Flying with my basses for the first time

[bassdie]

Hey Ya'll,

Next week I'm flying with my instruments for the first time and I'm in a pickle.

I'm bringing two basses with me a First Act Custom Delgada (Basically a Gibson RD under a different name) and a 1976 Guild B 301 and my pedals (which are in a road case and should be OK checked I think). I have cases for both basses but I don't think the Delgada case is strong enough to withstand being checked and It's shagin huge so carrying on a hard shell case could be an issue.

Anyone have any simple solutions? I think getting a flight case for it is probably out of the question considering the timeframe. (I do have a soft gig bag tp use to carry on also)

Thanks!

 

[StyleOverShow]

Couple years ago, 2013, did some road work. Domestic flights short hops were tougher than longer flights, more people less room.

I asked around here on TB and resorted to taking the neck off and placing the two pieces in a suitcase. It
added 30-45 prep time to attach neck, restring, etc. but totally worked. I was living dangerously, traveling with 1 bass only, but no problem at all.

 

[yakmastermax]

I recently flew with my bass and had the following experience:

My first leg was denver to dallas. Full flight. I went up to the counter about 30 minutes before boarding and politely asked if I could bring my instrument on board and stow it in the overhead or in the coat space if it fit. The counter woman said it would not be a problem and during boarding I simply put my bass in the overhead. I had priority access boarding so I was able to board before many other people. My bass in the overhead took up the space of 3 roller suitcases but I implored those around me to put their backpacks and coats on top of my bass.

The second leg from dallas to mexico did not go as well. I went through the same routine except this time the counterwoman scolded me for trying to take up other people's space and told me that I would have to gate check it. I complied but once I got down to the end of the jet bridge I asked the flight attendant if I could bring the bass on board. She responded that I could because the flight wasn't very full. I brought the bass on board and stowed it in the overhead. 5 minutes later I was in a yelling match with the original counterwoman about how the plane wasn't full and how there was certainly enough open overhead space for my bass. Eventually she ceded.

On the first leg of the return flight from mexico to dallas the counterpeople were apologetic and understanding but insisted that I check my bass. The flight was full so I complied. When I picked the bass up right before customs in dallas I could tell that it had been manhandled. My 100 dollar budget case was not happy.

On the last leg from dallas back to denver I once again went through the same routine. The counterperson told me to see if it could fit. I boarded early once again due to priority access and found a spot overhead to stow the bass. All went smoothly.

The bottom line is that there doesn't seem to be a definite process to the shenanigans. It depends a lot on how full the flight is, what type of boarding order you're in and what kind of mood the counter people are in.

Good luck and sorry I can't provide more information.

If I were to do it again I'd make sure I was in one of the first boarding groups or that I had priority access and I'd continue to let the counter-person know that I'm going to try to see if there is room in the overhead.

In future I plan to just make use of a flight case.

 

[Neveragain55]

I fly with mine all the time with no problems.

I fly US Air/American Airlines exclusively and even though the baggage handlers are uncaring idiots......my bass is always good & in one piece.

I use the Gator travel case: $149.00

I got some styrofoam from Michael's, cut it to fit the curves of my bass, put gray duct tape to prevent scratches, and glued them in the case so that the bass doesn't move around in transit.

Why, because I know the baggage handlers don't give a Damn....

To date, no problems, and I always check the bass, I never carry it on the plane.