• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Bass as a Carry-on/Checked Baggage...

S

Sal Monella

Jun 9, 2009
11
0
#1
Okay, I'm flying into LAX tomorrow on United Airlines...I am trying to see how I can get either an short scale electric bass or an acoustic bass either on as a carry-on or how the airline would charge me for checking it.

The acoustic bass measures 51 by 18.5 by 6.5 inches, which is over UA's 62 linear inch limit...although the case is shaped as the acoustic bass, not as a rectangle. The short scale acoustic bass is a Gibson SG, dimensions 46, 16, 5 inches at its largest widths. Does anyone know about any rules for UA about carrying on guitars or how exactly they would compute the linear length...since its not a perfect rectangle. For checked items over 62 linear inches it's an extra $100.

Thanks!
 
#3
You should be able to take an electric bass in a gig bag on an airplane. My Uncle (Daniel Pecchio from Glass Harp and Michael Stanley Band... dunno if anyone knows/cares) has an original '61 Jazz bass that he doesn't let any airline check and he's taken it on planes plenty of times...
 
#6
if it's a molded case, you might be ok. regular cases must be checked in as baggage (and paid for, grrr!)
i've taken my behemoth jazz in a gig bag on the plane. sometimes it fits on the overhead, but most times, i just put it in the front of the plane or checked it at the gate.
 
#9
Sal Monella said:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

That is the case...not the bass. I will just not take my bass to college with me if it is going to cost $100 each way....:mad:
Click to expand...

Well what about the amp ???
If it is school, why don't you ship it out there? It will be there in a few days, and absolutely cheaper than the airlines. I have used Road Way many times for just that reason.
 
#10
xgator4u is right. If you're going to school, box it and ship UPS, USPS, Fedex; I've used the first two for years when moving from one part of the country to another. Shipped a guitar in its case to-and-from Iraq, shipped guitars and basses to-and-from Korea, in their cases and boxed. No damages. It's the way to go. Just tell them to hold it for you for pickup at the other end.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back