Packing for air travel

bassplayinggirl · #1 01-15-2008, 04:11 AM

I'll be picking up a new bass on my upcoming trip to the US next week, and was told that my 32" guitar won't fit into the overhead compartment on the plane.

I was planning on getting a high quality gig bag, but now don't know what to do.

Any advice?
BPG

MacktheKnife · #2 01-15-2008, 05:19 AM

I'm not sure why you put this in this section, but I've bought loads of guitars and basses back over from Canada/America, in normal hardcases and gigbags too, and never had any issues, they have always been with the rest of the checked in luggage too.

**Rodent** · #3 01-15-2008, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassplayinggirl

I'll be picking up a new bass on my upcoming trip to the US next week, and was told that my 32" guitar won't fit into the overhead compartment on the plane.

I was planning on getting a high quality gig bag, but now don't know what to do.

Any advice?
BPG

without disclosing your itinerary ...

which aircraft and which airline? this coupled with the specific airline policy for carry-on will be the determining factor.

here's another reason to install threaded inserts into your neck. this would then be a no brainer, as you'd simply remover then neck, wrap it in a towel, and then fold you gig bag in half so it now meets within carry-on size limitations

all the best,

R

**Basschair** · #4 01-15-2008, 08:22 AM

Gettin' moved...

Christopher · #5 01-15-2008, 10:30 AM

+1 to Rodent's suggestion. Get a bolt-on solidbody. Remove the neck and pack the two pieces layered beneath your clothes in a 26" tall suitcase with sturdy sides. Check in. Remember to pack a screwdriver. I've done this recently with zero problems.

If you insist on carrying on an instrument, God help you. Those who are lucky enough not to have been hassled by airport staff or forced to check a minimally-protected instrument are definitely in the minority.

bassplayinggirl · #6 01-15-2008, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopher

+1 to Rodent's suggestion. Get a bolt-on solidbody. Remove the neck and pack the two pieces layered beneath your clothes in a 26" tall suitcase with sturdy sides. Check in. Remember to pack a screwdriver. I've done this recently with zero problems.

Thanks for the advice, but it's a set-neck.
Mack just sent his bass to the gorillas in baggage? I have trouble believing that.
Help me!

Christopher · #7 01-15-2008, 12:55 PM

See if you can borrow or rent a flight case. If not, just pack the instrument carefully in a box and FedEx it to where you're going.

Pilgrim · #8 01-15-2008, 01:52 PM

The airlines are highly inconsistent on how they will deal with this. The only safe way is to plan to check it. You can not assume you will be allowed to carry it on.

First choice: Buy hard-shell flight-rated case, or at least a good stout TKL or other case. Insure the bass if possible and check it.

Second choice: find a hard-shell case for golf clubs in a used sporting goods store (or new, if you must). Put the bass in a gig bag - put the gig bag into the golf club case and add padding as needed. Ship. Re-sell golf club case when you arrive at your destination.

Hey, at least they are options!

bassplayinggirl · #9 01-15-2008, 02:28 PM

I like the creative suggestions! Golf bag might work, but there's only one golf course in the whole country, to resale possiblities are pretty slim. And transatlantic FexEx will probably cost as much as a flight case.

As soon as I hit town I'll go to the guitar shop and see if there's a decent flight case that will fit the funky-shaped medium-scale guitar, and will still be cheap enough to allow me to buy a gig bag, too, which I guess I can pack in my luggage. What a pain! And where am I supposed to store the hard case once I get it home? I live in a small country with small apartments and no storage. Damn. I already have trouble finding space for the 52" hard case for my acoustic, which I never use.

Maybe I'll just bring that one with me empty, then return home with it and the new guitar in it, in its gig bag, plus all my laundry and my winter coat. And three dozen pairs of socks.

CamMcIntyre · #10 01-16-2008, 01:01 AM

I've only flown domestically [USA]. I've had good experience with SKB standard hard shell cases. I checked my Ray5 in it's case when my show choir played at Disney World. We had a connecting flight at that, we flew: Indianapolis to Nashville to Orlando. On the return trip it was Orlando to Detroit to Indianapolis. Bass was fine-i wrapped the head stock in bubble wrap and put a layer of it around the bass. Duct taped the latches.

The airline DID remove the duct tape to inspect it, but then they put their ATA tape over them. If i remember correctly, the Ray5 was still in tune when i took it out of the case.

I also did a similar flight with an SKB Hardshell and my DeArmond Pilot [this time to Ft. Lauderdale instead of Orlando]. Bass was fine.

SKB hardshells are pretty cheap at around $100. I don't know if they make one that would fit the instrument in question though.