Thanks again for all of the input. I made it out and back without a hitch - checked it as baggage inside a very large, old rod case as shown in one of my earlier post replies on this thread. It was ugly but functional. That cost me an additional fee for another checked bag but no hassles. Next up is a trip to Montana in September and I might dispense with the checked bag and just buy a Cordura-wrapped rod case and carry it on. The United flight direct from O'Hare to Bozeman HAS to be familiar with fly rod cases, right?