Comments on: Flying With A Bass

By: The Case of The Bass and BA | The Bass Guitar Blog

The Case of The Bass and BA | The Bass Guitar Blog — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:09:40 +0000

[...] 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 [...]

By: Benjamin

Benjamin — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:17:00 +0000

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.

By: Ron Amundson

Ron Amundson — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:36:59 +0000

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.

By: Benjamin

Benjamin — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:51:07 +0000

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…

By: Melvin Gibbs

Melvin Gibbs — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 16:42:28 +0000

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.