Flying With A Bass
Poor Steve Lawson isn’t a very happy man right now, from his blog: “British Airways wrecked my bass 
“. The baggage handlers at one of the airports on his tour did a serious mischief to his much loved Modulus bass (I hope they can help Steve out for his US tour):
Here’s a Video of the damage [warning, this video contains scenes which might be distressing to bass owners who travel]:
I remember when Norm Stockton came over to the UK, I was taken back at the way he had packed his bass. It was in a soft-case, inside of a hard case. I thought that was excessive, but Norm flies quite a bit and that is the method he has settled on.
Aside from the risk of dropping or throwing, flying involves dramatic changes in air pressure and temperature, which can be stressful for a bass. I have heard people suggest loosening the strings to relieve tension on the neck. I don’t know of any bass manufacturers or distributors that do this, so I’ve not been inclined to. What I would recommend is checking your insurance carefully. Will it cover your bass and will it cover it adequately? Check for any conditions about how it should be shipped, and how a claim has to be made.
Before booking I suggest phoning the airline you intend to book with and ask what their policy is for travelling with guitars/basses. My last couple of trips to the US I managed to get my bass on as hand luggage (probably aided by my status as a frequent flyer). Even if the airline say that you can take the bass in to the cabin with you, you may still have to argue your case (no pun intended) when you get to the airport. My last flight the bass went through special handling, which meant I kept hold of it until I boarded the plane, and got it back separately from the normal luggage at the other end.
“You may bring musical instruments as checked baggage as long as they fit within the size and weight limitations of the airline you are taking.”
If you play an upright/accoustic you are very unlikely to be able to keep the bass out of the hold – just a little too big to get on as hand luggage! Some airlines don’t even allow basses at all, apparently. Also watch out for weight restrictions.
Another option – if you use a standard issue bass – is to hire one at your destination. I’m not sure I’d be comfortable with that, I did it once and the bass I got was “well used” shall we say. Of course, if you play something exotic, or have a bass that’s a life long friend like Steve’s, then that isn’t going to work for you.
If you are flying with your bass for the first time, hopefully you’re not completely put of. Thousands of basses travel everyday and arrive safe and sound… Do share your experiences and wisdom…
I stopped flying BA years ago! They lost, yes lost one of my best axes! Since then I NEVER check my ax at the counter. If you bring it to the gate you can usually get it on the plane. If not, checking at the gate means you’ll be able to grab your ax immediately after you de-plane.
Hello Melvin! Yes, I’ve heard a few lost stories, across different airlines and airports – although some airports seem higher risk than others! Holding on to you bass for as long as possible does seem to be the key…
Back when I did a ton of travel, I had a top of the line anvil case and never had a problem, albeit it always went as checked luggage. The big Anvil cases are just too large and heavy to even think about bringing on board, and in many airports did not fit on the conveyors, thus they would bring it out to a desk.
I had my address printed on the outside, plus of course the loading IDs for our own use. I also had documentation in the case, and on the strap. I figured the only way I’d ever loose it was through theft, and fortunately that never happened.
Of course this was all pre 2001, and with all the changes in air travel since then, who knows what can happen today. I still however will stand by the Anvil though, it saved me a ton of headaches for sure.
Hi Ron – getting ‘hand held’ treatment for the bass really does seem to be key when it comes to flying with a bass or shipping one. Good tip on the addressing bit – someone once suggested putting your address INSIDE the case as well, just incase the labels get ripped off. Sounded like a good belt and braces approach. Hard cases are definitely the ultimate in protection (although I have seen one pretty smashed up at an airport once).
The documentation is a good point too, if you are travelling to a country where import/export is an issue. When I flew to come eastern-block countries I had to prove the value of the bass and where it had been purchased.
[...] little while bass I blogged about Flying With A Bass, including the episode of UK solo bassist Steve Lawson ending up distressed, with an even more [...]