Flying with my bass? Is it possible?`

tweek84 · #1 12-02-2010, 10:43 AM

so i gotta few questions, I flying out to Chicago for a few weeks and wanna bring my bass along, possibly play a show or two but I am worried about the flight process, does anyone have any experience with flying with there upright? Are there extra charges? Basically any and all info I could get would be great and if it isnt possible to fly with it does anyone know if any places in the Chicago area that rents a bass for a short amount of time?

j.stemmler · #2 12-02-2010, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tweek84

so i gotta few questions, I flying out to Chicago for a few weeks and wanna bring my bass along, possibly play a show or two but I am worried about the flight process, does anyone have any experience with flying with there upright? Are there extra charges? Basically any and all info I could get would be great and if it isnt possible to fly with it does anyone know if any places in the Chicago area that rents a bass for a short amount of time?

Flying with a bass can be very costly. If the bass is too big to go on as luggage, you will have to ship it as cargo (which is pretty expensive....). That, and if you have some attachment to your bass (which like all of us, im sure you do), flying with the bass can be pretty sketchy. I know guys with 200+ year old basses who have flown with them, only to get to their destination to find the bridge knocked over, etc. That isn't to say flying with a bass can't be done, it's just a hassle. show up plenty early to the airport, and hope for the best. Although if you're only going for a short period of time, renting a bass may be the way to go. Could be cheaper, and will definately be easier on your nerves.

James Simonson · #3 12-02-2010, 10:50 AM

I don't think too many people fly with uprights anymore. I'm sure they'll destroy you financially or the bass itself simply because they are annoyed with it. I think your safest bet would be an extra seat on the plane but they probably don't do that anymore. I flew to Europe with one in a giant case and it was crazy expensive. That was 10 yrs ago.

tweek84 · #4 12-02-2010, 12:16 PM

yeah it is def a huge stress on the nerves...do any of you know of a place i could to rent a bass for a short time, i will be in the chicagoland area as well as southern indiana for a johnyy cash tribute fest...i really wanna play but I am getting less and less optimistic about it

tweek84 · #5 12-02-2010, 12:17 PM

and i already got a ticket so its a little late now to say **** it and take the drive or a train and i would not be able to afford to buy a seat for it

Nagrom · #6 12-02-2010, 12:24 PM

You should be able to rent for reasonable, usually the same as 1-month.

Also, air cargo is not necessarily the same plane, day, airline, airport, terminal etc. as the flight you'll be on. And maybe closed on the weekend or after hours....

And if they smash your bass it's because it wasn't packed properly....

tweek84 · #7 12-02-2010, 12:35 PM

arent monthly rates usually about 75 bucks...i have never needed to rent before

Recamier · #8 12-02-2010, 12:37 PM

Hey, where are you flying from?

I have status on United and can check your bass for free if you are flying out of NYC on a thrusday afternoon (I fly every week for work). I'll put you on my companion list and possibly get you moved up to economy plus.

We can shoot the **** about bass. You'll make my flight more enjoyable.

PM if you can swing it, and we'll catch the same flight.

Edit: I fly chicago to NY on Monday mornings if you need a hookup on the way back. Also, I've seen people checking cellos in hardshell cases. So, you should be fine if decide to check it.

tweek84 · #9 12-02-2010, 01:08 PM

unfortunately I am flying out of San Diego on wednesday to Chicago...thanks for the offer man that would of been great...it'd be nice to sit with someone you doesnt suck, do some bass BSing. All i got is my soft case and that is one of the reasons i am really sweating flying with it

Geoff Firebaugh · #10 12-02-2010, 02:06 PM

DO NOT FLY YOUR BASS IN A SOFT BAG. Get a lightweight hardcase (west coast strings sells one). On southwest airlines it's 50 dollars each way to fly the bass. other airlines get pricey quick 200-325 dollars on Delta- American won't touch it. I fly my bass everywhere, the only downside is that TSA will open your case and you should ask to be present during the inspection, so you can see your bass is repacked properly. Of course, when I flew to LA last month, TSA busted the zippers on my case, so it's now trashed.

best of luck-

g

Estherfan · #11 12-02-2010, 02:11 PM

Which airline are you flying? There are some that are more okay with basses than others. Southwest is one of the best airlines for checking basses. If you don't have a flight case, you can usually rent one from a shop or maybe someone will let you borrow their's. As long as the case with your bass in it is under 100 lbs., you should be fine. Southwest charges $50 each way to check a bass in a flight case. I have heard of some people that carry-on their bass and buy an extra seat for it. This can get expensive, and with all the BS surrounding TSA these days, they probably would either grope your bass inappropriately, thereby humiliating it, or not let it pass through security. Flying with a bass is definitely a hassle, but sometimes the perks are worth it (i.e. getting to cut in line, getting into conversations with interesting people that you might benefit from later, etc.) Good luck!

tweek84 · #12 12-02-2010, 03:29 PM

I am flying american airlines on the way to chicago and on my way back to San Diego I am on continental airlines which is operated by American Airlines

tweek84 · #13 12-02-2010, 03:30 PM

looks like I migh have to default to finding a way to get a rental...i know of no one who plays upright back in Chicago which sucks so I cant borrow from a friend or anything