Travel basses (Anderson, Czech-ease) and airlines

[edwise]

I hope this thread is not redundant. For about 9 or 10 years now, I have been traveling with one of Ross Anderson's lovely travel basses (http://andersonbass.com/) and reasonably happy with it as it is very bowable and sounds very close to a full-size instrument when amplified well. The David Gage "Czech-ease" bass is a similar instrument.

In its fiberglass case, the Anderson bass was designed to check in at the airport undersize & underweight.

However, within the last year or so, the airlines changed the rules and came up with a measurement they call "linear inches", the sum of the length, height and width of an item. Now, to my best recollection, this is not an actual, geometric, mathematical measurement. It is purist ********, and is only an economic measurement, i.e. a way for the airlines to take even more of our money.

At any rate, the official size limit of a piece of checked luggage is 62 linear inches. The weight limit is 50 lbs. The Merchant MVB-2 in its travel case is 68 linear inches. I'm still researching what else is out there. When I find one that checks as regular baggage, I'll make a switch. Your ideas?

A solution that can and has worked for my Anderson bass, at least in a large airport with lots of traffic, is to use the magic words, "This is a cello" and you may be able to check it as a regular piece of luggage. But, if they measure it, you're gonna be out $100.00, which completely defeats the purpose of owning such an axe.

Also, for all you "stick bass" players - travel with it in a hardshell golf club case and TELL the airline check-in agent it's golf clubs. Never use the word "bass".

Just thought I'd let y'all know of my experience. Good luck out there in the world of basses and travel!

[igor kondur]

Yes, never say : bass, double bass etc.

I always take my URB in cabin! (I don't have a flight case, only soft)
Usually I don't show it on registration desk)
Or say: this is guitar)))
I fly about 70 times a year for the last 7 year( in Russia, Canada, China, Italy, France, Germany, Thailand, OAE etc.)And only once I put my EUB as luggage in AirBaltic airlines.

[Pat Harris]

I've flown with my NS CR4M and haven't had any issues traveling with it. I call it a "bass guitar" and depending on the fullness of the flight, I can either put it in the overhead storage, or gate check it with the soft bag inside of a hard case. I haven't met any resistance or had to pay any fees... knock on wood. I thought the AFM just had a resolution passed for uniform airline rules regarding instruments?

[bajocallao]

For Sale: JP EUB

Eminence bass has it right. A golf case checks in with absolutely no problems. I know eminence and Anderson sound and feel more like the original but they still need to be amplified.

For more real bass should get a rental

[Ike Harris]

Hello Ed-

Happy Thanksgiving. You might have seen my latest travel bass - the Omni stick bass. I got it after reading the updated regs on the various airlines - we fly mostly SW and United. Actually for the time being, United has the most liberal instrument checking limits - 90 linear inches and 50 lbs before fees are charged. The golf case limits have actually decreased to 60 linear inches. This applies to SW as well. So no more golf case faking for me.

You're probably aware of the new bill signed effective Feb of 2014 for quite large limits on instruments. That may explain the loosening at United. SW hasn't done much yet in that respect. Which policies are enforced and individuals who may deal with at any given time of course are always in flux in this whole mess, so I don't see a clear picture still on what is the best course to take in the near future.

Ike