Flying with an SKB Bass Safe?

[domestique]

I'm not sure I understand how this helps, how would the TSA "help" during packing??

I don't follow. The TSA is the last of our worries. It's the baggage handlers that break, steal, and lose stuff, not the TSA.

When you travel with a firearm and it is checked it does not go with all the other luggage but is held in a secure area and taken to the plane and handled with more care.

The TSA does not want to lose a firearm and therefore you have a better chance of your bass guitar not being left behind on another flight and beign that it is not with other baggage there is less of a chance of a nosey baggage handler prying open the case and stealing whatever they can walk off with.

 

[hwystar]

When you travel with a firearm and it is checked it does not go with all the other luggage but is held in a secure area and taken to the plane and handled with more care.

The TSA does not want to lose a firearm and therefore you have a better chance of your bass guitar not being left behind on another flight and beign that it is not with other baggage there is less of a chance of a nosey baggage handler prying open the case and stealing whatever they can walk off with.

I'm sorry but I don't believe that statement is true. It all ends up with all the other luggage.

 

[domestique]

I'm sorry but I don't believe that statement is true. It all ends up with all the other luggage.

Once on the plane for sure. But it doesn't go through the same route that your normal baggage would after you weigh it.

The biggest danger when traveling is after you weigh your bag it goes down the long conveyer. Out of sight with all the other luggage is where items get lost, damaged and stolen at a higher rate.

By having a firearm checked it has to be hand inspected and then goes to a special waiting area before being mixed with the other luggage for the plane. There is less down time for you bag to be out of sight as it is in TSA's possession.

 

[domestique]

Also to add: Firearms are not shipped with TSA locks but your own private lock. TSA has to inspect your bag in FRONT of you and once it is locked it can not be open out of your presence.

This is the biggest advantage as a non-honest baggage handler with a TSA opener can not just go through your gear.

 

[xikbastard]

i once lost a few pendants i stash in a SKB-44, i was piss but nothing much they can do. I blame the TSA locks tho. nowadays i stick a "fragile" tape around the TSA lock, so incase they have a burning desire to check my bass, they need to cut the tape. which alerted me straight off and check and if anything missing make a big fuss out of it there and there to the airline.

 

[David Jayne]

Well the handgun idea is clearly out for me. I go through NY all the time. NY is super strict. You essentially can't have one period. Ill see if I can fit a shotgun in the case with my bass.....

 

[dsanders]

Just a note. I've decided to not keep the SKB. It seems to be a great case. I'm just going to take my chances with my Mono bags.

If it ever results in disaster I'll update. Not doing many fly dates lately anyway. The intent is to carry on not check the bag.

 

[mexibass]

Because it is difficult to find a decent quality padded gig bag (a part from the very thin ones) that fits into the Bass Safe.
Neither the Protec Contego, nor the Sadowsky Portabag or Levy's fit into the BassSafe. On the other hand they are not safe/sturdy enough to check them in at the airport.

Why wouldn't they build a fitting gig bag? I mean, they build gig bags, no? I won't buy an SKB bass, because there is NONE, but there ARE SKB gigbags. So why don't they fit into their own product?

Sorry to revive this, but are u positive that the protec contego won't fit the Bass Safe?

 

[mexibass]

Actually, you need a pretty thick gig bag to put in the Bass Safe. I wouldn't put a thin canvas bag in there. So if it's close to the dimensions of the Bass Safe, you're probably in good shape.

Hey Jimmy, I wanted to ask you what kind of gig bag do you use with your Bass Safe. Thanks!

 

[JimmyM]

I use a long-discontinued bag called the Kaces Not Leather Triangle Bag. Got two...actually found the very last one available anywhere a couple years ago.

 

[mexibass]

I've used mine on about 10-12 flights now. No problems. Works great. Wheels & latches still intact.

The thicker the gig bag, the better. No cheapies!

How thick? Any particular brand/model that could be bought on amazon? I was thinking that the Protec Contego that comes with my M Bass would be ideal but it seems that it doesn't fit the Bass Safe at all :/

 

[JimmyM]

Gotcha. Is there any regular brand gig bag that might fit the Bass Safe you would recommend to protect better my bass? Like a SKB or a Gator? I'm thinking of stuffin both the Bass Safe and the Gig Bag with some soft material like pool noodles for more protection anyway.

I have a Gator and used it on a couple trips and it worked fine, but the Gator (like a lot of current gig bags) have straps mounted way too low and the neck sticks up way too high and makes me feel like Herman Munster lumbering around. But any decently padded gig bag should work fine.

 

[mexibass]

I have a Gator and used it on a couple trips and it worked fine, but the Gator (like a lot of current gig bags) have straps mounted way too low and the neck sticks up way too high and makes me feel like Herman Munster lumbering around. But any decently padded gig bag should work fine.

Sweet, thanks again dude! This really comforts me. I think I might need it only for this flight, once the bass its at home, I'd be carrying it in the Protec Contego that came with my Xotic or the Spector Gig Bag that came with my Rebop, both are well padded and the straps are nice.

What really bums me out is the fact that I might have to give up the Contego and leave it behind. I really like these bags/cases.

 

[scotch]

How thick? Any particular brand/model that could be bought on amazon? I was thinking that the Protec Contego that comes with my M Bass would be ideal but it seems that it doesn't fit the Bass Safe at all :/

That's weird. Something like a Mono bag would be a little too thick, but all of my single bass bags work. Fender, Levys, Road Runner, etc..

 

[mexibass]

That's weird. Something like a Mono bag would be a little too thick, but all of my single bass bags work. Fender, Levys, Road Runner, etc..

Alright, I'll try to get me any regular well-padded gig bag and I will use the pool noodles either way thanks!

 

[scotch]

I'm on a plane to Denver in about 36 hours. Will be checking my bass in the Bass Safe.

 

[mexibass]

I'm on a plane to Denver in about 36 hours. Will be checking my bass in the Bass Safe.

Would mind sharing any tips regarding a Bass Safe being checked? Do you also stuff it with foamy? I've been looking at some gig bags, so far I'm favouring a Spector, a SKB, a Protec, a Levy and a Gearlux. All of them are between the $40-$50 range. Their padding seems pretty much the same. I might be overthinking this but it is a 3.3K, very customised bass I'm talking about.

 

[JimmyM]

Don't know what Justin does, but I've never stuffed my Bass Safe with foam, though occasionally I put my overnight bag and some extra clothes in it. Even when it's only got the bass in a gig bag, though, I've never had an incident with any of my basses in about 8 years. Might not be a bad idea to use those pool noodles you were talking about, but I don't find it necessary. I would, however, write "FRAGILE" all over it in big bold letters. Might not stop them from throwing it, but it might.

 

[scotch]

Would mind sharing any tips regarding a Bass Safe being checked? Do you also stuff it with foamy? I've been looking at some gig bags, so far I'm favouring a Spector, a SKB, a Protec, a Levy and a Gearlux. All of them are between the $40-$50 range. Their padding seems pretty much the same. I might be overthinking this but it is a 3.3K, very customised bass I'm talking about.

"Very customized 3.3k bass"? Don't fly with it. You'll probably be fine, but travel is always a risk. If you insist, make sure you have proper insurance!!!!!

That said, I do not put extra padding in my Bass Safe. The gig bags and existing padding that SKB installs are adequate. I'm about 10 years in with this thing, have traveled all over the globe and have had zero damage to my instruments.

Did I mention proper professional insurance? It's highly recommended. A no-brainer, really. Don't rely on any airline or common carrier. They do not have your back!

As regards checking-in tips, the usual common sense stuff applies:
-Arrive early.
-Smile! Be friendly. Make it a point to be pleasant.
-Try to get the happiest looking ticketing agent. An employee having a bad day = YOU having a bad day.

I've found that about 2/3 of airline employees think I have a firearm when they see the shape of the Bass Safe. After finding out its just a guitar, they seem relieved that they don't need to do extra paperwork & are more helpful! Even though it's technically 'oversize', I have yet to be charged a single fee. I think they are just happy it's not a gun to document & let me go.

Did I mention insurance? It's so important, easy, and smart!

 

[Freddels]

Last night I tried to get the Contego in the Bass Safe. It was tight going in and would have fit except the top of the Contego (where the headstock is located) is too wide and it won't go all the way into the Bass Safe. So, it's definitely a no go for the Contego.