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Flying with this case

#41
Rodent said:
when you get to your destination buy an inexpensive used MIM P or J bass ... play it for all it's worth ... thrash it on stage if you like .... and then give it to a local charity that works with kids from financially challenged families

- it'll be cheaper in the long run
- you get a tax write-off
- there's NO stress about flying with your bass

- and a kid somewhere could become the next Victor Wooten because somebody gave him/her what they weren't able to otherwise afford


everybody wins! :bassist:

R
Click to expand...

Uh, my 'destination', is where I live. I'm just visiting the US. So, that idea's not going to work. :(
 
#42
Gig Bag:

If you take an inexpensive bass in a gig bag, you may be able to carry it on. If you are forced to check it, a bad outcome is still painful, but less costly than when you are determined to travel with a valuable instrument. Being forced to check a valuable bass in a gig bag is very upsetting and risky. Trust no assurances from any airline.

Strong Case:

These can be expensive ($250 or more for full ATA). They are very heavy. They don't fit in the trunk or across the back seat of most cars, and require you to get to the airport extra early. Some can't be locked effectively. A full ATA case may protect your instrument well, but you still have to turn it over to TSA "inspectors," and then the baggage system. Even a big heavy case can get stolen or be lost (who watches the watchers?). You will need a gig bag at your destination.

Ship It:

It is expensive, a packing/logistic hassle, and there are loop-holes in various carrier's responsibilities. Shipping is not very flexible in terms of schedule and price, and you have to turn your instrument over to others, like flying.


IMHO, a standard hard shell bass guitar case doesn't stand up well enough to air travel to be practical. No matter how you do it, get real instrument insurance.
 
#43
Overflow said:
Uh, my 'destination', is where I live. I'm just visiting the US. So, that idea's not going to work. :(
Click to expand...

you're visiting the US - that is your temporary travel destination I speak of. make more sense?

when you get to the US, buy a cheap $100 used bass and play it to death, then donate it to a charity before heading home ... it's a whole lot cheaper than buying a flight case for this one excursion ;)

all the best,

R
 

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