Double Bass Airline Restrictions Master List

[Ross W. Lovell]

The update of this thread is quite timely since I'll be flying down to Okinawa tomorrow for a little relaxation time with the family.

Although I'll be stowing my Wing Bass under the seat in front of me, here is ANA's restrictions on musical instruments...

"A musical instrument or one piece of sports equipment will be considered as one piece of checked baggage.
If the baggage excesses the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed], it will be subject to the applicable excess baggage charge. Please click [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] for excess baggage charge table.
Even if your bulky baggage such as musical instrument or sports equipment is within the free baggage allowance, your baggage may not be accepted for airport facility condition or aircraft type.
Please contact ANA International Reservation and Information Center in advance.

• * Details for restrictions of aircraft type and flight route can be found [Invalid or Expired Link Removed].
• * Passengers have to purchase extra seat(s) if the carry-on baggage exceeds the carry-on baggage allowance.
  Please contact ANA International Reservation and Information Center for details."

MY point is that even though the airlines long ago approved ATA flight cases, of which I own several, their fine print releases them from liability if something happens. Limiting payout.

The insurance you purchase is usually based on the airline's rules, even when purchased elsewhere. They ARE NOT going to pay out a claim when their lines themselves do not recommend the transportation of an instrument this way.

Does your car insurance cover you racing?

 

[Photobassist]

I was just adding ANA as an additional airline to the list.

All you guys with those big, long, heavy basses, and DB's can worry about insurance on your on time

 

[PaulCannon]

MY point is that even though the airlines long ago approved ATA flight cases, of which I own several, their fine print releases them from liability if something happens. Limiting payout.

The insurance you purchase is usually based on the airline's rules, even when purchased elsewhere. They ARE NOT going to pay out a claim when their lines themselves do not recommend the transportation of an instrument this way.

Does your car insurance cover you racing?

ATA case? You came over from the BG side, didn't you?

The issues involved with flying double basses are a bit more complicated than with guitar. If my insurance doesn't cover everything, then it's a bad policy. I'm not talking about a one-time policy for travel, but full coverage.

I know the airlines typically refuse compensation past $10k or so. That's why it's imperative to have a solid policy on any instrument worth more than that.

And if my job is racing, then I'd expect my insurance policy to cover that too. I'm not flying my bass around for amusement.

 

[Ross W. Lovell]

ATA case? You came over from the BG side, didn't you?

The issues involved with flying double basses are a bit more complicated than with guitar. If my insurance doesn't cover everything, then it's a bad policy. I'm not talking about a one-time policy for travel, but full coverage.

I know the airlines typically refuse compensation past $10k or so. That's why it's imperative to have a solid policy on any instrument worth more than that.

And if my job is racing, then I'd expect my insurance policy to cover that too. I'm not flying my bass around for amusement.

Actually the Guitar side.

Typically, standard car insurance doesn't cover racing.

You guys/acoustic bass have it hard when it comes to air travel, no doubt.

On the other hand.....I know cello and viola and violin players with better than $6K in a bow, guessing the instrument might be more.

 

[PaulCannon]

Typically, standard car insurance doesn't cover racing.

That's my point. You buy the insurance you need. If you plan to fly your bass around, buy a policy that explicitly covers travel-related damages.

On the other hand.....I know cello and viola and violin players with better than $6K in a bow, guessing the instrument might be more.

Amateurs.

 

[Ross W. Lovell]

That's my point. You buy the insurance you need. If you plan to fly your bass around, buy a policy that explicitly covers travel-related damages.


Amateurs.

And sooooo condescending.....

 

[PaulCannon]

And sooooo condescending.....

Sorry, it sounded funny to me when I wrote it. I think we've just been talking past each other.

 

[Ross W. Lovell]

Sorry, it sounded funny to me when I wrote it. I think we've just been talking past each other.

Fair enough, my bad, no harm no foul!

Was more surprised by the comment about being one of those that came over "from the BG side" as my response came from active comments column and was unaware that it was segregated.

Again, my apologies.

 

[PaulCannon]

I've compiled the information here onto the Wiki page. Please help me keep the list updated, and add any new information as you happen to find it. I'm especially interested in South American and Asian airlines as I've had nearly no experience with any of those.

Airline Policies for Double Bass | TalkBass.com

 

[Ross W. Lovell]

I've compiled the information here onto the Wiki page. Please help me keep the list updated, and add any new information as you happen to find it. I'm especially interested in South American and Asian airlines as I've had nearly no experience with any of those.

Airline Policies for Double Bass | TalkBass.com

This just tells you what they will charge you extra IF they allow you to bring your instrument. It's good but incomplete.

What are the restrictions on their payouts regarding musical instruments?

Being a skeptic, I'm going to say that the airlines a very good start telling you what they are going to charge you, but nothing on how you will be compensated and the warnings they have for bringing a musical instrument.

 

[PaulCannon]

This just tells you what they will charge you extra IF they allow you to bring your instrument. It's good but incomplete.

My hope with the list is to highlight the companies which will definitely accept a double bass. In my experience, having the airline's own policies printed out has always convinced a skeptical desk agent (assuming I'm in compliance with their rules). More recently, I've learned that calling the airline a few days in advance and having a note written into my itinerary is bulletproof. A desk agent will simply do what the computer tells them to do in that case.

For prices, that's actually harder to predict than this list seems to show. Sometimes desk agents forget to charge anything, or charge a normal extra bag fee. Sometimes they try to charge their maximum, which is why you need to understand their own pricing scheme. If the policy clearly states "We accept double basses for $200" and they start asking for $500, you're going to lose $300 for no good reason unless you can show them their own policy.

What are the restrictions on their payouts regarding musical instruments?

Being a skeptic, I'm going to say that the airlines a very good start telling you what they are going to charge you, but nothing on how you will be compensated and the warnings they have for bringing a musical instrument.

That's opening a big can of worms. I'm not a lawyer, and I don't have time to sift through that much fine print. Nor would I understand most of it.

A few things seem to be standard practice in this area. Nearly every flight I've taken has required the signing of a waiver of some kind. Airlines will generally refuse any responsibility unless there is obvious damage to the exterior of the case. You must open the case at the airport with airline employees present; if you leave baggage claim before noticing any damage, they can say you broke it yourself. Even in the event of catastrophic damage, most airlines will refuse to pay any more than a few thousand dollars unless challenged with a lawsuit.

My point being, you have to have insurance. If you fly your bass without insurance, or with a junk policy, then you're taking an enormous risk. Significant damage from flying is relatively rare, but it's common enough that I would never assume it won't happen. Fighting an airline by yourself is a waste of time. A good insurance company will deal with the airline on your behalf.

I see it no differently than a car accident. Maybe it's my fault, maybe it's another driver's fault, or maybe it's just bad luck. Either way, I'll feel a lot better about it if I have car insurance.

 

[Axtman]

Here is a video of Geoff Chalmers and Lauren Pierce talking about flying with a double bass.

 

[PaulCannon]

Here is a video of Geoff Chalmers and Lauren Pierce talking about flying with a double bass.

There's some good points in that discussion, but it sort of glosses over a number of very useful and practical bits of information. Lauren mentions getting mixed up with a connecting flight and different weight limits. That's exactly what this list is about: if you're not sure what your airline's rules are, you're liable to get in a rough situation. Likewise, I can't stress enough how helpful it is to call ahead and get a note put in to your itinerary.

As far as transport, it's usually not a serious problem getting a big taxi. It can take a little patience, and you need to know which vehicles will work, but it's almost always possible. Every airport has a taxi stand, and you can call for a special car if you need it. Coming back, I usually just get the phone number from the driver who took me in the first place. They're happy to make an appointment, especially if you're a good tipper.

They say it's usually best to rent or borrow a bass, and I can't disagree. But there are many situations where that's not an option. Auditions being chief among them, as well as high profile performances or recording projects. Anything that gets televised. Likewise, there are many places where I can't reasonably expect a professional-grade instrument to be available. I've done big tours where I had to play a half size plywood with a useless setup. I'm not interested in doing that again.

My point is, it's usually possible if you want to make it happen. There are some things you need to know, and the price is something you have to anticipate. There are a few airlines I can "recommend" which charge $400, but I still recommend them because they won't hassle you about size and weight if you don't hassle them about the price. If having your bass is worth $800 (roundtrip) to you, then there are airlines who will accommodate you.

I was just trying to count how many times I've flown. I can remember flying my bass for 15 trips, plus three times shipping as air cargo. So that's 33 times I've walked up to a check-in counter with a bass. It's always a little stressful, but the first 5 or 10 times are horrible. After a while you get used to it.

Edit: I totally forgot one of my favorite tips. Worried about lugging a giant flight trunk around? Can't find a large taxi? Just leave it at the airport! Most airports have storage facilities and will be happy to keep your case for a fee. Works well for short trips, but gets more expensive by the day.

 

[madbass6]

Hey folks! I'm doing a lot of flying this year, and am checking my Kent McLagan bass (w/ removable neck) into a Lemur flyaway case and floating all around the country. So I compiled this list to know what each airline says about their baggage allowances and musical instruments. Please feel free to add corrections, or add information from other airlines, or experiences/nightmares of flying.

American Airlines:
Your musical instrument can also be checked as baggage. The maximum size for checked baggage, including instruments, is 150 inches (381 cm), and the maximum weight is 165 lbs. (75 kg).
-Overweight Charge (more than 50 lbs): $100
-Oversize Charge (63-115 linear inches): $200

Alaska Air:
We will accept musical instruments as checked baggage provide each piece is properly packed in a soft or hard sided case designed specifically for the musical equipment piece. If your travel includes multiple airlines, other restrictions may apply. Each checked musical instrument is subject to the checked baggage service charge and overweight/oversize fees described below. On Alaska Airlines flight series 1-999 the maximum combined linear dimensions of a checked musical instrument may not exceed 150 inches (length + height + width). On Alaska Airlines flight series 2000-2999 and 3420-3499 the maximum combined linear dimensions may not exceed 115 inches (length + height + width).
-Overweight Charge (more than 50 lbs): $75
-Oversize Charge (63-115 linear inches): $75

Delta Airlines
Musical instruments or equipment can be checked if the total linear dimension (length + width + height) does not exceed 150 inches (381 cm), and provided the weight, including the case, does not exceed 165lbs (75 kg). See standard rules and fees for overweight and oversized baggage.
-Overweight Charge (more than 50 lbs): $100
-Oversize Charge (63-150 linear inches): $200

JetBlue

A musical instrument will count as one piece of checked baggage. There are no additional fees for musical instruments as long as they do not exceed 150 linear inches or 165 pounds (75 kg) or the applicable size or weight restrictions for the aircraft(overweight, oversize and excess baggage fees will apply). JetBlue accepts no liability for damage to musical instruments. We suggest packing them in a hard-sided container designed for travel.
-Standard Overweight Charge (more than 50 lbs): $100
-Standard Charge (63-150 linear inches): $100

Southwest
Some musical instruments (e.g. double bass, cello, etc.) cannot be secured in a seat and must be transported as checked baggage. Oversize or overweight charges will apply if the instrument is between 62-150 inches in size (outside length plus width plus height including case or covering) or if the instrument weighs between 51-165 pounds (including case or covering).
-Overweight Charge (more than 50 lbs): $75
-Oversize Charge (63-115 linear inches): $75

United
An instrument should be packed in a hard-shell case to keep it protected during normal handling. Excess checked baggage service charges may apply if the customer is checking more than two items. Oversize charges apply to musical instruments that measure 63 - 115 linear inches. Overweight charges apply to musical instruments that are over 50 pounds, but musical instruments weighing up to 165 pounds will be accepted. If the instrument is over 115 linear inches, please contact the United Customer Contact Center.
-Overweight Charge (more than 50 lbs): $100
-Oversize Charge (63-150 linear inches): $200

Virgin America
If it exceeds the hand baggage allowance measurements, you’ll need to check it in (and pay an additional baggage fee, if it takes you over your check in allowance). However, rather than checking it in on the spot we’ll still ask you to carry it through to the airport security checkpoint (subject to relevant Airport Security approval). As instruments are especially fragile, this ensures safer carriage. It will be taken at the departure gate for loading into the hold of the aircraft, so please make sure it’s suitably protected when you pack it. The upper limit for oversized luggage is an ample (75 x 29.5 x 25.5in)
-Overweight Charge (23-32 kg): $60
-Oversize Charge (more than 63 linear inches): $60

Thats some awsome info!! Thanks.

 

[zaiten]

Hey folks! I'm doing a lot of flying this year, and am checking my Kent McLagan bass (w/ removable neck) into a Lemur flyaway case and floating all around the country. So I compiled this list to know what each airline says about their baggage allowances and musical instruments. Please feel free to add corrections, or add information from other airlines, or experiences/nightmares of flying.

Great thread, thanks for the info. I'm looking to buy a hard case, but I'm dismayed by the prospect of paying dimensional limit fees on every trip or transfer. Most bass cases measure 72" linear inches, 10 past the limit. Is every bassist paying this oversize fee when they check-in their instrument??? I'm guessing guitarists aren't running into this hassle since most guitar cases are exactly 62" linear inches. Any way to avoid this fee without taking the bass into the cabin on a gig bag?

 

[PaulCannon]

Is every bassist paying this oversize fee when they check-in their instrument??? I'm guessing guitarists aren't running into this hassle since most guitar cases are exactly 62" linear inches. Any way to avoid this fee without taking the bass into the cabin on a gig bag?

My case is around 140 linear inches. That's height + length + width. The oversize fee is unavoidable. That's what this whole thread is about.

Are you talking about something else?

 

[zaiten]

My case is around 140 linear inches. That's height + length + width. The oversize fee is unavoidable. That's what this whole thread is about. Are you talking about something else?

You mean for an acoustic double bass case, right? that's fair, but I'm referring to the common electric bass flightcase, which si 49.5"+16"+6.5"=72". technically, an airline would charge the oversize fee if they feel inclined to measure, but I've read reports of people not being charged. I'd speculate airlines are not enforcing the dimensional limit clause on the common bass case, but I have no way to confirm this, is what I want to know

 

[bassmanbrent]

You might get a better response on the EB side, but I'll pass on my experience. Just keep in mind that I haven't flown with an electric bass for a few years now... I have never been charged an oversize fee for an electric bass, even though technically they are oversized. They just don't seem to be big enough to raise any alarm bells. Times may have changed though...

 

[Lorin Cohen]

I've done 4 flights with the Lemur in the last month or so, and it's gone great so far. I have to throw my hat in with JetBlue who if you need to check a removable neck instrument, as long as it's under 150 inches in size or 165 pounds, they don't charge you extra to check it out. CAUTION: The ticketing agent probably doesn't know the policy, so it would help to bring up their musical instrument policy on your phone just in case. I had to explain it to the fine folks in Burlington recently, but they looked it up and huzzah, no extra fees.

Hey Max- any recent flights (2021-present) with the Lemur Case? If so, can you share experiences and luggage costs?

 

[Tom Lane]

I flew on SW in July. No charge.