The only more formidable than a bass is a harp (or maybe harpsichord!)
Yep. The bass has a special “trunk”. We usually fly just one airline that is known to be exceptionally musical instrument friendly. The bass flies as oversize luggage and costs $75 each way, which isn’t bad really. The main worry is with TSA. At our home city airport we are allowed to be present while they search the bass and are able to make sure it is packed in correctly when they are done. At most airports they do not allow you to be present. That’s when I worry. We put a slip of paper in with the bass to remind the agents to completely strap in the bass and to tighten all straps and to be sure to close the trunk and latch it properly. So far, so good. It is sort of fun, though, travelling with it. Everyone is generally really friendly and strangers are amazed by it. The biggest issue cost-wise is, that with the gigantic bass trunk, we have to rent a mini-van or large SUV in order to fit the 7 feet worth of bulky trunk and people into a vehicle at our destination.
he prefers the window I think.
Glassharmonica, it is a 12 plus hour drive. Flying into Chicago (direct) would make it a 3 hour drive for our first audition. My son is doing a power audition week because the schools are all within 3 hours of each other and I refuse to drive or buy a ticket again when they’re that close and becasue you all convinced some schools should not be off my son’s list.lol He will be auditioning at 5 schools within 9 days. There are a few days in between a few of them. At least my son has 2 local ones he can attend.
I have almost all hotels booked. yay!
momsings, for future reference, which airline is known to be exceptionally musical instrument friendly?
Southwest!
Definitely Southwest. We buy the early boarding option just to be sure - $12.50 additional
We do that too. So far, they have been excellent. We’ve flown with the bass 6 times and it has been a good experience each time.
My son had a good experience with Spirit Airlines out of Minneapolis. Super cheap and he flew by himself and they didn’t bother him at all.They do nickel and dime you for every little thing. I paid for a window seat for mr. cello.