Flightcase Roundup £105 to £400
Taking your bass on a plane? Invest in one of these hard cases, says Mike Brooks
Taking your bass on a plane? Invest in one of these hard cases, says Mike Brooks
Flying with an instrument is laden with pitfalls, problems and general grief. It should be straightforward, but the internet is full of photos provided by hapless souls for whom the process ended in tears, insurance claims and instruments in tatters. I recently took an early flight to Berlin for a corporate event. Having had many… memorable experiences with airlines and their varying musical instrument policies, I use a headless Status Streamline bass for all work requiring flights. Its size and dimensions are ideal; although it’s a little longer than most hand baggage restrictions allow, it sits perfectly in overhead baggage lockers. However, on this occasion the airline informed me that after a recent situation involving a famous acoustic guitar-toting singersongwriter, their company policy was for all instruments to be checked in as baggage, with no instruments allowed in the cabin.
A stand-off ensued, but they weren’t budging – so I was forced to head to the Oversize Baggage counter and have my gig-bagged instrument packed in cardboard boxes with bubble wrap. Thankfully the bass made it there and back unscathed, but the story highlights an all-too-common issue. Basses are probably going to be consigned to the baggage hold from now on, and hence subject to the tender mercies of baggage handlers.
With this in mind, we’ve decided to search out nine of the best hard case solutions, covering a range of prices. In the main, we’ve gone for moulded plastic cases instead of hardshell cases that may offer less protection from being crushed or driven over. That’s not to say plastic cases are fail-safe – they aren’t! – but they offer a higher degree of protection to your bass than the alternatives. Buying the most expensive case doesn’t necessarily guarantee your instrument a trouble-free journey, of course, so consider insurance as an extra, as well as leaving your favourite bass at home and flying with a less cherished one instead.
Needless to say, prices differ from retailer to retailer, and deals are available online for those who shop around. Remember to take the model of your bass into consideration, as some cases are internally shaped for specific models. Safe travels!