Traveling with my ray

[aneveningsmoke]

Too funny. I did the same as Strummer did when I flew to New York in '99. I just joined a new band, and the guitar player took a different packing approach.

He gave me a hard time about putting the hard case in a cardboard box, saying that if it's not visible in a case, they wont properly insure it ... blah blah. So, he has his guitar in a SKB style case, and as we're halfway to the check-in ... THE LOCKING LATCH SNAPS on him. So, he is forced to politely ask me to borrow what's left of the strapping tape I sealed my box/case in. My rest from constant criticism was only temporary, but sweet none the less. (I still have a pic of him taking that taped up case out of the back of a taxi ... not that I enjoy gloating).

Oh, and the point of my story, we were on a short connecting flight and as I was boarding the plane (up the steps), I saw them loading up my bass into the cargo. It was on a conveyor belt. They stood the box UPRIGHT, and just let it fall. BONK! It was a Rickenbacker 4001, and I was a bit nervous. But all is good.

If I were to do it again, I would call the airline and ask about how to pack a musical instrument so it complies with their insurance rules. I was/am just as confused as ever about it.

 

[PocketGroove82]

as an X-office depot stocker, I can tell you guys that stockers/packers/luggers/baggage-handlers take every opportunity they have to vent their frustration out on boxes/luggage/etc.
We used to push fancy leather office chairs off 25ft. steel shelving and then roll it out to a customer. If they asked why the box was so beat up, we'd just say we had to open it to check the color...haha, and they bought it every time.
Seriously, protect your stuff at the airport.
A few years back, Victor Baily's one-off signature proto. fender got stolen while flying! I thought it was so funny to see a reward for it, in the back of bassplayer.
But if it can happen to him...

 

[ashiin]

Packed my bass, and i think it's ready to go. Am i missing anything?

 

[silverburst]

If that is a spray bottle of cleaner I would leave it at home. For sure it will pop open in transit due to the pressure change and soak everything in the case.

 

[azzy_wazzy]

If that is a spray bottle of cleaner I would leave it at home. For sure it will pop open in transit due to the pressure change and soak everything in the case.

+1 - or make sure you put it in a SEALED plastic bag if you have to take it!