Bass in a plane?

[The Big BassMan]

Hi,
I need you're advice on traveling by plane with my beautiful bass.
Can it go in the hold? I've been told that it's ok no problem and on the other hand that it's a mad idea due to temperature and pressure issues in the hold at high altitudes severly damaging the neck. Is the hold pressurised and climatised in order to not cause any damage?. I have no Idea. What do I do? Let it be chucked in the hold or arrange for it to be in the passenger section? Please help very important!

Thanks

Ed

 

[LarryNJ]

Ideally, get an ATA flight case made-best protection if bass needs to be checked as "baggage".
In other cases, you can carry the instrument aboard and use a good padded gig-bag that can be hung from a hook in the cabin
like garment bags are, Overhead storage is not a good option.
Always check with the carrier as well.

 

[bassmaniac]

I have flown many times with my basses. Sometime with more than one bass at a time. They always wind up going in with the baggage. I've never had a problem with SKB cases that are specifically made for a certain instument. I tune my basses down about a step and a half before I go to the airport, and I bring along masking tape with me. Once the security people know that there is just an instrument in the case and nothing dangerous, I lock the lock on the case, then put masking tape over all the latches to keep them from popping open. Then I go around the case with the tape in two diffent spots on the case. Some airlines will offer a special mylar wrap to go around the case so it can't accidently open. Let them put it on if they offer. If you lock your case, don't lose your key. SKB also makes what they call The Bass Safe. Your bass first goes into a gig bag, then into this case that has special latches that you can padlock shut. I have one of those. You can put almost any bass in it. I've used it several times, it works well, it's built like a tank, not too expensive, it's ATA approved and it conviently rolls on two skate board type wheels. Don't be in a hurry to tale you bass out of the case when you get it back at the airport. It could still be very cold. Let it warm up slowly in it's case. When warm air hits the cold suface is when finish checking (cracking of the finish) can occur. If you see condensation of moisture on your bass after opening the case, you've opened it too soon. This is also something to think about when you come indoors with your bass from the cold outdoors in the winter.

 

[The Big BassMan]

Ok thanks a lot guys for replys!

Ed

 

[Psychicpet]

Hi Ed, I'm currently on the road and am able to have my bass in the bus but I've brought my SKB Bass Safe along for some flights we have to do so I'll let you know how it holds up but like the rest of the guys have said, as long as the case is good and solid outside and padded inside it should be somewhat ok.... atleast we all hope

cheers,
Peter

 

[Assumer]

My bass has traveled in a nice gorilla ATA case to China and Brazil. No problems yet. I was worried about the extream temps but I just let the bass warm up before opening and it looks brand new and plays great as we speak.

 

[The Big BassMan]

Will it be ok in the hold in the musicman case I got with it???

Ed

 

[Assumer]

Bass in a plane

I would not put the case the bass come in under the plane. My flight case is very tought and it has many dings dents and is bent in many areas. The stock case would have been smashed to bits. I actually watched my bass fall off the belt as they were unloading. Get a good case if you are going to travel. I think MF has the bass Gator cases for $100

 

[LarryNJ]

Will it be ok in the hold in the musicman case I got with it???

Ed

NOOOOO! The SKB I believe case that EB uses is fine for carrying your bass around daily, but if the instrument leaves your hands traveling on an airliner, you need ATA type cases.
Baggage is tossed onto conveyors so you need real protection.
I have a strong gig-bag with a hook that hangs in the cabin, so the instrument is with me during transit. No waiting to retrieve either. Always clear carrying onboard first, so there is no misunderstanding, that way I've had flight attendants secure a coat hook for me in the cabin as I board.

 

[Psychicpet]

Just got back and the SKB BassSafe held up well. It was great to have the wheels for lugging it around in the terminal. Although it's not as beefy as a "real" flight case it seems to do the trick.Another option is a Canadian company who make aluminum shells that a single or double gig bag sit inside of.Its the method that Alain Caron uses, although he might have a fibreglass shell... anywho, for the money and security, the BassSafe seems to do the trick.

So does carrying it on but I got a rude awakening in Memphis a while ago when the FAA was actually visiting that airport and I had to check my bass at the gate in a gigbag.... it made the short flight ok but it was not fun