Steve-at-Bose:

I am completely impressed with your product. I am a full-time singer/songwriter w/acoustic guitar & keyboard and do concerts at churches, schools, camps, and youth gatherings. To test out your system, I played in an 1,100 seat gym at an elementary school for 3 days w/600 kids clapping/singing/screaming and the PAS w/2 B1's FILLED THE ROOM with sound. I was sold. I've had it for 3 weeks now and just love it. However, I desperately need to figure out a way to fly with your system, since most of my gigs I fly to. I see the spec's you posted for the Georgia Cases. These look very substantial, but I'm convinced they are much too heavy to fly with. I left a voicemail for them to return to get actual weights on the cases you posted, but looking at their website and the construction of their cases, I'm certain they will be much heavier than the weight limits of the airlines.

As you mentioned here, the airlines are very restrictive with baggage limits and their weight allowances:

Standard baggage allowance--2 checked bags w/1 carry-on bag & 1 laptop/purse
50 lbs/bag--standard weight limit
50-70 lbs/bag--$25 overweight fee
70-100 lbs/bag--$50 overweight fee
over 100 lbs they will not take, and must be shipped air freight or by some other means
extra baggage fee--$80/bag @ 50 lbs/bag

I am a frequent flyer, so I will often get upgraded to 1st Class. For 1st class passengers:

1st Class baggage allowance--3 checked bags w/1 carry-on & 1 laptop OR 2 checked & 2 carry-ons + laptop
70 lbs/bag--1st Class weight limit
70-100 lbs/bag--$50 overweight fee
extra baggage fee--$80/bag @ 70 lbs/bag

I have looked closely at the the weights of the PAS componants, (including B1's), and I'm convinced that someone should be able to make hard cases that would fall within the weight restrictions of the airlines. The PS1 is your heaviest piece at 35 lbs, and your Upper an Lower L1's top out at 40.5 lbs (combined weight). But I'm convinced SKB or someone could make a case that's under 15 lbs and/or even 8.5 lbs (respectively) w/wheels and a handle to boot, to keep the total weight to less than 50 lbs/bag! I know this would be ambitious (especially for the latter), but not out of the realm of possibility. These cases, however, would most likely need to be of an SKB-type case. I have looked at SKB, and short of the golf bag listed in your forum (which is still too heavy to fit both L1's in and be under 50 lbs), I cannot find bags that would suffice.

I figure that with the right cases, I can make my dream of lying with a PAS with 3 bags:

1) PS1 + cables (35 lbs + case= 50 lbs)
2) 2 L1's into one bag (40.5 lbs + case= 70 lbs)
3) 2 B1's + cables (56 lbs + case= 70 lbs)

I also have to check my product bag (50 lbs--CD's & t-shirts) and maybe guitar (but I usually bring it on the plane with me). But, even with a worse-case scenerio of not making my upgrade, it would be worth it:

Worst-Case Scenerio:
$320--2 excess bags ($80/bag x 2 bags= $160/one-way; $320/round-trip)
$100--2 overweight bags (70 lbs/bag: $25/bag x 2 bags= $50/one-way trip; $100/round-trip)
$420--total cost for PAS + 2 B1's for a weekend/week of gigs

Divide this over 3 gigs over a weekend/week, and that's only $140/gig for sound equipement rental that I can pass onto my hosts. Most hosts need to rent a system (or part of a system on my rider) that costs at least that...usually more like $250/gig. I might even subsidize it so I can fly with my PAS, and only charge them half, $210 total ($70/gig), for the peace of mind knowing that I have my PAS, which sounds AWESOME every time. No monitor worries, none of that. It would be worth the peace of mind.

Best-Case Scenerio:
I make my upgrade, and only have to check 1 excess bag at 70 lbs:
$80--$80/bag one-way; $160 round-trip

I can't tell you how excited I get when I think of these scenerios...to have my OWN PA with me ALL THE TIME!

Bottom line is that we need ATA rated hard cases, with handles and wheels, that weigh less than 14 lbs each (max), and preferably weigh 9 lbs each (L1 and PS1) so we can get them under the 50 lb mark.

I realize this is a bit anal-retentive, but those of us who fly a lot have realized that it is a game of inches and pounds. Every pound counts, and it can get very costly if you don't watch the bottom line. It's just so exciting, though, because this is the first PA system in the world that anyone has even considered flying with on a regular basis. It IS possible with the PAS. I just hope y'all at Bose can help us realize the rest of our dream with helping us figure out how to fly with this package.

I, like Dawn, am in a rush and eager to start touring with this system asap. I have a tour in 3 weeks that I would love to use this system on. Are there any other companies out there like SKB that you know of that make lightweight ATA rated cases that I might be able to use? (I've looked at SKB and Gator...anyone else?) Are there SKB cases that are available that would keep the weight down to the specs above that I am not seeing, or not aware of?

Also, have you spoken with SKB and asked them if they would partner with you at making a set of custom flight cases for you?

As a full-time professional, I am convinced that if you could offer flight cases that would bring the total baggage weight under 50 lbs/bag, (or even 70 lbs/bag) you would serve a great need in the industry.

Thank you for your outstanding product, and for serving the needs of both a discerning public, and the artist who wants to play music, not play with 'cords' and sound equipment all day.

Sincerely,

Shawn Smith

Hey Shawn,

Thanks for the purchase and I'm psyched to hear that the system is working well for you. I wish I could take even an ounce of credit for such a great product, but I can't. I'll be sure to share your praise with Cliff, the inventor of the system.

As for the cases, a colleague of mine here at Bose is working with a few case manufacturers to try and come up with a flight case solution. I'll be sure to send him your post.

Thanks a ton for the recommendations and input on what would work well for you. I'll ask my colleague to keep everyone posted on his progress with the case manufacturers. Thus far they've been very supportive though I've got to give you the heads up, this is not a "turn it in one week" kind of thing. Making tooling (the molds for example) takes weeks.

Take care and thanks for your input,
Steve and the Bose gang

Steve:

Thanks for your speedy response. I can appreciate that the hard cases will take longer than what I'd hoped for. It gives me great hope that y'all are working on a solution that may be able to serve my needs. Perhaps I can use the factory packaging for the PAS for my upcoming tour. Duct tape does wonders at reinforcing cardboard (or any other substance known to man!)

Please let me know as soon as you hear anything definite about lightweight flight cases. Also, if I can be of any further help to anyone on your team, please pass along my email address and have them contact me.

Thanks again for your responsivness to these board postings. They really make us feel cared for.

Sincerely, Shawn
shawnsmith@shawnsmith.com

Shawn,
Thanks for the great post. With your help, I understand the requirements even more clearly now. I'll see if I can get some info from SKB for the forum community next week.

Thanks,
Kyle

Thanks, Kyle. Can't wait!

Shawn

We flew with our base, speakers and one bass unit to California a few weeks ago. We nervously packed them in the soft bags provided, labeled them "fragile", and crossed our fingers.
On the way down, Southwest Airlines did not charge us any extra for the bags, but they did manage to "lose" the bass unit. (It came in on a later flight, and still made it to the gig on time).
On the return flight, America West wanted to charge us $160 for "extra bags".
The problem with the whole adventure was that both speakers now have dents in the grille.
We really MUST find a viable option for air travel with the system.
I've sent specs to Anvil Cases for a quote, but I'm doubtful that they will be able to come up with a lightweight, durable, affordable solution.

Long time lurker. First time post here on the bose board. Ive been very curious about the PAS for months, but held off for some reason. Last week my old carvin PA died. On a gig! I won't go into detail on how I managed getting through the gig but it was rough! I took it as a sign from god and bought a PAS w/ a B1 the very next day. All the hype -- its completely true (I was still pretty skeptical until I heard it and now I'm a believer). Ok... now that I got that out of the way.. back to the topic at hand...

I have a jazz group (www.erniehalterquintet.com) which mostly private events and with which I'm starting to travel more and more. If I could somehow find a way to travel safely with the PAS it would be a dream come true. Even if I have to pay some fees with the airlines (not that I want to) as long as it costs less than renting a backline in vegas or new york or wherever then its still ok. In other words I am very very interested to see what we can all acheive by putting our heads together on this. I'm paying a sound company in atlanta $700 to do what I could easily do with my one PAS and I'm sure it would sound a hell of a lot better. If anyone wants to email privately to figure out a cost effective solution I can be reached very easily though my other website www.erniehalter.com. I don't want to post my email for obvious reasons. Has anyone gotten any idea for the possible costs and weight for an L1/B1. I checked out that case company in Georgia and they didnt have any pictures or any mention of the PAS. I need to call them but was curious as to if anyone has called them yet. Alright, I've rambled enough. I sure hope there is a way to make this work... I know there are more of us out there that aren't posting but are thinking the same thing. Thank you Bose for the best sound I've ever heard come from my mouth and my guitar!!!

Thanks for posting Ernell. There are lots of lurkers out there. I wish that they'd all go for it and post as you did.

I'm still gathering some info on hard cases. I'll post my info in the Forum FAQ on hard cases. This info will include regulations and a some estimated costs when using some airlines.

I'd just go give Georgia Case Company a call. They are really friendly, professional, and eager to sell.

Good luck, stay tuned, and keep on posting.

Ernell,

Thanks for your purchase.

Now that you're out, please stay in touch with us and let us know a little more about your music.

Well. I've been doing my homework hoping I can find a cost effective solution which allows me to travel with my PAS. Its not looking very good. Hopefully someone knows something I don't and can take me out of this state I'm in.

Here's what I found out. Unless I'm misreading the quote sent to me by Georgia Case...

L1 + Case = 48lbs
PS1 + Case = 65lbs
B1 + Case = 55lbs

I checked a few differnt airlines and they all pretty much screw you so I'll just use American as my example.

I estimated the overweight, oversize, and over baggage to about $530. Thats if you don't pack any clothes or anything other than the PAS. Someone please tell me that I'm on crack and that I'm adding this wrong. Heres how I arrived at that number.

Overbaggage:
$160 for 1 extra bag RT (RoundTrip)
(Total of 3 bags - L1,B1,PS1 but only 2 allowed)

Overweight:
$50 RT for the PS1 which is 65lbs. Anything between 51-70lbs is $25 extra each way.

Oversize:
$160
($80 per piece. Oversize is defined as exceeding total dimensions [w+h+d] of 62" - PS1 + Case = 72.5" and L1 + Case = 68"

= $530

In my case. I'll need at least 2 more bags. A suitcase with some clothes, mics, cables, and 5 songbooks plus a keyboard in an SKB case. The 2 extra bags hit me at 80 per bag per way and the KB is oversize. An additional $400 on top of the $530. Totalling $930.

I was able to lower that figure a little by the following scenario. If you were carrying on the B1 in a soft case and had no other luggage... just you and the PAS.... it would still cost you about $480 extra. 2 overweight pieces at $80/pc each way + one of those piece is over sized as well adding another $80 each way.

It seems to me the only real option would be to ship it UPS. Which still will run a few hundred bucks each way.

Someone please tell me that I'm wrong. There has to be an easier way.

Ernie Halter
www.erniehalter.com

Ernie,

I am of the opinion that both weight and dimensions can be reduced some what, it may require a custom fabricator to get what you want.

If you click on find and search for "airline" you should find another thread where we talked about case design.

I think the Bose units are sturdy enough that traditional padding dimensions might be unneccessary. If the cases could be constructed from the thin diamond plate aluminum you sometimes see used for truck toolboxes, and the interior padding could be limited to 1/2 inch close cell foam, except where contours called for more, maybe you could be under both the weight and size limits.

I have considered cutting down the original packing that my PAS came in and having it done myself, but I really don't travel enough to warrant the expense. But if I did travel......

Oldghm

HELLO TO ALL. I HAVE JUST JOINED THE SITE, BUT HAVE BEEN THE PROUD OWNER OF 2 PAS UNITS SINCE LATE JULY. I CANT SAY ENOUGH GREAT THINGS ABOUT THEM. I WAS READING ABOUT THE BAGS, AND BAYONET CONCERNS LISTED HERE AND THOUGHT I WOULD PASS ON THE SOLOUTION OUR BAND CAME UP WITH. (THANKS TO OUR DRUMMER) SKB MAKES A TRAP CASE FOR DRUMMERS. (SKB-R4913S FREEDOM STAND TRANSPORT CASE) IT IS 48 INCHES HIGH, 12 INCHES IN DIAMETER AND SELLS FO 99 BUCKS IN THAT MUSICIAN CATALOG. (YOU KNOW WHICH ONE I MEAN) ALL FOUR SPEAKER UNITS FIT PERFECTLY INSIDE, WHILE IN THEIR BAGS.
IT HAS A CARRY HANDLE, TWO MOLDED GRAB HADLES, AND WHEELS. IT ALSO LATCHES SHUT VERY SECURLY. EVEN WHEN FULLY LOADED IT CAN LIFTED WITH ONLY MODERATE GRUNTING, BUT THEN YOU ROLL IT THE REST OF THE WAY. THE ONLY THING MISSING IS THE BOSE LOGO ON THE OUTSIDE. MMMMM THATS AN IDEA..

can any one who has got the latest delux bags post a picture of them please.
Thanks

jack

This is the original photo posted when the bags were announced.


They *do* look like this.

You can also see them at www.bose.com/musicians by clicking on "product details", selecting a system, then click on "accessories".

Steve

Steve, any chance that Bose will break out the indivdual bags for purchase. I'm not unhappy with what I got, but I would be interested in the PS1 bag with the wheels.

Singing Auctioneer

Ernell,my man! Is that you singing and playing guitar on your web site? You guys rock!
I used to work for a large wireless firm that
would send gear to different locations all the time using fed ex or Brown . Has anyone looked at sending the units That way! It might be cheaper and they assure you delievery on time!
AL......

I had tried to add a picture but failed, will try again.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Oldghm,

I returned this past Friday from 9 days in Ecuador. Seven of the 9 days were moving days. I traveled about 1500 miles while in country by automobile (4X4), with over 450 of those miles being mountain and jungle roads of mud, gravel, and cobblestone.

I took the Bose Backpack as a checked bag. On the way down it carried Misc. stuff as I did not want a lost bag to interrupt my trip. After I arrived it became clothing only and for the return home was just dirty clothes. It survived but is very dirty, mostly from the airplane baggage handling (six planes). The shoulder straps are torn at the seam connecting them to the top of the bag. I plan to take them apart and resew with cordura reinforcemant of the padded neoprene at the attachment point. All in all it did better than I expected, looked good, and the Bose name was recognized as quality.

I was not able to take the PAS on this trip, but discussions with the Embassy there about a future trip suggest that I might be able to take it the next time or possibly the Embassy will follow up on my suggestion and acquire one for their own use that could be made available to me.