Flying NYC to London UK... best bass airline?

sybarite · #1 07-06-2008, 12:58 AM

I'm flying NYC to London. Any recommendations? Virgin & British airways seem to be the cheapest. I fly a lot in the US, but I've never flown international with the bass. I have gage case and in weighs in a just under 100lbs.

Thanks!

musicelectronix · #2 07-06-2008, 01:10 AM

I fly frequently from US to different regions of Europe, the one thing I learned is if you are not flying first class, just get the ticket with cheapest fare

It really doesn't matter much in terms of quality of the service, etc; but your baggage is heavier than usual. Prepare to pay more, IF they agree to take it on the plane. I am not sure, but I guess the limit should be around 90 lbs (ask the agency or check with the company).

One other thing, take the bass with you to the plane. The planes fly internationally have bigger compartments, those will accomodate a bass in hardcase.

bassbass · #3 07-06-2008, 01:45 PM

I have only used British Airways and wont even try anyone else....They take the bass as your 2 allocated bags (upto 23kgs each) and then you have to book an extra bag (if you are taking one along) which will cost £60 each way. I think this is quite reasonable. I've done it a few times and they've always been helpful.

sybarite · #4 07-06-2008, 11:28 PM

Thats great info thanks!

greg garrison · #5 07-06-2008, 11:38 PM

Flew American out of Denver in January, and am about to do it again this week. In Jan, I got put onto a BA flight last minute (couldn't make my AA connection in Chicago), and they wound up losing my bass for almost 3 days. AA charged me $100 each way for my bass in a Gage. No issues, very friendly in Denver and London.

It'll be interesting to see if things have changed much with the new baggage crap going on these days. Just flew from Portland, OR today on Frontier, and it cost me $50 for my bass- but our soundman got charged $325 for his gear on Delta!!! Crazy.

I've heard that Continental and US Air have a 70 lb. weight limit, so I always try to stay away from them.

Bruce Lindfield · #6 07-07-2008, 03:30 AM

If we're talking about Heathrow - they have been having problems with a new baggage handling system recently and a lot of stuff has been going missing.

You could try flying to another airport - like Gatwick etc.