So, my first time flying with my bass. What precautions?

**Mark Wilson** · #1 05-31-2008, 11:34 AM

So, July 6th I'm flying out to Prince Edward Island for a gig. Some Festival.

I've never flown with a bass before. I'm taking a bass and a suitcase.
Could I bring the bass as a carry on? In a gigbag?
Or should I just use my hardshell case, stamp Fragile all over it, and send it to baggage with padding and such?

I have until the end of June to figure this out. So anything will help guys.

Thanks.

Ben Lesser · #2 05-31-2008, 03:35 PM

Ewwwww. PEI?

I dunno what you can pad it with going over, but coming back, you can pad it with lots and lots of potatoes.

**Mark Wilson** · #3 06-01-2008, 12:16 AM

haha yes PEI!
I'm getting paid a good amount to go and play this festival!

MakiSupaStar · #4 06-01-2008, 01:28 AM

Gig bag and carry on. There's a pretty secure closet at the front of the plain where you can put it. Be prepared to slip the attendants (especially if they're sexy asian chick attendants) a small tip. They might not take it, but they will definitely appreciate the gesture. If they deny it, offer to buy them a drink when they get off the plane and then tell them that you would give them a free night of your man whore services in appreciation of their gentle treatment with your bass.

Atoz · #5 06-01-2008, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

Gig bag and carry on. There's a pretty secure closet at the front of the plain where you can put it. Be prepared to slip the attendants (especially if they're sexy asian chick attendants) a small tip. They might not take it, but they will definitely appreciate the gesture. If they deny it, offer to buy them a drink when they get off the plane and then tell them that you would give them a free night of your man whore services in appreciation of their gentle treatment with your bass.

This.

DanRJBrasil · #6 06-01-2008, 04:06 AM

if you're lucky you may take it with you in the seat , but if not you better have a hardcase in hand

**Mark Wilson** · #7 06-01-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

Gig bag and carry on. There's a pretty secure closet at the front of the plain where you can put it. Be prepared to slip the attendants (especially if they're sexy asian chick attendants) a small tip. They might not take it, but they will definitely appreciate the gesture. If they deny it, offer to buy them a drink when they get off the plane and then tell them that you would give them a free night of your man whore services in appreciation of their gentle treatment with your bass.

Sounds like a plan to me.

playinpearls · #8 06-02-2008, 06:15 AM

yeah, always carry on. My friend had a really nice Peavey 5 string (i dont know the model, it was like 2 grand) and he put his in a hard case and checked it with his luggage. The pressure inside the luggage compartment caused the bass to get a crack in the body. It was still playable....but it was a crack...

DanRJBrasil · #9 06-02-2008, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by playinpearls

yeah, always carry on. My friend had a really nice Peavey 5 string (i dont know the model, it was like 2 grand) and he put his in a hard case and checked it with his luggage. The pressure inside the luggage compartment caused the bass to get a crack in the body. It was still playable....but it was a crack...

I don't think it was the pressure there is no such thing you're not going outerspace, it was the handling.

Mon Rominee · #10 06-02-2008, 06:30 AM

Invest in a quality ATA grade flight case with dolly handle and corner roll casters. Mine is a gator brand that I lucked out on used. New, they're like 250 bucks.

I did the whole plane front closet thing once and got away with it, in a regular hardshell case. another time I wasn't so lucky, but slipped the baggage check a 20 and my guitar survived (couldn't believe it, I was a wreck the whole flight...

When I started flying with a bass, the ATA was the only real choice. Gator makes a light-duty molded "ATA" case that is cheaper, pretty nice, and makes claims of surviving up to 3000 pounds pressure force on the shell...they're like 100 bucks.

I know it sounds a bit much, but you can never be sure you can carry it on, and phone call promises can be recanted instantly when you get there regardless of any fuss you feel like making or names you cite in your argument, and then you're screwed, no matter how many promises of ______ you make, you stud. hahaha

Have a great show.