out of Ontario (no bass). Ontario is smaller but does not offer a nonstop flight to Lubbock. We will be flying SW with her bass in a flight case.

Any suggestions?

Thanks so much.

txstatebass · #2 05-16-2011, 09:20 AM

I had no problems out of LAX about two years ago. Just make sure to let TSA know that it is very important to re-pack the bass correctly. Put a diagram inside the case to help. Be nice to TSA. A personal lock on the case used to insure that you would be present if they decide to open it up. SW is a good crew to fly with. Enjoy your trip!

Eric Hochberg · #3 05-16-2011, 09:28 AM

Southwest may offer shipping from their cargo terminal, too. Would save you the hassle of showing up with it at check in.

mattgray · #4 05-16-2011, 09:35 AM

I fly in and out of LAX to get from home to school, and it's never been much of a hassle. Chances are, they won't even open the flight case. They usually take it over to the TSA guys after check-in which is in plain sight to everyone else, and they usually just swab it and maybe open it just to make sure that it's in fact a bass. Just make sure that you watch them, and if they do take the bass out, try to get to see them from a good angle and make sure that they're doing everything right. If they are about to get something wrong, calmly tell them how to best pack it up again; they'll do it your way. They see a lot of basses go through LAX Southwest and they're really good with handling them.

mattgray · #5 05-16-2011, 09:37 AM

Also in regards to Eric's post, it's much, much more expensive to fly your bass cargo than with you. If you take it with you to the airport as checked luggage, it's $50 for the oversize and overweight fee. Shipping the case alone once cost me hundreds of dollars on cargo; not to mention that you'll still have to get it from the Lubbock cargo hold.

VondaP · #6 05-16-2011, 09:52 AM

Thank you all so much. We have never flown with the bass before and are quite nervous. Any other suggestions or pointers?

Vonda

skidrawk · #7 05-16-2011, 09:57 AM

Cover the case with NRA stickers. Hope this helps.

VondaP · #8 05-16-2011, 10:33 AM

NRA stickers on order (144 of them)

Vonda

Eric Hochberg · #9 05-16-2011, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattgray

Also in regards to Eric's post, it's much, much more expensive to fly your bass cargo than with you. If you take it with you to the airport as checked luggage, it's $50 for the oversize and overweight fee. Shipping the case alone once cost me hundreds of dollars on cargo; not to mention that you'll still have to get it from the Lubbock cargo hold.

Phoenix to Chicago was $80 cargo a few years ago on SW. You won't know how much you're going to pay if you check it in with you until you get there, IME, but it seems you know LAX and SW, so...

wacko hatrack · #10 05-16-2011, 10:53 AM

Don't fly with a bass that if it gets damaged you'll always regret...it's much easier to rent a bass when you get to where ever you want to be. But if you have to fly with a bass make sure it's insured and has a TSA case.

Bassdirty · #11 05-16-2011, 10:59 AM

The way I see it, its no different than shipping a bass.
The way people toss that precious cargo around...sheesh.
Flight case is the best way.

YMMV

VondaP · #12 05-16-2011, 11:12 AM

My daughter will be attending summer camp at Idyllwild, Ca and then flying to Lubbock for a summer camp there. She really prefers to have her own bass to practice on. We do have a good flight case and the bass is a Wan Bernadel. She's only 17, this is her first bass.

Vonda

Mike Carr · #13 05-16-2011, 01:22 PM

If you feel better having a lock on the case invest in a TSA lock. About $20 max at the airport gift shop, less at a luggage store. The TSA guys have keys that fit it, don't lose yours! I've flow out of LAX many times, both with travel type basses and regular double basses. They are pretty good there, LA is an "music industry town" lot's of bass players fly in and out of there. Best of luck! Your daughter is very lucky to have such a nice bass at only 17, you must be a great mom!

VondaP · #14 05-16-2011, 01:31 PM

Thank you, I didn't realize a TSA lock existed. She loves her WB, but considers it to be a starter bass. She has high aspirations.

I will admit when she started playing in elementary school I really preferred that she played a smaller instrument. I backed off when I realized she really enjoyed it. She lives, eats and breathes playing her bass.

Vonda

Mike Carr · #15 05-17-2011, 12:46 AM

TSA can legally take bolt cutters to a padlock if they opt to inspect anything going on a plane. TSA padlocks have numbered keys which the TSA guys all have copies of, you get the same type of key. I'd say a WB bass is a very good start! Sounds like your daughter is on her way to becoming a fine bassist. My step daugher, now 25 started music at a very young age too. She sings, plays guitar, piano and is a songwriter. Just finished recording her second CD and has 1000's of fans and plays major shows all over China!

JAKBOUND · #16 05-17-2011, 04:25 AM

Check out this link for useful information . Carry the Southwest info it contains with you.
International Society of Bassists.
My Wan has travelled on Southwest half a dozen times without incident. At Houston they introduced me to the guy who would ensure the bass got from check in to the hold of the 737. Definitely made me feel better. They have always been more than helpful. The case I used was not the most protective available, but they never let me down. Good luck.