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Flying Internationally w/ Bass Guitar

DaveAceofBass

DaveAceofBass

Feb 20, 2004
5,146
1,863
Charlotte, NC
fandalism.com
#1
Dear TBers,

It's been 15+ years since I flew internationally with my bass for a gig...the last time was for a cruise gig in South America and Europe. It was before 9/11, and at that time I carried my bass in a gig bag and put it in the overhead bin. If there was no room, they would tag it at the plane entrance and give it back as soon as I stepped off the plane. Regulations have changed since then and most basses will not fit in the carry-on bins for domestic flights, and I'm sure it's no different internationally.

In February I'll be traveling to China for a short gig. I want to bring my own bass, either my Sadowsky or my Kinal. I do not have a flight case at the moment but I do have the Sadowsky hardshell case, a Reunion Blues Continental case, and a Mono M80 bag. My hunch is the Reunion Blues will offer the best protection, but I fear that I will have to check the bass at the luggage counter. No telling what could happen to it by customs officials and TSA.

For those of you who play and fly internationally, what do you recommend I do in this situation?
 
#2
No way would I bring a bass that I valued highly (or that was of particularly high value). I would look at renting. As for cases, you could get lucky with any case, but my first choice would be a custom case with foam interior. Second choice (what I've used the most) would be a waterproof SKB ATA case.
 
#10
i fly to Europe a lot England Ireland I take a bass with a bolt on neck take the neck off and pack it good in my gig bag bubble wrap and put it in the over head never had a problem. if you don't want to do that I recommend if you can fly virgin air branson is awesome I have never had a problem with that airline they will go over and above to let you take it in the overhead.
 
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#11
I would only travel if my bass can be carry on and placed in the overhead compartment. If the bass has to go with cargo understand that it's going to be really cold there and that is going to cause a neck problem. Also be careful about the wood used in the construction of the bass. You don't want it confiscated because it looks like it violates CITES.
 
#12
Not all overhead storage bins are equal. Available overhead storage space varies widely from make and model, and airline and route. A short haul Boeing is likely to have smaller overhead storage room than the same plane configured for a long haul. Also some carriers are more generous with cabin space than others.

All a crap shoot. And worth noting a bass in an overhead storage bin is using a great deal of space that five or more others also want to use.
 
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#13
Check out Fusion gig bags.
They are very study with pockets etc, you may get away with overhead, but it's pretty good for protection if checked, not too dissimilar to that Gator soft case.
I have the double electric bass version and praise it highly.
Excellent customer service also
 
#14
DaveAceofBass said:
Dear TBers,

It's been 15+ years since I flew internationally with my bass for a gig...the last time was for a cruise gig in South America and Europe. It was before 9/11, and at that time I carried my bass in a gig bag and put it in the overhead bin. If there was no room, they would tag it at the plane entrance and give it back as soon as I stepped off the plane. Regulations have changed since then and most basses will not fit in the carry-on bins for domestic flights, and I'm sure it's no different internationally.

In February I'll be traveling to China for a short gig. I want to bring my own bass, either my Sadowsky or my Kinal. I do not have a flight case at the moment but I do have the Sadowsky hardshell case, a Reunion Blues Continental case, and a Mono M80 bag. My hunch is the Reunion Blues will offer the best protection, but I fear that I will have to check the bass at the luggage counter. No telling what could happen to it by customs officials and TSA.

For those of you who play and fly internationally, what do you recommend I do in this situation?
Click to expand...
Airline Restrictions Master List

Here is a helpful thread on the subject.

Also, I've checked my bass multiple times, completely assembled. It's a 1989, so you can bet it's probably flown around a few times. Still 100% functional.
 
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#16
Clark Dark said:
....
Click to expand...

GwenOnBass said:
....
Click to expand...

You CAN Carry On Your Guitar. It's the Law.

I came across this, and thought it was interesting and helpful. It's about the FAA guidelines for musical instruments on airplanes.

twinjet said:
Airline Restrictions Master List

Here is a helpful thread on the subject.

Also, I've checked my bass multiple times, completely assembled. It's a 1989, so you can bet it's probably flown around a few times. Still 100% functional.
Click to expand...

That's a great post. I may have a gig or two that'll require a plane ride. It's good to know. Thanks!
 
Last edited:
#19
SKB Bass Safe and your Mono bag.
Worth the $$.

I've flown many times with old Fenders in their stock cases and been ok (lucky is more like it)... but I feel better with the Bass Safe and a good protective gig bag like a Cronkhite, Levy's, or Reunion Blues. Many transatlantic flights, never a problem.
 
#20
I've decided to take the Kinal bass, and use a
GwenOnBass said:
I check the bass with the rest of my luggage. Zero problems. The Reunion Blues gig bag is as good as it gets in my experience.
Click to expand...
The bass player that normally plays in this band suggested I try to take the bass as a carry on and gate check if necessary. I just bought the new version of the RB Continental called the Voyager, but I have the original too. I'm going to try the Voyager and try to gate check it or carry on if I can. Hopefully your experiences applies to the new version too, and gate checking will hopefully help.
 
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