Flying with a Ric bass? Any advice?

[opticnerve]

I just struck a deal with someone in England for a Ric bass. The seller is coming to NYC on business and is planning on
taking it with him for a cash and carry deal. Of course, bringing it on board would be ideal...but I'm not sure if that will be allowed. If not, he's thinking of packing it really well and putting it with the luggage.
I'm not sure if this is a good idea...any advice?

[rickenbrother]

Congrats on your new bass, Tony!

Very doubtful that they would let him bring it onboard, it would have to go in with luggage.
I've known a few people that have traveled far from the USA (Australia & UK)with their guitars well packed in it's case and packed well into a good fitting, sturdy box and they cut out just enough of the side of the box where the handle is, just to be able to grab the handle for easier carrying. There should be alot of tape reinforcing that opening for the handle so the box doesn't tear open in transport. He should have extra tape on him in case someone in security want to open the box for inspection.
He should also plainly write his or your name and info on both sides of the box with a marker.

[sloop_john_b]

Tony, I've flown with a 4005 and a 360F, both arrived unscathed. Just have him pack it really well, as if he were shipping it. Even put it in a shipping carton.

[opticnerve]

Thanks so much for the input guys!

I feel allot better now. I'll pass your advice on to him.

Cheers!

[beatlefreak]

He should call his airline ahead of time and inquire. Sometimes airlines will let you gate check a fragile item. The fight attendant will then stow it in the cabin until landing. It never hurts to ask.

[BAD RONBO, KiLLeR DWaRfS]

in 1980, i flew from toronto to moncton to see my mom for xmas. i put my MD-1252 deluxe in the cargo hold of an L-1011 and off we flew. somewhere over montreal the plane had a baggage compartment decompression and the oxy masks came down ! we landed in moncton without incident and i gathered my luggage and rick and drove to my moms. as it was winter and very cold i let the case come to room temp before opening. upon opening the case, i found the bass had been partially dis-assembled...most of the screws had come out including the grovers came apart so some of the strings came unwound. i left it as it was and the next day i took the bass to the airport to file a claim. they said , well you did not have any insurance filed in toronto and you did not check the condition at the airport when you received it, so we're sorry we have to deny your claim. AAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH !

luckily, there was no permanent damage and i again peened together the cases of those stupid grovers.

[beatbyrd]

According to Dave Carroll, who is famous for his broken guitar/airline story:

"I should have flown with someone else, or GONE BY CAR, 'cause United breaks guitars." I'm not certain that Dave would be willing to drive from from NYC to England, though.

I think Dave mentions on his website that some carriers will store guitars in the main cabin. Might be worth a call ahead.
Good luck with it.
Tom

[rickenbrother]

I've gate checked basses when I've flown. I let's me hold on onto it as much as possible. Then the guy who takes it, gives me a voucher for it when the plane lands. But that's a decision left up to security, not the airline.