And we're off!

[MingusBASS]

Amen to that BP! I try to be as nice as possible about it when I'm travelling but that's clearly not what the rest of the world seems to be concerned with. I had a guy throw(and I mean throw!) his bag on top of my Jazz bass(risk my bongo getting hurt? no sir reee) with out thinking about it. I had a few words for him and asked him to be more considerate. Luckily all my bass needed was a little tweak in the truss rod(which is a bigger pain with non ebmm basses) and all was good.

Andrew

 

[maddog]

I've stopped traveling the unfriendly skies. Limits my options for vacations and stuff but I don't want to give my money to them bastages anymore. Now I take extra days and just drive. Luckily me mum & dad are moving to Wisconsin from VA so they'll be a day closer.

 

[Mobay45]

I tried driving to Jamiaca once. Flooded my car.

 

[maddog]

You should try one of these next time:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4163593/

 

[JohnElevator]

I've been reading these forums for a while, but haven't joined yet, but this thread struck a personal chord. My bass was destroyed by baggage handlers last year, was my first bass and it was a bad way to go, but it is the reason I have a Stingray now. They snapped the neck..... it was a horrible day.

John, from Ireland

 

[0557]

I've been lucky, I have put mine in the closet with the suitbags in the front of some planes, and I have been able to take it and put it in the storage compartment above the seats. One time the flight attendent had to put it in the galley due to lack of space because it was in its case and not a gigbag.
I think she liked me because I told her I was going to be on "starsearch" way back in 1987.

 

[tkarter]

There is a Union negotated agreement some where on the transporting of musical equipment. I think post 9/11 rules override past agreements.

I fly I am not taking my bass. Well atleast not until I am famous.

tk

 

[mackanbass]

Does anyone know if the MM Hardcases (post 2002) are ok to fly with as Checked baggage? It sure looks to me like they could do the job of protecting the instrument.

 

[LarryNJ]

By a quick count, 2 of my basses have been on 16 planes in the last 3 months.

Not a mark.

Lucky? Maybe, but I think that having a little sincere talk with the baggage people, and having my case and/or box as described in my previous post
marked for special handling with FRAGILE stickers went a long way.
If others have had misfortune, and had their instruments mis-handled, I certainly mourn with them, but that does not mean it's the status quo.
The people I talked to were understanding, and assured me that my valued instruments would be handled gingerly. They were.

The SKB type molded cases should be encased in a sturdy cardboard box. They are not as rigid as the wood- framed cases, like the MM cases by G&G or the Tolex Fender cases, which are sturdy enough on their own. But if cosmetics are an issue, box 'em up.

As for those who vow not to fly, well, it's impossibel to drive to certain destinations, and when you do get there by plane, you prolly want YOUR bass with you, so I don't know if not flying with an instrument is a viable option.

That's why they make ATA cases- you can drive Humvee's over 'em!
I thought that I provided a pretty reasonable option- worked for me, so far anyway!

I am going to the UK in October; gonna get me a flight case (and insurance) for that gig- U betcha!

 

[Beth]

I fly a lot, and my annoyance with the "businessman with 6 rollerbags who hog the overheads" is right up there with yours, BP. I'd say it would depend on the airplane itself, how much space is actually in the overhead compartments (on the last couple flights I took, the overheads were not long enough to accommodate a gig bag), if they even have a location for hanging suit bags (on one of the last flights I took, the stewards were using the overheads, not the compartments in front like on bigger planes) and the airline itself. If you've got a gig bag only and you're flying in a big plane (which you more than likely will if you're flying any more than about 1,500 miles and are flying into LAX), I'd just check in, check your checked baggage if you have any, and then say you have one carry on, but I wouldn't call attention to the size of your carry on and the fact that there's an instrument inside. I've carried on a bouzouki (Greek instrument that looks like a banjo) on an international flight and the only time they harassed me was when I was going through security, just because they wanted to know what was inside...

 

[Mobay45]

I had to travel recently with my trumpet (Bach Stradivarius) and my bugle (Kanstul 3 valve = not cheap). The replacement cost of these two instruments would exceed $2500. I knew I couldn't carry on my two horn cases plus my c-pap breathing machine, so I went out and bought a case that would hold both horns. That set me back about $175 but it was worth it to know they were safe with me. If I had to take my bass on a trip I would definitely go out and buy an ATA case for it. The peace of mind is worth it to me. Two things I couldn't do without on that trip were my c-pap and my horns.

I fly about 6-8 times a year and I almost always check a bag. Baggage is not treated gingerly at all and you can look at my luggage to verify that. If there is any chance you will have to check your instrument, make sure that you have what you need to protect it before you get to the airport.

 

[LarryNJ]

There are a lot of cases where people state, correctly of course, that there luggage was abused.
But how about the millions of pieces that get through with nothing more than normal wear and tear??
I'm not trying to champion the Airlines, but I've done a good deal of traveling- quite a bit, including International travel, and have never had any damage, lost luggage or problems. Their record is pretty good- give it up! Statistics would bear that out.

IF you do like I suggest- have an instrument marked for Special Handling, posted with FRAGILE stickers- Then it is duly noted that the article was checked in that way accordingly, and the baggage crews know that if that article is damaged, they are called to account. Believe that, and this- Most of the crews care about their jobs, take pride in their work, and do what they do well. To suggest that they are all a bunch of baggage apes falls into the same class as saying that Musicians are all drug addicts, etc. For real.
No doubt this post may be followed by those who wish to tell their tales of woe-
I can dig it, I feel for ya-
But those stories are GREATLY outnumbered by the facts- the volume of baggage, including musical instruments, etc. that have been delivered intact. That is a fact.
I post this because the co-operation I received from those handling my instruments was excellent- They respected. I have a '69 P-Bass- Its irreplaceable to me- I ain't fooling around.

As said- To ease all concerns, ATA is the way, that's why they're made.
But even with the hassles involved in Airports and air travel in general,
the job gets done, and the vast majority of belongings gets there in good shape.
True.

 

[Big Poppa]

hey Larrynj
Who do you play for on all of these airline trips?

 

[Mobay45]

I do respect your viewpoint on this matter, but even if you take every precaution, luggage does get mishandled and, in some cases, lost. I know you talk about your relationship with the baggage handlers but you don't have that relationship with the ones at your destination. (By the way, you need to share with us how you form that relationship. You can't get anywhere near the guys that actually handle the baggage at any airport I've been to.) I'm not suggesting that all baggage handlers are "apes" either, but all it takes is one reckless worker to destroy your baby if it's not properly protected. Just look at my Samsonite hard sided luggage and you'll see what I'm talking about. I'm also not suggesting that you shouldn't check your bass. All I am suggesting is that you be prepared to check your instrument as baggage and have it properly packed. Don't make the trip to the airport with your bass in a gig bag thinking that, just because you aren't prepared to check it as baggage, the person at the counter is going to let you carry it on. A bass guitar in any configuration does not meet the specifications of carry on luggage. Just see if any of yours will fit the frame that's there for you to see if it meets the carry on requirements.

Since 9/11, the skies are no longer friendly. They are suspicious of everyone that boards a plane and carrying something that looks out of the ordinary seems to make the TSA nervous. Just do everything in your power to protect your investment and it will probably work out just fine.

 

[tkarter]

I just recently flew to Alaska. I did not try and take a bass. From KC to Phoenix then to Portland onto Seattle then to Ketchikan.

I seen about every kind of luggage abuse there was at every stop. My SR5 will never fly unless I can hold it in my lap.

The planes I was on each time you couldn't put a bass of any scale in the overhead storage. It fit under the seat or it got checked for luggage.

At Portland the security check before boarding Alaska airlines I wasn't sure I wasn't going to get treated like some of that luggage did along the earlier way.

Flying is to get from point A to B period. What used to work did. What you can do now depends on what airline and the particular mood and or plane you are boarding. Musicians nor business man will change that.

You have a good plan for how you got your bass through every time. That is great and I read a lot of great advice into what you are saying. Still I think Insurance on the instrument is the best way if you fly with it.


IMHO

tk

 

[Aussie Mark]

Thanks to Larry for confirming my understanding and experience.

If cash is tight, a used ATA case should be easy to find - I've seen them on evilbay for around $100. I bought a used ATA case that had the foam inlay shaped to fit a Jazz bass, and with some minor modification to the foam it will now fit a Stingray, Bongo, Precision or Ric, so it's a great multi purpose ATA case whenever I need to fly with one of my basses. I also have an ATA double case that can take two basses.

As mentioned, the SKB Bass Safe is also great, since you can take your gig bag with you. The Bass Safe can be padlocked, and it has wheels and a handle like travel luggage.

 

[Urwordsbreakmed]

Ok, now I'm pissed off. I go to get on the plane and they guy tells me it has to go under. I just laugh for a minute and say you really think im putting thousands of dollars in your hands? haha. Then I continued to say the thing about the FCC. And he was like ya but we dont allow you to take it on. So I asked him how does the airlines word over rule the Government? He didnt answer just said its going under. So i asked him who is going to pay for it when it gets broken? completely ignored me. So I unlocked the case Deturned it. Locked it and said good bye to my baby. As im standing in the gate and i see "tossers" slamming fragile boxes onto the plane my face was like And my bass didnt say fragile so i was sure my stuff was going to get effed up. fortunately, everything was ok. The thing that pissed me off the most. Is they let the guy that was sitting right next to me bring his effing Violin on. on both flights. and there was no problem with space. because i had a bed going on in all 3 chairs in my row. But its cool im in cali soon to be in arizona. and the reason why I didnt want to leave my bass is i live in like the ghetto and the those kids are the biggest ****ing sticky fingers ive ever seen. Just 3 days ago they stole my moms friends car. How do you steal a car. like they managed to get in their house and take the keys so they could steal the car. but anyways since im not going to be there for 2 weeks and there is a chance i may have a try out when i get back i wanted to stay smooth.. But now it seems im maybe out in cali to aug 1

 

[Aussie Mark]

Ok, now I'm pissed off. I go to get on the plane and they guy tells me it has to go under.

Is this where I get to say "I told you so"?

they let the guy that was sitting right next to me bring his effing Violin on

.

That's because a Violin will fit in the overhead locker. So will a Steinberger (a Steinberger 'ho - eg. Spirit, Hohner etc - makes a great travel bass)

Glad your MM arrived in one piece. Another safe option, next time around, is to unbolt the neck and pack it in a hard shell suitcase with your clothes etc.

 

[73jbass]

There is a regulation that says that you can travel with your instrument on the plane. Within certain size limits of course.However, each airline has it's own rules about things like that, and they don't necessarily have to allow you to bring it onboard with you. I know that most commercial aircraft have a small storage area similar to a closet on the plane somewhere.Usually around one of the galleys. The F.A.'s use that to stow their luggage and other stuff. I have seen many a guitar case in those storage areas. So, I'm not sure why the CSA wouldn't let you take it on the plane with you. The best thing to do is be sure and call ahead and ask if you can bring the instrument on board. It might not hurt to get something in writing from the ticket agent when you check in at the airport.

 

[Aussie Mark]

I'm not sure why the CSA wouldn't let you take it on the plane with you.

From what Urwordsbreakmed said, probably his attitude ....

"I just laugh for a minute and say you really think im putting thousands of dollars in your hands? haha. Then I continued to say the thing about the FCC. And he was like ya but we dont allow you to take it on. So I asked him how does the airlines word over rule the Government?"

A better approach might have been .... "Excuse me, I know you probably get asked this a lot, so I'm sorry to bother you, but I wonder if there might be any spare space on this flight that would enable me to carry my guitar onboard with me? My guitar is brand new and worth a lot to me, so I'd feel a lot better if it travelled in the cabin, if that's at all possible. Perhaps there's some room in the storage locker up front? Thank you very much for your time, I appreciate how busy you are."

If you put yourself in the shoes of the check-in clerk, the above might make sense. The last thing that would persuade me to be helpful in that situation would be getting attitude from a teenager wearing a "Tomatoes Don't Bleed" t-shirt.

Which begs the question - what's an avowed animal rights activist like Urwordsbreakmed doing working in the US Embassy? (McDonalds)