Flying with a Sadowsky Portabag?

[cripula]

I have a tough call coming up. Fly with my new sadowsky as checked baggage, or do without it for a few days till it catches up with me.
Anybody checked their bass in a Portabag? It seems pretty sturdy...

 

[Drucocu]

should be no problem, I think the Portabag might be more sturdy then some other cases.

 

[el_Kabong]

No problem unless you get the kind of baggage handler who shears rack ears off an amp. They're out there.

 

[KJung]

Just IMO, but I would not do this. The Porta Bag is great, but it's still a bag. If something heavy is set on top of that case, you are dead. I wonder if the portabag would fit in the SKB 'bass safe' or whatever that 'shell' is called. That would be great.

Otherwise, IMO, use your hardcase.

 

[lefty007]

Just IMO, but I would not do this. The Porta Bag is great, but it's still a bag. If something heavy is set on top of that case, you are dead. I wonder if the portabag would fit in the SKB 'bass safe' or whatever that 'shell' is called. That would be great.

Otherwise, IMO, use your hardcase.

I wouldn't do it either. Baggage takes abuse, and you need a hard case for that.

The SKB shell is the best bet. That shell is ATA approved, although there are some report of the latches being a pain sometimes. I used it on a tour, and it worked fantastic.

Or, take the bass with you inside a high quality gig bag and check it at the door - they usually put those items by hand in a different compartment and don't go through the normal baggage torture. Or if you are lucky, you can place the gig bag inside the plane, either in the overhead compartments, or at the jacket's closet - depending on how nice or mean the flight attendant is that day.

I used to travel with two basses, one with me in the cabin, and the other inside the SKB shell. Never had a problem.

 

[TonyP-]

Just IMO, but I would not do this. The Porta Bag is great, but it's still a bag. If something heavy is set on top of that case, you are dead. I wonder if the portabag would fit in the SKB 'bass safe' or whatever that 'shell' is called. That would be great.

Otherwise, IMO, use your hardcase.

+1 on this

I have traveled a bunch and no not recommend this.

No matter how you slice this up, slick, trendy and innovative that bag might be ITS STILL JUST A BAG.

A bag none the less with precious cargo worth over $2K that you are willing to let the very caring people at the airlines move for you.

Nowhere does it say that it is airline safe.
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TKL makes some great ATA approved molded cases that work like a champ.

 

[TonyP-]

Or, take the bass with you inside a high quality gig bag and check it at the door - they usually put those items by hand in a different compartment and don't go through the normal baggage torture. Or if you are lucky, you can place the gig bag inside the plane, either in the overhead compartments, or at the jacket's closet - depending on how nice or mean the flight attendant is that day.

I used to travel with two basses, one with me in the cabin, and the other inside the SKB shell. Never had a problem.

These are good points but I never been able to carry a bass on a plane again since 9/11 (not ever from Boston to NY).

I would call ahead and give the specs of your bag to the airlines to see if this possible to carry it on. They will tell you in some instances to buy a seat for your instrument (not joking). Call ahead. A good ATA approved case is an investment and worth it.

Think of it like this...A replacement Sadowsky neck I believe is $700 is it worth it?

 

[Jim Carr]

These are good points but I never been able to carry a bass on a plane again since 9/11 (not ever from Boston to NY).

I would call ahead and give the specs of your bag to the airlines to see if this possible to carry it on. They will tell you in some instances to buy a seat for your instrument (not joking). Call ahead. A good ATA approved case is an investment and worth it.

Think of it like this...A replacement Sadowsky neck I believe is $700 is it worth it?

Several airlines (United, American, and Delta if I recall correctly) that I have asked in the last three years have all said that seats can not be purchased for instruments any more.

 

[D.Don]

Get a real ATA case that you simply put the Sadowsky bag in, fill up with chips or whatever ...

D.Don

 

[lefty007]

These are good points but I never been able to carry a bass on a plane again since 9/11 (not ever from Boston to NY).

Did they make you check it as baggage when checking-in? Or have you showed up to the cabin and they made you door-check it?


I did all this touring after 9/11. The worst that can happen when you show up with a bass gig bag to the cabin is that they make you door-check it, like what they do with strollers. And the Portabag is more than adequate for that.

But BTW, I did all that traveling sub-$1000 basses. Accidents are bound to happen, and I just couldn't see myself traveling with a $3000+ bass. Although that's me. I know touring bassists who do what I just described when traveling and they take their $8000 Foderas with them. . . no worries. I wish I could be that care free.

The way to go could be a real ATA case (e.i., Anvil Case) with form fitting inside and whatnot. The problem there is that they still could lose it. Checking the bass at the door/gate has a small damage risk, but you have more control where your instrument is.

 

[Jim Carr]

...Or, take the bass with you inside a high quality gig bag and check it at the door - they usually put those items by hand in a different compartment and don't go through the normal baggage torture.

I fly with a bass a lot. Recently I learned that "gate checking" is more risky than I thought. About two weeks ago, I flew from Dallas-Fort Worth to San Jose, CA on American Airlines for a gig. It was a non-stop flight. When gate checking a Fender Jazz in a gig bag I was told by the representative, "Please be aware that your gate checked baggage goes in with normal baggage unless it is a transportation safety or assistive device such as a child carseat, stroller, walker, crutches, wheel chair, etc. When retrieved, it will be retrieved from the belt in baggage claim, and we accept no liability, OK? Sign here."

Or if you are lucky, you can place the gig bag inside the plane, either in the overhead compartments, or at the jacket's closet - depending on how nice or mean the flight attendant is that day.

This is still true. It is pretty random as to whether you will be allowed to carry a bass in a gig bag onboard. A pretty good bet is a near empty flight. These are very rare, but on my return on a Monday 1:50 PM non-stop back to DFW from San Jose, I was asked it I would like to put the bass in the cabin closet. I was stunned. When boarding began, the agent said to me "OK, pal, you first." I boarded before anyone. The plane was so empty I laid down in my seat row and slept the entire way.

I used to travel with two basses, one with me in the cabin, and the other inside the SKB shell. Never had a problem.

Limits on baggage are getting pretty strict. If you check a bass AND a piece of luggage, it could total $50 or more on American, Delta, and others. If the bass is in a heavy ATA case, it could cost more like $125 for two pieces.

 

[TonyP-]

Did they make you check it as baggage when checking-in? Or have you showed up to the cabin and they made you door-check it?

I'm not sure what you refer to as "door check in" but when showing up at the cabin they have taken it and placed it in the longer garment compartments. I think thats what you might mean so if that is the case the short answer is yes .

I was told so much "no you need to check that" after 9/11 that I just use a ATA approved case(s) and check in.

BTW: If you are flying with American be sure to be extra cautious.
I could go on a long ti raid about AA but whats the point to being that negative. Lets just say they not the nicest with luggage and I have issues wiht them and surfboards as well.

I do not recommend AA to anyone unless they are their only choice and I will leave it at that.

Sorry for the long answer.

 

[Jim Carr]

I have a tough call coming up. Fly with my new sadowsky as checked baggage, or do without it for a few days till it catches up with me. Anybody checked their bass in a Portabag? It seems pretty sturdy...

With my Sadowsky, I ship it ahead with Fed-Ex Express in the Sadowsky lightweight case (not the Porta-thingy) and in the same box in which Nino shipped it to me. I ship from a Fed-Ex office and pick it up at a Fed-Ex office. Not cheap, though, and they put the value of the instrument on the box.

 

[TonyP-]

Several airlines (United, American, and Delta if I recall correctly) that I have asked in the last three years have all said that seats can not be purchased for instruments any more.

To be honest I'm I have not bothered in a couple of years to ask (I doubt they they have gotten more leanant since the last time asking about taking a bass on board)).

However this was offered to me, not me inquiring about it.
I believe it was Jet Blue.

Here is a point, if you can afford a seat for your instrument you can afford a good ATA case and any extra fees for oversize baggage.

 

[lefty007]

I fly with a bass a lot. Recently I learned that "gate checking" is more risky than I thought. About two weeks ago, I flew from Dallas-Fort Worth to San Jose, CA on American Airlines for a gig. It was a non-stop flight. When gate checking a Fender Jazz in a gig bag I was told by the representative, "Please be aware that your gate checked baggage goes in with normal baggage unless it is a transportation safety or assistive device such as a child carseat, stroller, walker, crutches, wheel chair, etc. When retrieved, it will be retrieved from the belt in baggage claim, and we accept no liability, OK? Sign here."

Wow, that's scary, then. Last trip I did about 4 month ago - can't remember the airline - they still checked my bass at the gate and gave it back when exiting the plane.

 

[KJung]

Wow, that's scary, then. Last trip I did about 4 month ago - can't remember the airline - they still checked my bass at the gate and gave it back when exiting the plane.

Things are rapidly changing for the worse regarding traveling with instruments. A hard case and standard baggage check is really the only way to make sure you don't have a problem.

The worst thing that can happen is standing at the gate with an expensive bass in a bag, and being told you can't take it on the plane. This has happened to a peer of mine, and he literally had to miss the gig, since he couldn't safely check his instrument in that soft case.

I am very lucky that when I play road gigs where I have to fly in, the agency I work for always hires someone to drive instruments and key backline in a van the day before.

 

[greenbass5]

I have a tough call coming up. Fly with my new sadowsky as checked baggage, or do without it for a few days till it catches up with me.
Anybody checked their bass in a Portabag? It seems pretty sturdy...

You should be able to insure that bass for about $100 a year. I've used an SKB rolling golf case lots of times.

 

[bikeplate]

HI

No way, Norm. Ship it to my house. Ill take care of it for you

Rob

 

[JohnThomasson]

I've had fly out gigs every weekend this summer and the incase dub bag has really saved me since I need to bring two basses on my gig. I carry it on and haven't had any problems.

I do have to gate check it on the small 2 seat per row canada air jets. I always make sure that it is a true gate check and it will be brought up to me at my next stop and not go into the baggage system. I made a tag that says "Fragile Musical Instrument" and laminated it just so they know what I'm giving them. I had my doubts about bringing it on the plane but I haven't had any problems yet (**knocks on wood**). Smiling and a great attitude goes a long way and so all the flight attendants I've dealt with have been so nice and helpful.

Before that I used the SKB bass safe and they are usually great but sometimes the TSA guys have problems latching them back up. Especially the older butterfly latches. I do have the giant ATA road cases, but I hate hauling those around on fly outs.

 

[JohnThomasson]

Don't listen to me. The FAA is cracking down hard and making sure people stick to the real size limit of carry on items. They made the singer in my band check his Les Paul before he could get on his flight and then proceeded to lose it. It didn't show up until literally 20 minutes before we hit the stage. I guess people are trying to get away with larger carry on bags since the airlines raised the checked bag fees. They gave me grief this past weekend. I ended up upgrading to first class to to make sure I was the first guy on the plane.

There is usually one idiot passenger that makes a comment about my basses in the incase dub bag. The flight attendants were cool and I explained to them that I just heard about the crack down and that I will check my ATA cases next time. This passenger that was the last one the plane and had to gate check his bag was screaming there is a CELLO BASS on the plane!!! That's illegal!

At least I didn't bring my bajomophone.