Gator ATA/TSA polyethylene cases

JDR · #1 04-25-2010, 10:40 PM

Has anyone had any experience with the Gator "ATA Molded Mil-Grade PE Case w/ TSA Latches for Bass Guitars" (GPE-BASS-TSA)(http://www.gatorcases.com/Default.as...alogID=11131)? If so, are they truly airline-worthy? I'm looking for an alternative to heavy, expensive, road cases (Anvil, Gator, etc.) for an occasional plane trip. Any first hand experiences would be appreciated.
P.S. If this bass case question is in the wrong sub-thread, please feel free to move it wherever appropriate.

svtb15 · #2 09-13-2010, 04:09 PM

Im looking for the same info right now..

jollygiantchris · #3 09-14-2010, 09:01 AM

As a former TSA officer I will note that if you have an approved lock with the symbol on it they will avoid breaking your bag. Usually the people that actually break your stuff are the guys that directly load the planes because the angles they have to work in are terrible so even if they wanted to place everything down perfectly they really can't.

billoetjen · #4 09-19-2010, 10:16 AM

bump, I'm hoping for a review without posting another thread.

svtb15 · #5 09-20-2010, 10:54 AM

I ordered the SKB44 the other day.. Should have it soon... Trip to Monaco and France in 3 weeks with the bass. .Will know more how it holds up on international flights after Oct12 when i return...

EASonBass · #6 09-20-2010, 11:37 AM

I have the Gator case but have not used it on an airline yet and I'm not sure I would. It seems that if something really heavy and narrower then the top or bottom "shoulders" where to be placed or dropped on the case, it could be problematic.

Great case for local hauling for sure.

I have flown with the SKB Bass Safe without issue.

jasonbraatz · #7 10-18-2010, 03:44 PM

Looking at these guys - any more thoughts?

johnbegone · #8 07-20-2011, 01:56 PM

Going to bring this thread back from the dead. Was looking for some new cases for my basses and just bought a pair of these sight unseen from MF.com (had a gift card). Hoping for the best, but the reviews on the site sound stellar and the cases look awesome in pictures.

Says they won't ship till 8/1 so I'll report back once I get them. I don't do a lot of flying with my basses right now, but will begin doing so soon. Mostly these cases are for touring on the road.

If anyone else has these and wants to chime in, now would be the time

johnbegone · #9 07-27-2011, 07:55 AM

Received one from MF and the corner was damaged, looks like it was dropped pretty hard in the box. Sent it back for an exchange, but that doesn't give me a whole lot of faith in the case. Ah well, good looking case either way