Fly Dates and Bass Cases

[B-line]

Well, I live in the US, and fly frequently, and I can tell you that carry on is always an issue. I live in Nashville, so almost every flight (especially in summer) has at least one musician trying to carry on. Based on my experience (15+ trips a year) I can tell you that it seems like 50% of those trying to carry on end up with their instrument being gate checked in a gig bag. Inevitably, these musicians will have the "law" printed out, waiving in the face of anyone who will listen. Some, especially in Nashville, will drop Dave Pomeroy's name, threatening to call him on his "personal phone" if they don't comply and allow them to carry on. That one always gets an eyeroll.

O M G, thanks for making me spit my morning java out in laughter...
I had a vision:
United Airlines Counter, Nashville International, BNA
"Sir, I'm sorry but you can't take your instrument aboard, the flight is full, there's not sufficient space. You'll need to check it as baggage.."

"WHAT!!!? THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!! GET ME DAVE POMEROY IMMEDIATELY!"

Question: I understand that once in town for the engagement, a gig-bag is the shiznitz, but WHY of why would anyone want to take their tool of trade onto a plane, in the cabin, in a gig-bag?? I have many bags- the sturdiest of which is an I-GIG, really, really tough.. But large and cumbersome, more so than a hsc. And still I wouldn't want it in an airplane cabin.

Through years of travel, I've become an amazingly adept packer. I can easily bring 2 weeks of stuff, using packing cubes, in a carry-on size spinner roller and my under-seat bag. Walking by Baggage Claim is the norm- Except with my bass. If you figure the percentage of damaged or lost luggage as compared to the total that the Airlines carry-It's small.
Overseas, you're allowed (2) bags to check, certainly no issues there.

Here's a scenario similar to "Call Dave Pomeroy!"-
A couple was arguing with an Agent at the counter next to me. He was denied carrying on board a folding travel bicycle, did not want it gate checked, he wanted it in an overhead.
Counter Agent calls Supervisor, who simply said: "Sir, we'll be closing boarding in 5 minutes. The item will not go in the Cabin. You have to decide if you wish to be on that flight or not.

Anyone thinks that they can argue & win with the Airline staff- Think again!

 

[GwenOnBass]

I thought I read online somewhere where the FFA has changed the dimensions of carry ons recently to smaller sizes. Anybody else catch that ? There might be an international fly date in the future, but I think most will be in country, at the moment. And those fly dates will be one nighters, at least initially. I like having all the basses covered when I can, so, a hard case should cover them. Hey, if I can get it as a carry on, fine. If not, my ass is covered. thanks for the replies !

Last I flew an American route, I checked the carrier's Website for carry-on regulations. United states the maximum length of a carry-on is one inch shorter than my RB gig bag. I carried my bass in the gig bag to the gate with me in full expectation of gate checking it. I spoke with the gate agent about an hour before boarding. She looked at my gig bag and reassigned me to a higher boarding priority so that I would be among the first on board - thereby insuring there would be room for my bass in an overhead storage bin.

Spoke to the head FA as I boarded the plane and asked if they wanted to stow my bass in the coat closet. The head FA said no, use the overhead. "Plenty of room," she said. And there was. My expectation is the listed maximum size for a carry-on takes the smallest storage space in the fleet into account. The available storage space in a short-haul or medium haul plane is going to be smaller than the storage space on a transcontinental plane.

Still, my bass took up most of the space in the overhead storage bin. Others the rows near me were effectively locked out of using the shared space for their larger carry-ons.

Personally, I have no qualms checking my bass in my RB gig bag. I feel it is protective enough for my needs, and my bass comes through without incident as checked baggage on international flights. YMMV of course. There are other gig bags that likely meet the criteria for checked bass safety.

 

[joel the bass player]

Back when I did an international tour I got a full on flight case. It was made by Gator, steel corners, giant latches, etc. Lots of room inside, but the flip cover of the compartment was a bit cheap and detached from the side of it. If I had to do it again I would probably find one of the cases that are styled like a Pelican Case, since mine will straight pull your arm off. I didn't worry about damage in flight, I just dreaded carrying it once we got off. Locks seem like a waste of time, if someone wants in they will get in.

 

[B-line]

Last I flew an American route, I checked the carrier's Website for carry-on regulations. United states the maximum length of a carry-on is one inch shorter than my RB gig bag. I carried my bass in the gig bag to the gate with me in full expectation of gate checking it. I spoke with the gate agent about an hour before boarding. She looked at my gig bag and reassigned me to a higher boarding priority so that I would be among the first on board - thereby insuring there would be room for my bass in an overhead storage bin.

Spoke to the head FA as I boarded the plane and asked if they wanted to stow my bass in the coat closet. The head FA said no, use the overhead. "Plenty of room," she said. And there was. My expectation is the listed maximum size for a carry-on takes the smallest storage space in the fleet into account. The available storage space in a short-haul or medium haul plane is going to be smaller than the storage space on a transcontinental plane.

Still, my bass took up most of the space in the overhead storage bin. Others the rows near me were effectively locked out of using the shared space for their larger carry-ons.

Personally, I have no qualms checking my bass in my RB gig bag. I feel it is protective enough for my needs, and my bass comes through without incident as checked baggage on international flights. YMMV of course. There are other gig bags that likely meet the criteria for checked bass safety.

My gig bags include the mighty I-GIG, which I actually regret purchasing because its so massive. Defeats the ease that a gig-bag provides IMO. Nothing taken away from I-GIG, they built a fine ship, Rose!

I have a logo'd Fender Custom Shop bass bag, pretty sure its RB- VERY solid also, a little bulky, but nicely made and highly protective.

Also, my Pro-Tec Contego (came w/ my Xotic) is up there with the best, sleekest designs IMO.

Interestingly, my most expensive gig bag- An all-leather Sonoma (stupid expensive, peeps pay less for their basses here!)
is sleek and super model-like in high-style, but offers the absolute least protection of all! Almost no padding, strictly for taking one's bass to Beverly Hills! Nice look tho!

Speaking of which: Let's go all out TB'ers, $$ to the wind. If/when you buy one of these, as did I, you will GLADLY haul it around Airports! You'll be making a STATEMENT!

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And that statement is:

"I spent stupid amounts of money on a Flight Case, but I am loving the security and ease of transport! Now go stuff your overhead!"

 

[GwenOnBass]

Anyone thinks that they can argue & win with the Airline staff- Think again!

Entirely true. In my prior career incarnation I logged more than a million actual air miles, and was known by name in the club rooms of most major airports. And I watched all manner of beleagured flyers argue pointlessly with airline employees. Aggressive tactics with airline personnel only earn their enmity. "I want to speak with your supervisor" means you have just given that person permission to provide the worst service possible without getting fired.

 

[g4string]

I thought I read online somewhere where the FFA has changed the dimensions of carry ons recently to smaller sizes. Anybody else catch that ? There might be an international fly date in the future, but I think most will be in country, at the moment. And those fly dates will be one nighters, at least initially. I like having all the basses covered when I can, so, a hard case should cover them. Hey, if I can get it as a carry on, fine. If not, my ass is covered. thanks for the replies !

I'm not certain the Future Farmers of America (FFA) have the power to make binding legal decisions concerning air travel. On the otherhand, it is possible the Federal Aviation Adminstration (FAA) might have the stroke to make such a decision.

 

[jnewmark]

I'm not certain the Future Farmers of America (FFA) have the power to make binding legal decisions concerning air travel. On the otherhand, it is possible the Federal Aviation Adminstration (FAA) might have the stroke to make such a decision.

oops!

 

[B-line]

Entirely true. In my prior career incarnation I logged more than a million actual air miles, and was known by name in the club rooms of most major airports. And I watched all manner of beleagured flyers argue pointlessly with airline employees. Aggressive tactics with airline personnel only earn their enmity. "I want to speak with your supervisor" means you have just given that person permission to provide the worst possible service possible without getting fired.

Ms. Morrighan, with today's travel headlines about "bumped" passengers being dragged off planes like a sack of potatoes, arguments about babies on a lap and such (not too mention constant permeating tension about those darn Terrorists)- even in the terminal- for one to think about crossing swords with Airline staff
is a no-win situation. Seen it many times, and they (the airline personnel) have a tough job as it is. I got snowed in at Denver once for 2-days!! Planes can't take off, not aero-dynamically possible, yet I heard passengers threaten the staff. Smart.

I used to beam w/ excitement when I had a fly-date, or a pleasure, even a business trip upcoming.
Well, unless I reach Lear-Jet status at some point- No More!

 

[JGbassman]

I've never seen a rectangular hard case make it past the gate agent. Never.

I have. It's been about five year since I've flown with the case but they would either put it up with the coats on bigger planes or it would have to go under as I was boarding on smaller planes. I flew out of Miami mostly with it, but I flew with the bass/case like that at least 6 times and return flights. I later went to the a bag I made where I'd take the neck off and check in overhead after the case got a little crack in it. Nothing ever happened to the bass though

 

[B-line]

Flew on one of these for a puddle-jump gig in the UK once:

Let me slip my gig bag here:

Whoops! No where to put it! Glad I had my flite case in the (small) baggage hold!

Now moving on to this monstrosity, where there MIGHT be room if they let it on with me...

Still would rather have it safely in the hold, where I can get the hellouttathere ASAP (Worst part of a flight IMO, waiting to de-plane and be FREE! at last)
and p/u my baby at baggage claim!

 

[JimmyM]

Never felt confident showing up expecting to carry on, so I always checked mine in a Gator ATA Flight Case. Never had any damage, knock on wood.
Here's a little trick that sounds a bit odd but actually worked out great for me at least. I'd check my bass in the flight case with a few articles of clothing inside as well, and then use a gig bag as my carry on with some clothes, etc. but not stuffed, so I could easily jam it into an overhead. Then when I got to the destination the bass would go into the gig bag for to and from the gigs.

That's a very cool idea!

 

[JimmyM]

O M G, thanks for making me spit my morning java out in laughter...
I had a vision:
United Airlines Counter, Nashville International, BNA
"Sir, I'm sorry but you can't take your instrument aboard, the flight is full, there's not sufficient space. You'll need to check it as baggage.."

"WHAT!!!? THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!! GET ME DAVE POMEROY IMMEDIATELY!"

Question: I understand that once in town for the engagement, a gig-bag is the shiznitz, but WHY of why would anyone want to take their tool of trade onto a plane, in the cabin, in a gig-bag?? I have many bags- the sturdiest of which is an I-GIG, really, really tough.. But large and cumbersome, more so than a hsc. And still I wouldn't want it in an airplane cabin.

Through years of travel, I've become an amazingly adept packer. I can easily bring 2 weeks of stuff, using packing cubes, in a carry-on size spinner roller and my under-seat bag. Walking by Baggage Claim is the norm- Except with my bass. If you figure the percentage of damaged or lost luggage as compared to the total that the Airlines carry-It's small.
Overseas, you're allowed (2) bags to check, certainly no issues there.

Here's a scenario similar to "Call Dave Pomeroy!"-
A couple was arguing with an Agent at the counter next to me. He was denied carrying on board a folding travel bicycle, did not want it gate checked, he wanted it in an overhead.
Counter Agent calls Supervisor, who simply said: "Sir, we'll be closing boarding in 5 minutes. The item will not go in the Cabin. You have to decide if you wish to be on that flight or not.

Anyone thinks that they can argue & win with the Airline staff- Think again!

This is the absolute truth. And what's more, they don't care if you miss your flight or not.

 

[Bob_Ross]

Over the years I've used three different solutions to taking my bass on a plane for gigs/tours:

- an Anvil flight case that meets or exceeds ATA Spec. 300. This is my preferred method, and as of late the only one I'll still do.
- for a while I had a custom-made semi-soft case that was designed to provide a multi-layered shockmount envelope that a standard Fender-style rectangular hardshell case would fit inside. This was a fabulously ingenious design... which unfortunately turned out to be impractical for regular usage, because the exterior dimensions exceeded any normal allowances by commercial airlines, and so it was prohibitively expensive to fly with even though it weighed considerably less than the aforementioned ATA flight case!
- for gigs that only require fretted 4-string bass, I take my Steinberger L-2 as carry-on baggage and it fits handily in the overhead bin. Most of my fly gigs in the past decade have required a different bass though, so I haven't been able to take advantage of this convenient option much lately.

 

[shirojiro]

I would echo everyone's suggestion to try the SKB Bass safe. I went through this same discussion and searched the forums extensively. I'm a hobbyist and don't fly with a bass frequently, but have tried a few of he options here.

I first used to bring a bass in a gig bag on board, and had good luck with that, but it's clear to me that these days, that's a real gamble, and it wouldn't take much for my bass to get gate checked and potentially ruined.

I then got a Hohner B2A Steinberger clone. It sounds pretty good, and I like the electronics, but I struggle with the ergonomics. the strap hanger at the neck is on the back of the heel, like a Gibson SG and it makes first position too far out for my fretting hand. I can lower the bass to make it easier, but then slapping and fretting in the higher registers is difficult. I bought and installed the strap extender that comes with the new Steinberger Synapse bass, and it helps, but it's still not great for me. I also don't like that the instrument tends to rotate on its long axis with aggressive playing. I think this is why Ned Steinberger invented the boomerang shaped strap hanger for his original basses. The price of the original Steinbergers has really gotten too high for me to justify a purchase for occasional travel though.

So then I was looking at cases. I have had a large black ATA case with metal corners in the past, and while it is awesome for protection, especially with custom foam molding inside, it weighs a ton and is kind of cumbersome to get around with once you're out of the airport. Plus, it tends to be labeled as over size or weight and the airlines charge extra.

I finally got hip to the SKB Bass Safe - I have no interest in the company or product and am not an endorser or anything like that. I read the reviews here and on other sites, and purchased one. Unlike others, I can't get my Mono M80 with a bass in it to fit, but I didn't remove foam from the Bass Safe to really try. I used a regular SKB and Fender cordura gig bags, and they fit perfectly. I padded the headstock a little with socks and what not, and I didn't stuff the Bass Safe with clothes. The current design incorporates a TSA compatible locking strap that holds the halves together. I've traveled with it a few times now, and it worked great. No damage to any instrument. I didn't bring my favorite basses, but brought standard Fender style and sized basses, just in case something awful happened. The price seemed reasonable, and it was nice to have a gig bag to carry my bass around once I ditched the Bass Safe in the hotel room.

Just IMHO and YMMV.

 

[JGbassman]

In every instance I was asked to check the case at the gate, I didn't complain as that's just not a battle you can win. I'd never leave it to fate and bring a gig bag.

If I was to start flying with a bass again I'd probably try one of those heavy duty ata skb cases with the wheels on them. They seem pretty stout and looks as if they could withstand some abuse. I'd still want to carry it with me and check it at the gate though, to avoid it being lost on the way to the plane. I had a bad experience with an airline misplacing a very sensitive piece of equipment that got loaded on another plane. I'm probably being over cautious, but the closer I can get to the plane I'm boarding, the better.

 

[JakobT]

The only thing that would hold me back a little with the SKB Bass Safe is the problem of finding a compatible gig bag, as I know none of my current Mono bags will fit. What do you guys use?

 

[JimmyM]

The only thing that would hold me back a little with the SKB Bass Safe is the problem of finding a compatible gig bag, as I know none of my current Mono bags will fit. What do you guys use?

I usually use a discontinued padded bag from Kaces. I have also used a Gator but I ended up not liking it so much so I went back to the Kaces. You definitely want something padded that won't flop around in there.

 

[alembicman86]

I've never done a " fly date " gig, always traveled on the road, so to speak. There maybe a few coming up for me in the future, where I can take my bass with me. Since I've been using a gig bag for the last 20 years or so, I was wondering what types of cases you guys use for your instruments while flying ? do you check your bass in as luggage or as a carry on of some sort ? Any other tips, info, advice you can supply would be greatly appreciated. BTW, I play a 4 string MIA Fender Jazz.

If you're going to fly with that bass try to borrow or buy a decent roadcase. You know the heavy duty square, clad one. The airlines had me fly it in the luggage underbelly. I flew to Anchorage with a standard case but I wrapped it in duct tape. It worked but I wouldn't do it again.

 

[Ddshel]

I've never done a " fly date " gig, always traveled on the road, so to speak. There maybe a few coming up for me in the future, where I can take my bass with me. Since I've been using a gig bag for the last 20 years or so, I was wondering what types of cases you guys use for your instruments while flying ? do you check your bass in as luggage or as a carry on of some sort ? Any other tips, info, advice you can supply would be greatly appreciated. BTW, I play a 4 string MIA Fender Jazz.

I've flown from LAX to the UK & Europe and back more than a dozen times with my Sadowsky 5 in an "incase" armored gig bag (no longer made) in the SKB Bass Vault. I had to remove the foam in the SKB, to make the gig bag fit and I've never had an issue. That gig bag is bullet proof & I'm sorry they don't make it anymore. I personally would not chance carrying a bass on. The SKB has wheels and is lightweight and protects like a safe.

 

[MusicFanNC]

I had to travel from the east to west coast for 10 dates last year. Did a LOT of research and talked to friends who've flown with guitars. Looked into renting guitars and cases. In the end I bought this Mono Bag and I love it.
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I brought my Ric 4003 and was somewhat worried. I had layovers on both flights (four flights total). I carried it on my back and never checked it at the ticket counter. 3 times I put in overhead with no problems. Once I put in with the coats in front of the plane. Flew Delta. All of the agents were great. Even if they wouldn't let me carry it on, they'd check it from the gate and not at the ticket counter. Had no problems. Most airlines consider a guitar some sort of special carry on item...check their website. Good luck!