OK, here's the deal...I fly on the average twice a month with a bass and have been to most major airports. There are some airlines that will let you carry on a bass in a gig bag, but many won't. Some will make you gate check it, some will make you box it up in a cardboard box and send it as baggage. I don't even take the chance anymore. I bought an SKB Bass Safe and check my bass with my luggage. Since using it, my basses haven't endured even a scratch from flying. When I used to carry my bass in a gig bag and put it in the carry-on bin, I got it dinged lots of times from idiots putting their giant carry-on suitcases on top of it, so I actually feel better with it in the Bass Safe. Put a fragile sticker on it, and even though it might not prevent the baggage handlers from putting it on the bottom of a pile, it usually keeps them from throwing it. The Bass Safe leaves a lot to be desired since the locks are so flimsy, but I tie and wrap a bungee cord around the handle and it holds it together very well.
Bottom line, there is no 100% safe way to fly with a bass. And shipping a bass by FedEx or UPS is no better, either. Either get used to it or don't fly with a bass.
I agree with everything said here. Great advice.
I have flown with my bass
hundreds of time over the last ten years. I have used gig bags, big-ole heavy road cases, and plastic SKB-style cases. In all that time I've only had two instruments broken (that's what insurance is all about).
Lately, I have been using the SKB Bass Safe & I love it. The latches definitely look they will break eventually - at which time I will invoke SKB's great warranty!
Southwest Airlines has always accomodated my gig-bag as carry-on. Even on a full flight. Just make sure you are in the "A" boarding group.
Frontier Airlines has also been easy to work with regarding gig-bag carry on.
I've never had damage resulting from "gate-checking" my gig bag on a small turbo-prop or commuter jet.
Delta Airlines has been the
worst, traditionally. They refused carry-ons all together and wanted to charge exhorbitant fees for checking instruments. The musicians union boycotted them recently & apparantly won some concessions. Delta
should be willing to accept guitars as carry-on luggage. I haven't tested their new policy yet, however.
Most of the other airlines are a "crap-shoot" regarding gig-bag carry-ons. For this reason, I've found the Bass Safe to be the path-of-least-resistance in most situations.
JimmyM is right on the money with:
"Bottom line, there is no 100% safe way to fly with a bass." So true!
Also, if you do use a gig bag, I would suggest something with
superior padding. Many gig bags are just too thin to provide adequate protection for this kind of travel. I spent the extra money for an extra-heavy duty Levy's hemp gig bag that has more than paid for itself over the years.
As far as detuning strings, I've heard a lot of mixed messages on this issue. Airlines will sometimes ask if you have detuned - always respond with a "Yes", trust me. I no longer detune when checking my electric instruments. I have been advised by too many
actual experts that it is better for the neck to leave it at proper tension. The truss rod will end up stressing the neck too much in the opposite direction when detuned!
I hope all of this is helpful.
On a side-note, here is a story about one of my baggage-claim nightmares:
I flew into chicago for a high-profile charity gig that was sponsored by VH1. Since scheduling was tight (I was already in the middle of a tour), I arrived the day of the show with only an hour or less before soundcheck.
I was using my MIA Jazz Deluxe primarily in those days, packed in the original plastic case. As my bass came out on the carousel, I was horrified to see the basses' headstock poking out of the black plastic case! The case had been torn open (presumably by some sort of machinery) at the top end & generally cracked and ripped open.
Upon inspecting my bass, I couldn't believe it's condition. While the case was instantly relegated to trash, the only damage to the bass was some nicks & dents on the headstock along with the "A" & "G" tuning pegs being knocked off!
I had no time to secure parts or a backup bass before the soundcheck & performance. Playing with just an "E" & "D" string was a challenge that I'd rather not repeat!
VH1 was sympathetic enough to give me a gig-bag. Thanks, VH1!
The Jazz Deluxe is still in active duty to this day. Albeit with two new tuners!
