| Author | Message | ||
| hendixclarke
New Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 5 Registered: 6-2007 |
Has anybody ran into problems flying with your bass? I would never do a luggage check-in...(that's a no no for sure...) I just want to know the best companies who are the most coolest about taking your bass along with you when boarding. Anybody been stopped? Please give details if this happened as well. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2525 Registered: 7-2004 |
Hal: The only airline I've found that will tell me up front I can carry on an instrument is JetBlue. If it will fit in the overhead, they'll let you carry it on. I put my guitar in a gig bag and had no problems flying round trip Oakland-New York earlier this year. Last month I flew to Aspen on United. No one at United would commit to an answer about carrying on musical instruments, other than that the only way to be sure I'd be allowed to carry on would be to buy a ticket for the guitar! Instead, I bought a flight case. Everything went smoothly - no damage, no problems. Unless the airline gives you a firm green light to carry on, I'd spring for a flight case. Bill, tgo | ||
| hendixclarke
New Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2007 |
I have a soft flight bag myself. It would seem to be a better approach in gaining taking less room in the overhead. I am taking a morning flight and on the weekend. I plan to sit in the rear. Those seats are less desireable than the front. Most people are friendly with musicians. We are the glue of society. Thank you for sharing this information for it is a major concern and for good reasons. Peace. | ||
| serialnumber12
Advanced Member Username: serialnumber12 Post Number: 373 Registered: 12-2004 |
I travel alot & baggage handlers dont care about luggage they 'TOSS EVERYTHING'! so get some insurance! www.windnwatertravel.com | ||
| hendixclarke
New Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2007 |
Yes, this is the hole point of the discussion  "Over my dead body", would air "checker's" handle my 1976 Series I. This bass has been "humming", "poppin", "roaring", "Slammin", "singing", "slanging", "grovin", and "in the pocket" for over 30 years. No way in hell will I let the "Ipod" generation even touch my strings on my bass. (You know what I mean...) let alone, take my bass away and put it in some god-forsaken cargo hole. Insurance will not replace my marks which were handed down through the Carter, Ford, 1-2 Reegan, Bush 1, 1-2 Clinton, and Bush 1 3/4 years. A replacement works great for "Ipods" and other mass production replicational devicesm but not my Alembic (I had to spell it out). Insurance is good for some, but not for all. Even if you insured the bass, and something went terrorably wrong, and your bass is broken or cracked, what insurance could prevent this gut reaction of anger? I'll tell you... NOTHING. I would rather someone just steal my bass than give it back to me in pieces. At least, I don't have to look and remember the stains in my mind on erroded values of trust, rolled and packaged in shambles. I rather not see my bass at all, than see it broken with a check. Some things money CAN buy, but CAN'T replace. (Camera Pans a silent and still shot on hendixclarke's serious face and holds it after his last statement.) Peace- | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1247 Registered: 12-2002 |
I traveled from chicago to vegas with my alembic to do a gig & when i opened my bass case the head of my alembic bass was detached totally.....I was furious!!!!!!& i called the airline about it & they put some woman on the phone giving me some shit about we dont compensate for broken goods......so I took my agression out on the nearest thing ..............I stomped My fender P-Bass to death! | ||
| hendixclarke
New Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2007 |
Damm, after that story, I am ready to go and break something... Life is nothing, if nothing has meaning. There is a lot of meaning when some body goes and buy an expensive instrument like and Alembic. There are no two guitars alike. When you go back to the 70's too, you know damn well, no two were alike. keavin, that was a hard pill to swallow and I will always think of you when I travel with my bass, because that was pretty graphic in the context of music and this special art and time piece called Alemebic. Hell, if I had a P-Bass, it wouldn't be a discussion. Thinking about having something happen to it while in a cargo hold, would be worthless as silent fart. Sorry, I had to laugh at something after I felt so much pain from your Alemebic. I call it balancing. But, by no means, I share your anger seriouly. Peace- | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2526 Registered: 7-2004 |
Keavin: Were you using an ATA approved flight case when your bass was broken? Hal: The thing about gig bags that scares me is what happens when you show up to fly with your bass in the gig bag and the airlines says "no, you can't carry it on"? Then you have to choose between sending it down below IN A GIG BAG (not acceptable), missing the flight (major hassle), or buying a ticket for it at the last minute (VERY expensive and possibly impossible if flight full or not enough time). As the owner of a '76 Series I guitar, and a '77 Series I 12 string, I certainly understand your momma bear feelings towards your ax. If a good quality flight case doesn't allay your concerns, you may have no choice but to buy a ticket and put the bass in the seat next to you. Bill, tgo | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1248 Registered: 12-2002 |
I Have only one comment,,,,,,, Go Greyhound!........................Or Kill Somebody!  | ||
| hendixclarke
New Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 9 Registered: 6-2007 |
Well, it works this way if thoses are the only rules. The problem is gray and not as black and white as you put this. The factors are the following (good): 1. Policy which allows guitars 2. Plenty of room or available seats (unsold) 3. Good natured Flight Personnel who understands 4. Room in overhead bins/closet for storage Now the bad (as you said)... 1. Policy - no guitars 2. No room on airplane If I have to purchase a additional ticket, then I assume the airplane would be considered full. What happens in an event, I pay for the extra ticket, and there are extra seats on the plane? I am out of money and this would be a bet against flight personnel good graces. This is why I am flying an early morning weekend flight (the first flight...) out. Why pay for an extra seat when the airplane has extra seats anyway? One other thing, oneway travel, I think may take some risks from going through the same questions with entering another airplane. I'll tell you what happened... (TO BE CONTINUED...) | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2528 Registered: 7-2004 |
Keavin: Does that mean you weren't using a flight case? Hal: Good luck. In my experience, the airlines don't let you use unsold seats for free. It all comes down to whether the flight attendant had a fight with her boyfriend that morning that left her in a bad mood or some such variable over which you have no control. For me it's JetBlue, flight case, or leave it at home. Anyone using a flight case should check the airline's size restrictions on checked baggage. They have a maximum size (length + width + height) over which you have to pay an extra $100 or so. When I fly with an acoustic, I use the "Clam" which exceeds these limits. I check it with the curbside guys and tip them $20. They haven't charged me the extra $100 fee yet. (I always tip these guys well, even if I'm not travelling with an instrument. I always think of the Sienfeld episode where Jerry tipped and Elaine didn't. Jerry got his bags, Elaine's went to Hawaii without her!) Bill, tgo (Message edited by lbpesq on July 15, 2007) | ||
| hendixclarke
New Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 10 Registered: 6-2007 |
I am not using a flight case. By the way, what brand of flight case(s) do you use? Anvil, what? | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2530 Registered: 7-2004 |
I have a Rockcase by Warwick with a custom foam insert for my Ferlembic. Here's a link to a discussion and pictures about this case and flight cases in general. I've ordered a Calton case for my custom Further. I have a Clam for my acoustic, but I'm probably going to pick up a Calton for that too. They're not cheap, but from my research, Calton seems to be the best around. Bill, tgo | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 730 Registered: 12-2004 |
I've given this opinion before, but I'll give it again. You have two choices, as I see it: 1) A well built ATA hard case (they vary in quality; you need a good one, and they aren't cheap) 2) buy a ticket for the instrument Again, my opinion. However, remember this: The airline personnel have absolute say over what goes on the plane. Period. The airline will back them to the hilt regardless of policy. Let me repeat: you are completely, unequivocally and absolutely subject to the whim of any of the airline personnel from the time you arrive at the airport. Counter agent doesn't like the look of you? Bass goes in cargo. Flight attendant had a bad relationship with a guitarist? Bass goes in cargo. Airline policy to the contrary, your bass WILL GO IN CARGO if the flight attendant decides so. Hence, my two suggested avenues. Otherwise, you are just taking chances. I don't intend to have my currently-under-construction-for-31-months-but-who's-counting bass shipped, and if I fly with it, I'll buy the extra ticket. Cheap insurance. If I flew (with instrument) more, I'd definitely have one of those pretty jan-al flight cases whipped up. Bradley | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1250 Registered: 12-2002 |
Baggage handlers don't Give a shit NOTHING But that payday at the end of the week! | ||
| hendixclarke
Junior Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 11 Registered: 6-2007 |
Good news people!!! I called up Delta Air today and the official word is: guitars (bass) are allowed on the their flights. Soft cases are all you need! Peace- | ||
| hendixclarke
Junior Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 12 Registered: 6-2007 |
... you don't need to check your guitars with baggage folks!!!! | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 731 Registered: 12-2004 |
Hal, It bears repeating: Airline policy to the contrary, your bass WILL GO IN CARGO if the flight attendant decides so. I wouldn't want things to unexpectedly turn ugly for you. | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 891 Registered: 6-2002 |
Here's my angle on it. I've been flying backwards and forwards round the world the last 3 years with my band. It seems to me that whether you can carry on or not does not depend generally on airline policy but the person at the checkin desk. I of course would prefer to carryon all the time but due to the uncertainty of getting a yes, I have decided to take the option that protects my instrument from damage which is to flight case it. I know that does not protect it from theft or getting delayed or getting diverted to another airport. Fortunately I have always arrived at the same place as my luggage. Only one occasion when I took the guitar to the USA for a gig last year february I was refused permission to carry it on the plane back. That was when we flew back from Atlanta to London. The air staff refused to allow me on to the plane with the guitar in gig bag unless Paid for a seat. ( I had my alembic with me so you can see I was concerned).. Even when I pointed out how stupid that rule was because if my guitar was on a seat and if the plane had heavy turbulence, the guitar may work its way out of the seat and hit someone. Far safer in the over head, and In that case would they indemnify me against any injury claims caused since the guitar would be carried under airline policy.... NO ANSWER. Anyway in my experience I cannot take the risk of taking a guitar in a gigbag and find I can't take it on board so I always now take a flight case and check in to oversize baggage. My case has so far been damaged dropped from the baggage cart. saw it through the plane window, come back soaking wet. But the guitar has never been damaged. In the UK the airlines and the Musicians Union worked out a deal where musicians travelling to professional gigs abroard are allowed to carry their instruments on board if it will fit into the overhead. Since that ruling came out last year I've still not had an airline give me a definitive YES. Interestingly though when I've seen people carrying an acoustic guitar to the checking looking like they are going on holiday, they always seem to be allowed to take it on board. Maybe thats because it doesn't look like an electric guitar. So maybe you should get one of those guitar cases with feminine curves and they may allow you on. Hope that helps. As a light hearted extra, you do get to see a great x-ray of the guitar as it goes through the security machine., All the innards, the twin truss rods etc can be seen clearly. It's great. As yet I havent managed to persuade the staff to send me a photo. Jazzyvee | ||
| georgie_boy
Advanced Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 259 Registered: 8-2005 |
Great views from Jazzyvee. I travel to Lanzarote in the Canary islands to play every August, and I use a HISCOX case--no fancy flight case or anything like that, but a good strong bass case. I can arrive and go straight to the gig. Still practically in tune! No neck probs, humidy probs--zilch Just my $0.02 G | ||
| longhorncat
Intermediate Member Username: longhorncat Post Number: 174 Registered: 8-2005 |
If you have to check your bass, there is a nice Alembic road case in the FS Forum.  | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 892 Registered: 6-2002 |
That case physically looks about the same quality as the case I bought on Ebay for my Europa 5 its a monster of a case in size, padding and is satisfyingly heavy. If any baggage handler can throw that thing about I doubt if I'd really want to challenge him/her physically. lol I've not taken it abroad but I imagine the excess baggage would be a heavy price to pay. Jazzyvee | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2531 Registered: 7-2004 |
Just wondering: why is this thread in "Serial Number / History Requests"? Bill, tgo | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 5316 Registered: 5-2002 |
Yes Bill, you're right; I need to move this thread. But not tonight; I think I might turn in soon. | ||
| mele_aloha
Advanced Member Username: mele_aloha Post Number: 204 Registered: 1-2007 |
I just keep wondering why they would let me purchase an extra ticket for it when it would not legally strap into a seat. There is no way a case would fit on a seat. Whenever we travel with my 3 year old son, we get special privleges with the stroller and him in it. We get to board the plane first then they give us a tag for the stroller, we leave the stroller right at the plane entrance then they run it down by hand and place it in baggage and then return it right away at plane opening with wheelchairs by hand. This seems like the best way to make sure it gets handled properly into baggage and back. I wonder if someone could pay extra and request that method? And that's my ($03. cents worth)(cost of inflation). Pablo | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Intermediate Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 171 Registered: 10-2006 |
"Now boarding those with small children or guitars." Yeah, works for me. Peter | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 2546 Registered: 7-2004 |
Pablo: What you are describing is referred to as "gate checking". Even when I flew to Aspen last month with a flight case, I still tried to talk the agents, security people, etc., into letting me carry the guitar to the gate and gate check it there. I've been able to do this a few times in the past when I took the less-than-smart chance of flying with a guitar in a regular old hard case. On the Aspen trip they said "no" at the counter. Bradley has it exactly right: you are at the mercy of several individual airline employees, any of whom can arbitrarily say "no" at any time. The only exception I've found is JetBlue. For that reason, they'll always get my business if they are an option where I'm going. Bill, tgo | ||
| terryc
Advanced Member Username: terryc Post Number: 215 Registered: 11-2004 |
When I bought my MK signature from Rudy's Music Stop I was flying back to the UK thru' Virgin, it had to go in the hold, they placed loads of 'fragile' stickers on it and it came back unscathed. I have heard loads of other horror stories, personally if I was doing a gig abroad as a one off I think I would just buy a reasonable bass/guitar for it and leave my pride & joy at home. | ||
| glocke
Advanced Member Username: glocke Post Number: 226 Registered: 9-2002 |
I gotta agree with Terry. If I were flying to a gig, Id spend the cash on a cheap bass to use. Either that or get a heavy duty flight case. ID never check an instrument worth thousands of dollars, and certainly wouldnt count on being allowed to carry it on. | ||
| hendixclarke
Junior Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 20 Registered: 6-2007 |
I took my 1976 Series I (softbag) on a Delta flight with no problems at all people. Forget about the horrors with taking your Alembic on Delta flights because their overhead cabs can fit your bass with room to spare. I walked on the plane without a word from anybody and the people were all very friendly as I boarded. The key, is to take a plane with 0 stops so you don't have to worry about other airline policies. But as for Delta, you don't need to worry about a thing. Just make sure you take a soft case because if you go walking with a steel boxy case, you might as well check it in because those cases don't look like a guitar case and people will not identify with them as a musical instrument but as just cargo. My Alembic is home with me in California and I am happy. | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 735 Registered: 12-2004 |
I'm glad that you had good luck with your Delta flight. Remember that the plural of anecdote is not data, however. |
