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Can you carry your bass on a plane??

MaccaMan1964

MaccaMan1964

Gold Supporting Member
Jan 8, 2008
2,225
1,611
New Jersey
#1
Hi! Well, it's finally happened! I am getting to play a gig a LONG way from home and we're gonna be using rented gear - audio and amps, etc. Very excited about this!! But....

I need some help - I want to bring at least ONE of my own babies with me on the plane - either in a gig bag or a hard case. But, I'm not sure what the airlines will allow these days. I do NOT want the bass thrown in (literally and figuratively!) with the luggage!:scowl:

What do you recommend? Can I carry on a gig bag? Can I carry on a hard case? I have seen guitars being brought on board. Not sure I've ever seen a bass.

Thoughts? Recommendations? Help!!!!:bassist:

Many thanks!
Paul
 
#2
I doubt it. I have never tried but the item must fit completely in the overhead or under the seat. If you can get it in the overhead you are probably good, but I would think it would also be a tremendous pain in the scrotebag. I'd package it just like I was going to ship it somewhere. I am sure the guys at shipping places are no more gentle than airline baggage guys.
 
#5
Is it a bolt-on? On the way to Germany I was able to bring a bass on the plane...as soon as I got off the plane they told me don't even think about trying to get back on with it on the way back. So I took it apart and put the pieces in my carry on luggage.
 
#6
In New Zealand i know we are less strict on stuff like this, but i normally just ask if theres a spare seat I can put it on. I have taken hard cases on board.

If the bass is worth a lot that would definitely work in your favour.
I would never allow bass in a gig bag to be put in the luggage either.
I would suggest a hard case & well packaged and if they dont let you then chances are it wont get damaged in the luggage. I have a few times and its been fine. But in saying that i accept absolutely no responsibility
 
#7
I have taken my bass on planes many many many times. I put it in a quality gig bag and in the overhead. The problem is when the other passangers CRAM all thier carry on bags in there too, on top of your bass! Not cool.

Not all airlines will let you do it. I would call the airline and ask if it's ok. Also if you are flying out of the country you will HAVE to put it in with the luggage.

I suggest a bass vault. You put your bass in a quality gig bag and that goes inside of a hard case. It is big but it's the closest thing to a "safe" way to bring it.

Good Luck!
Craig
 
#8
I had no problem flying with a bass kept in a gigbag from the States to Europe and vica versa. I could put it to the overhead easily. If you get to the plane last and there's no place for it, I'm sure the flight-attendants will take it somewhere safe.
 
#10
When I've flown with my band, the airline is usually pretty good about accomodating a group of guys with instruments vs just some random kid who wants to fly with his bass. I think you get treated more like business customers or something. Anyway, we've never had a problem with checking hardshell cases in with the fragile baggage.

It's been a few years since I've been in the AFM, but they have carry-on agreements with some airlines if I remember correctly. Might be worth checking into.
 
#12
I've flown several times with my (P) basses. Anytime I had a gigbag, I was able to carry on and it fit in the overhead.
Anytime I had a hardshell case, no way would they let it on, it had to travel with the luggage, so it's rare I take a case.

No way would I buy a flight case, it's still travels with luggage and just as easily can get left behind, re-routed, and lost like any other luggage.
I've had good luck with the gigbag, but if worse came to worse, I would unbolt my neck. You can bring a small tool pouch, and door check-it in the flights security box...that's the same place they keep passengers' knives and such.
 
#14
I used to fly from LAX->JFK almost 2-3x a month with my bass for about 6 months and never had an issue. I carried my warwick on the plane with the rock gig bag it came with. You basically bring it through security and right before you board the plane they will put it below for you. Some planes such as AA have closets in the front where you can put them.

Key is to be nice to the people at the front desk and they will take good care of you.
 
#18
On a PCS with my flight case. I just paid for an extra seat. The government paid for MY ticket so I had no problems purchasing an extra seat for the bass. Did so well enough ahead of time to make sure both seats were next to each other and everything was good. The funny part was I was able to chalk it up to travel expenses and got reimbursed for it.:ninja: I haven't seen an airplane that could hold something as long as a full scale bass in the overhead with all the other passengers on board. I've also had no problems with just checking it in with my luggage in a flight case and paying the extra $50 insurance policy most airlines have for losing or damaging the instrument AND case. If you do go with an on the spot insurance policy with the airline or the mail carrier when shipping, make sure your estimated value covers the instrument and the expensive case as well. Don't want to hit your cap on the instrument value alone and forget it's in a $300 case as well. :hmm:

Rock on! :bassist:
-Chris
 
#19
Caca de Kick said:
I've flown several times with my (P) basses. Anytime I had a gigbag, I was able to carry on and it fit in the overhead.
Anytime I had a hardshell case, no way would they let it on, it had to travel with the luggage, so it's rare I take a case.

No way would I buy a flight case, it's still travels with luggage and just as easily can get left behind, re-routed, and lost like any other luggage.
I've had good luck with the gigbag, but if worse came to worse, I would unbolt my neck. You can bring a small tool pouch, and door check-it in the flights security box...that's the same place they keep passengers' knives and such.
Click to expand...

How do you get through the security checkpoint with tools and knives?
 
#20
+1 for flight case. The very best way to fly with your bass; not so great once you land and have to cart the thing around. Look for a good backline rental company in your city. They'll probably have a flight case that you can rent for your out of town show. Even better, get to know the bass players in your city who fly with their basses often. They probably own a flight case that they'll lend to you if they're not using it. Be creative and you'll probably find somebody who knows someone who has one and can lend it to you. And you might make a new connection for future gigs too!

+1 for taking it apart. I've done this a few times and I've never had a problem. Unbolt the neck and put both halves in your suitcase surrounded by clothes. Fold up a gig bag and stuff it into your suitcase so that once you get to the hotel you can carry the bass around in one piece.
 

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