Double Bass Flying with the DB

[McGarnigle]

Has anyone had experience traveling with the DB on an airplane, what is the best method? accessories? What are the usual dilemmas? Do you carry-on, if so, is a flight case needed or a bag fine? Do you buy two tickets for seats. Is there a good case that you can trust to check your luggage.
I've read Rufus Reid's thorough explanation in "Evolving Bassist," is that a reality?
Also, add the amp and luggage.
I would appreciate any experienced solutions for this problem.
Thanks

 

[wheelsoffire]

Pack a Gun to Protect Valuables from Airline Theft or Loss

 

[Ed Fuqua]

There's Invalid Link Removed but, as they say, it's going to be a couple of years before this is across the board everywhere. It couldn't hurt to print out a copy of the actual bill and take it with you.

Todd Coolman also has an interesting approach to flying with an instrument, but his too was written well before the recent impossibilities.

Buying an extra seat was prbably the first thing that became a problem, given the airlines cutting flights back. Your bass is going to be the first thing bumped if they over book. And you DON'T want it to go in the hold in the soft case.

Since this bill is making it through the legislature, it may be easier to get flight cases (Gage, Kolstein, SBS etc) on, but you are STILL operating at the whim of the counter staff...

 

[Paul Warburton]

Who are idiots.

 

[Treyzer]

Who are idiots.

As I have found out on more than one occasion!

 

[luke_basswalker]

For a flight in the late 90s I had purchased an extra ticket but ended up in an empty plane and could lay the bass on it's side stretching over 4 seats. The head-down version works too, with the extension belt some "big" people use to secure it.
When boarding, the stewards were shocked at first but after showing it to the pilot, whose only concern was that it had to really stay secured, no problem.

That was up to 2001.

These days you probably need a good flight case and make sure you tell them to hand-carry it to and from the plane and fly it in the pressurized compartment. (which they might or might not do).

Flying that way I was so far charged anything between 0 and ca. 300$, depending on the counter personnel's mood pretty much. Some just charge extra for oversize, some just for overweight, some charge both, some nothing.

Still a bit of risk. No risk only if you have it with you in the cabin, if they let you.