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Flying with a bass

djero44

djero44

Mar 3, 2009
484
118
Hotchkiss, Colorado
#1
I wanted to ask some advice about flying with my bass. Next month I am traveling to Tennessee with my fretless to go to a music camp (with Vic Wooten!). I am trying to avoid checking my bass through the luggage, both because I do not own a proper flight case and also because it will be an extra fifty bucks. I'm wondering if it would be safe to pull the neck off of for the duration of both flights and packing it in my gig bag for a carry on. It is a Warwick and quite solid. I'm thinking it would be ok, but have heard you do not want to ship basses with slack strings also. I think that might have to do with air pressure, and since I would be carrying it on that should not be a factor. What do you think? Thank you!
 
#3
I went through this very same thing nearly 10 years ago, going to the same camp! Since then, I've learned a few things. Try to bring your bass on as a carry-on, in the gig-bag. If you present yourself well, be polite, and don't make it seem like a big issue...there is a really good chance nobody will stop you. Also, don't let the folks at the ticket counter convince you otherwise...agree that you gate-check it, and let the actual flight attendants decide once you've gotten to that point. I've even had flight attendants put it in their own closet space, instead of an overhead. The few times I was stopped (mainly on the little planes for short hops) I gate checked it. Basses are strong instruments...maybe something I wouldn't do if it was an acoustic, hollowbody, etc. In my experience, I've rarely had a problem, and even brought a double bag on a few times. If this is something you truly don't feel safe with...go ahead and take the neck off as you stated. If you need help with setup, someone at the camp will surely assist you. Have a great time!!
 
#4
I am an airline pilot and regularly travel with my basses. Overall, it is not a big deal at all. If you can PM me some more details of your flight I can give you more info (airline, city pairs, flight number).

I fly for Delta Air Lines and can tell you that the overhead bins on every mainline airplane we have can fit a bass in a gig bag. Don't worry about pulling the neck off. Also, most flight attendants are cool with putting it in the closet if needed.

Now, if you are on an RJ then you might be SOL. It really comes down to which kind of RJ and what airline as they are all different. Besides, most oversized luggage is gate checked for those flights.

Have fun with Vic! That is something I've been wanting to do for years.
 
#6
I had a flight from N.H. to Michigan and was the last to board the plane with a guitar. There wasn't any room in the overhead so the flight attendant said i would have to check it with the regular luggage... then she changed her mind and said she would put it up front with the pilot!!! She must of saw the panic in my eyes or something and felt sorry for me. God bless her!!! I could tell it was removed from the case after I landed ... maybe the copilot was jammin... lol
Tim
 
#7
I travel frequently with a bass and often in an Embraer or CRJ and typically don't have an issue with carring o a bass in a gig bag. As others have indicated, just be polite and present yourself well. Do what you can to board as early as possible and just look for enpty bin space - it does not have to be near your seat - take the first available bin (unless it's over a bulk head seat - that's just rude) and be polite and the flight attendent should assist you if needed.
 
#8
I fly all the time with my bass in a quality gig bag (Sadowsky) that fits easily in the overhead bins. It's usually not a problem. Try to get in the early boarding groups and just be polite to the flight crew and gate people. Every once in awhile I encounter a situation where a gate agent wants to 'gate check' the bass. In those situations I will take the gate check stub and ask if I can go ahead and take the bass on the plane anyway, just to see if there's room, and if not, then be prepared to drop it off at the end of the walkway to be gate checked. There almost always is room, either in a bin (unless you're boarding late) or in a closet. If you can clear the hurdle at the gate, the stewards are usually very helpful.

I've had to gate check my bass maybe twice in the last 10 years and each time it has been waiting for me on the walkway, no damage done. In those instances, it does help my peace of mind to have a good quality gig bag...
 
#9
It seems to be looking good for my chances of bringing it on board. Even if I end up having to gate check it (which i've done a number of times with my travel guitar) that would be okay. I am flying out of a small airport in Grand Junction CO, so it could be a smaller plane, and if I remember correctly I think I have to transfer in Dallas.

Worst case scenario I could carry a screwdriver with me in case of some space emergency. Seems unlikely that will happen, but it can't hurt to be prepared.

I appreciate the support and advice! This trip is right around the corner and i'm (of course) very excited about it. I actually had a deposit for this camp three years ago put down but they cancelled the event. This year my good friend is driving up from FL to meet me there, so that will be extra great.
 
#10
In my experiance Delta is one of the best for traveling with a bass. I prefer a hard case to a gig bag, so my fellow passengers can lay their small carryons like coats and briefcases on top of it. I get fewer hate looks from them and the crew. I also worry less if I do have to gate check it.

You will probably not be able to carry a screwdriver through gate check, it will have to be in your checked luggage.

I just attended the camp in May. You are in for an amazing experiance. Enjoy!
 
#14
Ditto again on all the great advice. Used to take mine in a gig bag regularly and had no problem fitting the body on top of my carryon bag, with the neck extending across other folks'. Either that or the FAs would stow it in a closet for me.
 
#15
i recently flew St Louis to Syracuse (via Dulles) and back. Only one plane would fit my bass in overhead, the others had solid dividers between overheads and it was about two inches too long. I had to gate check, but that leaves the bass in the hands of the gorillas for a minimum time and assures it gets loaded on top of other luggage. No mishaps involving the bass. They did reroute my other bag and we were stuck at O'Hare on the return flight. These were really small planes. One was so small they had a midget for a flight attendant (ok, I may be exaggerating, but not by much).

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