Flying with an SKB Bass Safe?

[Freddels]

I don't write "Fragile" all over mine b/c I think that's just creates a challenge for the baggage handlers to see how far they can throw it. I have put my pillow in there (for extra padding and I get to have MY pillow when I travel).

 

[mexibass]

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.

Right! I'm gonna stuff whatever I can for additional protection, clothes, foamy, bubble wrap, pool noodles, I won't take any chances

Did I mention insurance? It's so important, easy, and smart![/QUOTE]

I don't write "Fragile" all over mine b/c I think that's just creates a challenge for the baggage handlers to see how far they can throw it. I have put my pillow in there (for extra padding and I get to have MY pillow when I travel).

I'm confused now with the "fragile" signs, I tend to think that these guys are pure evil, and as you say, the more "fragile" stickers they see on the package, the more they had an urge to trash it all around!

 

[mexibass]

"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!

Thanks Scotch! Flying with it is the only option I have to bring this bass to its new home. My credit card gives me a 3k worth insurance policy for lost/damaged luggage that is checked on every flight I purchase with it. Hope that's enough. Do you use a specific insurance company for ur basses?

Also, I didn't know the Bass Safe was also padded in its interior. That's even better! Nevertheless, as I said to Jimmy, a little clothing or pool noodles won't hurt and won't add up much weight, either.

Thanks for your tips bro!

 

[scotch]

Ther is just a little block of foam in the tip and base of the boot.

If you make $ playing, don't count on 'regular' insurance (like homeowners, vehicle, or credit card purchase coverage). If you are a professional, you need different 'all peril' coverage for professionals like MusicPro or similar.

 

[Freddels]

You can't stuff too much in there. Remember, if they open it, they won't be stuffing it all back in again. You'll be lucky is they close the latches on it.

 

[JimmyM]

I was fuming when TSA on Spokane stuffed my overnight bag and extra clothes I had in mine recently on the wrong side right up against the controls. They wedged my overnight bag in there so tight they squeezed my toothpaste out. Luckily the bass was OK, but I sent them a blistering letter about how TSA sucks and is an enemy of the people. I got an actual decent reply back, though, and not a form letter, so maybe they won't put me on the no-fly list

 

[placedesjardins]

Just a horror story, my friend had a MIA Fender Stratocaster. It was, for him, his first really nice electric guitar. He got a hard case that had the Fender tweed covering with leather. Very fancy. Anyway, he flies across the US with it. The tweed got ruined on the bottom side. The leather on the edges got ruined too, like the case got thrown around and slid across non-smooth surfaces. No damage to the guitar. Airline took no liability to the damage to the case.

 

[guy n. cognito]

I was fuming when TSA on Spokane stuffed my overnight bag and extra clothes I had in mine recently on the wrong side right up against the controls. They wedged my overnight bag in there so tight they squeezed my toothpaste out. Luckily the bass was OK, but I sent them a blistering letter about how TSA sucks and is an enemy of the people. I got an actual decent reply back, though, and not a form letter, so maybe they won't put me on the no-fly list

An enemy of the people? I'm sure that got a few chuckles

 

[JimmyM]

An enemy of the people? I'm sure that got a few chuckles

Maybe so but they're morons running TSA. All their policies are reactions to isolated incidents and they do nothing, those stupid look under your clothes machines are a violation of our privacy, and our local airport did a sting on TSA agents that proved how easily bought they are. Remember when they banned lighters from flights? Well guess what? I never had a problem getting one in, and it took them a year and a half to decide that policy did nothing except cause them to throw away a bunch of perfectly good lighters.

 

[guy n. cognito]

Maybe so but they're morons running TSA. All their policies are reactions to isolated incidents and they do nothing, those stupid look under your clothes machines are a violation of our privacy, and our local airport did a sting on TSA agents that proved how easily bought they are. Remember when they banned lighters from flights? Well guess what? I never had a problem getting one in, and it took them a year and a half to decide that policy did nothing except cause them to throw away a bunch of perfectly good lighters.

Something like that.......

 

[tumbao01]

Is the interior depth really 6,25 inches as stated on the SKB site? it looks much thinner.I'm wondering if my 6 inch deep double gigbag would fit..

 

[JimmyM]

Is the interior depth really 6,25 inches as stated on the SKB site? it looks much thinner.I'm wondering if my 6 inch deep double gigbag would fit..

Just measured mine, and it's exactly 6.25" at the opening. However, it tapers down ever so slightly, and there is no way in hell I would try to carry two basses in it.

 

[tumbao01]

Just measured mine, and it's exactly 6.25" at the opening. However, it tapers down ever so slightly, and there is no way in hell I would try to carry two basses in it.

Thanks for your quick reply! How much narrower does it get towards the top? The bag is a very sturdy Access Stage Three which is already very protective... Heard that quite a few people use the SKB with two basses in a double bag..

 

[JimmyM]

Thanks for your quick reply! How much narrower does it get towards the top? The bag is a very sturdy Access Stage Three which is already very protective... Heard that quite a few people use the SKB with two basses in a double bag..

Oh man, now you're going to make me dig my double bass bag out and try it! BRB...

 

[JimmyM]

OK, so it looks like it tapers to 5.25" at the headstock. And I tried to stick two Precisions in a Levy's double gig bag that I bought in 1998 in it. Discontinued apparently. Now the Levy's bag is not the thickest double gig bag on the market, and is known for not being the most protective double gig bag on the market. It was such an insanely tight fit that I would never even consider packing two basses in it for a short car ride, let alone a flight.

 

[tumbao01]

OK, so it looks like it tapers to 5.25" at the headstock. And I tried to stick two Precisions in a Levy's double gig bag that I bought in 1988 in it. Now the Levy's bag is not the thickest double gig bag on the market, and is known for not being the most protective double gig bag on the market. It was such an insanely tight fit that I would never even consider packing two basses in it for a short car ride, let alone a flight.

Thanks for the measurement and the test with your double bag! Exactly the info I was looking for!

 

[HydeWang]

gol

"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!

Is TSA gonna open the bass safe to check the inside? or just after X-ray they will let go. I'm worry about they will not put two parts together well. I will wrap some extra bubble around the headstock till end of the neck. and also wrap the gigbag with bubble from head to end of the neck, and will not put any other extra padding. also I will buy a extra strap to tie around the handle.

 

[scotch]

Is TSA gonna open the bass safe to check the inside? or just after X-ray they will let go. I'm worry about they will not put two parts together well. I will wrap some extra bubble around the headstock till end of the neck. and also wrap the gigbag with bubble from head to end of the neck, and will not put any other extra padding. also I will buy a extra strap to tie around the handle.

Yes, they almost always open it up. 90% of the time I find a U.S. TSA inspection leaflet in my gigbag upon arrival.

A few times one of the latches has not been secured. Haven't had any problems though.

 

[JimmyM]

Yes, they almost always open it up. 90% of the time I find a U.S. TSA inspection leaflet in my gigbag upon arrival.

A few times one of the latches has not been secured. Haven't had any problems though.

Same here. They manage to put it back together. And I can't blame the latches on TSA...SKB can't seem to manage to make latches or straps that won't come loose or fall off. That's why binding the handles together with a twist wrap or velcro strap is paramount.

 

[HydeWang]

Same here. They manage to put it back together. And I can't blame the latches on TSA...SKB can't seem to manage to make latches or straps that won't come loose or fall off. That's why binding the handles together with a twist wrap or velcro strap is paramount.

Do you recommend any Velcro strap which I want to buy some.