An important message from Vic.....

Since the events of Sept. 11 it has become more difficult to fly with a bass as carry-on luggage. Here are a few things that I've learned. You may find yourself in other situations, but these points are from my experiences...

You will not be allowed to board the plane with your bass in a hard case. If you plan to try to board with your bass in a gig bag......

Try to avoid having your bass go thru baggage-check and baggage- claim. If you get to the gate and are told that you can't board the plane with your bass, ask if it can be "Gate-Checked". This means that you'll hand your bass to a attendant as you board the plane and then pick it up at the gate as you get off the plane, before going to baggage claim. Be sure to loosen your strings before giving your bass to the attendant when you board the plane.

If you plan to baggage-check your bass in a standard hard case......

At home, loosen the strings and pack your bass in the case. You may want to pad the bass with extra t-shirts or clothing. Take the case, with the bass inside, to a music store and ask if can packed for shipping in a generic box, as if it was being freight shipped. You will check this package with any other baggage when you arrive at your originating airport and pick it up at baggage-claim after you land.

If you own an ATA-Approved Flight Case....

At home, loosen the strings and pack your bass in the case. You may want to pad the bass with extra t-shirts or clothing. Check the case with any other baggage when you arrive at your originating airport and pick it up at baggage-claim after you land.

peace, vic

And from Steve.....

I would add that .... no matter what kind of difficulty you have..... never get angry with the gate attendants...... you will definitely not get anywhere and they seem to have less patience these days..... Good Karma goes a long way.

They are allowing " one carry-on and one "personal" item such as a purse or a computer case. Although I have seen many "exaggerations" on this theme, you should bring only one tiny bag if you intend on carrying your bass onboard. If you can, just have your bass and your ticket and ID.... if they hassle you, show them that this is your only carry on.. if they say no then start crying... slowly at first.. progressing to an all out wailing... if this doesn't work.... have an alternate plan.. like a friend or parent waiting at security with a hard case that you can gate check... remember, ONLY ticketed passengers are allowed past security.

When you approach the gate , DO NOT carry the bass on your shoulder in the "usual " way. Instead ,carry by the strap usually located about where the neck joins the body. This makes your bass much less conspicuous. If your gigbag doesn't have one of these just grab it there and HOLD ON. Also, carry it on the opposite side of your body that the attendant will be taking your ticket..... and checking your ID.... so have that ID out and ready and move as smoothly as possible.

ALSO... ask for seats toward the rear of the plane as you will be the first group to board and will have much more overhead bin access........... do not show up late for boarding as they will tell you that there is no room for the bass..... If they say that it will not fit, be very nice and say you believe it will ,as you have traveled frequently, and if they will only let you try you will be glad to look for alternatives if it doesn't fit. ... If this doesn't work....... refer to the crying part...!!!!

Pack your bass "tools" screwdrivers, wrenches etc in your checked baggage. No knives or long narrow objects... chances are you are going to get "extra" searched.... same with guitar polish or any kind of
chemical......

ABOVE ALL, KEEP A LOW PROFILE AND STAY CALM..... AND HAVE A BACKUP PLAN IF YOU CANNOT GET YOUR BASS ON.. I have had no problem, so far, having followed these steps. Good luck and see you in the woods.

Steve

One of this year's participants found this at Northwest Airlines:

Carry-on:
Musical instruments will be accepted as the passengers one item of carry-on luggage provided the maximum linear dimensions do not exceed 45 inches or weigh more than 40 lbs. Carry-on luggage must be stowed under a seat, in the overhead bin, or in the cabin closet.

If there is space available in the cabin closet, a musical instrument may be stowed. If there is no space available, you will need to check your instrument at the gate on a limited release tag. Because carry-on luggage must be safely stored under a seat or in an overhead compartment, it may at times be necessary to limit the number of carry-on items a traveler is allowed depending on the number of passengers on a given flight. These regulations were formulated to prevent the boarding of excessive or oversized items, which cannot be properly stowed.

Checked:
Instruments must be appropriately packaged in suitably designed shipping case with protective packing. The passenger must sign a Limited Liability Release form and a limited liability release tag.

U.S./Canada/Mexico/Caribbean:
An instrument may be included in free luggage allowance provided it is within the number of pieces/weight/linear dimensions allowed. If in excess, a 80.00USD/CAD115.00 excess charge applies.

*Exception cellos/bass that are checked cannot be included in the free luggage allowance but are subject to a 80.00USD/CAD115.00 excess charge. They must be in a hardside case or crush proof container to be accepted as checked luggage.

For travel from the U.S. Europe and Asia:
Musical instruments may be included in free luggage allowance provided they are within the number of pieces/weight/linear dimensions allowed. Musical instruments not exceeding 39in/100cm in length will be considered to be one piece of luggage with the outside linear dimensions of 62in/158cm regardless of the actual dimensions. If the instrument is in excess of the free allowance, the normal excess charges will apply based on the actual dimensions and weight.

Cabin Seat Luggage:
NWA/KLM/CO passengers may purchase an extra seat for items too large/bulky to stow and/or too fragile to check. A separate passenger seat must be reserved and a ticket purchased. Maximum weight of cabin seat luggage is 165lbs. / 75 kgs. Contra/double bass are not accepted as cabin seat luggage.

You will find answers to many frequently asked questions by visiting
http://www.nwa.com/help/index.html.