Traveling with an expensive bass

[muljoe]

Hello TB,

Quick question for you all. How do people feel about traveling via heavier than air flight with an expensive bass?
I have traveled before with my 76 P bass which has given me no bad experiences/hesitations because it's not original and probably would survive a crash better than me (built like a tank).

I recently bought a Fodera Emperor Standard 5 and am traveling home in a month or so. I'd love to take it to jam with friends, play at a friends church, and show some fellow bass folks. I would be pretty much just taking it for kicks and giggles because I could either take my P or borrow a bass out there to play.

Would folks feel comfortable taking it on an airline? I have a mono case which I really trust and love but am not sure what would happen if my 5K bass gets lost or damaged. Would the airline or my private insurance help me out?

Thanks all!

 

[MD]

Leave the Fodera home. Borrow a bass.

 

[Jeff Bonny]

Every day you don't play the bass you love is a day you'll never get back.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I would just borrow out there. One more hassle to deal with. Some people have done it, some have horror stories.

Dogs or instruments, I would prefer to drive than fly.

 

[tangentmusic]

Buy an extra plane ticket for Mr. Fedora. Sit it next to you.

I know... bad idea.

 

[Baird6869]

I would never fly with a Fodera. Not worth the stress if you have to check it IMO.

I do a couple fly in gigs a year and generally rent a bass from a local music store. If that isn't an option, I bring my Squier and leave the Foderas at home.

 

[hdracer]

It's like traveling with a small child.
Never take your eyes or hands off of it.

 

[bopeuph]

I've done a lot of traveling gigs, and never have had a problem with flying, HOWEVER, that doesn't mean I'm not extremely uncomfortable when dealing with it.

Firstly, an electric bass does fit in the overhead. I've not yet gone through the new TSA regulations for flying with instruments, but the AFM has finally come to some legal agreements as to how you can fly with them:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I wrote an article a while back. It's a bit outdated, but still some useful information in there:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

But, in short, if I don't need to bring my instrument, I just don't any more, unless I have to keep practicing for an audition or upcoming gig. I think it's best to just borrow and save yourself the stress and risk.

 

[Jon Moody]

I flew back from NAMM with my Sire MM sig that I got there. Not an expensive bass, but as it was my first time doing it, there was a lot of apprehension (esp. since I had two connections). The airline attendants didn't bat an eye when I brought it onboard, and as mentioned, an electric bass easily fits in the overhead. However, depending on your place in boarding (I was in Group A), that will determine how much room is in those overheads. And for the little puddle-jumper plane I took on the last leg home, while they DID red-tag the bass at the gate, the attendant was very nice and put it in the coat closet for me.

Couple things I'd do if I was traveling regularly with a bass (ANY bass):

-Have it professionally insured. This is not a rider on your homeowners policy, but a separate thing
-Have a SOLID gigbag. My Levy's leather gigbag would be fine, or a Mono M80, etc..
-Pay the extra for priority seating. You'll ensure you get your bass in the overhead
-BE NICE.