Flying With Your Bass

 

 

An important message from Vic.....

 

Since the events of Sept. 11, 2001 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

 

And from Dave Welsch.....

 

I've been using SKB's "ATA Bass Safe", which is a Roto-Molded teardrop case with wheels. It easliy accomodates a single gig bag and can be locked with a padlock (not included). Because it's ATA approved, you can check it with no problem AND your bass is well protected. It is very likely that the TSA agent will want to open the case to inspect the contents. Remember that you cannot touch the case after you have handed it to the agent, so I've found it to be a good idea to show the agent how to close and latch the case BEFORE I hand it over. (I also tell them that the lady inside is my livelyhood and to please use extra care.) If you are using a padlock, remember to leave it UNLOCKED when you hand the case to the agent and ask them to be sure to lock it after they've inspected it. There are also locks available that use a TSA universal key. I hang around and watch, if I have time before my flight.

 

The list price of the case is about $145, but I've seen them online for $90. More information is available here. Do a Google search on "SKB ATA Bass Safe" and you'll find a bunch of dealers with good prices. Safe travels.... see you at camp!

Dave

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions