Flies in Carry On Luggage

[mickmcco]

I have a new flyfisher friend headed for Utah who asked me whether he'd have a problem carrying on a small box of small flies (size 20-24). I haven't carried on flies since 2001. Any recent experience on whether the TSA would have problems with that?

[ScottP]

I usually put mine in my checked luggage but last time I had them in carry-on (unintentionally) I got through okay; my neighbor, in the next inspection line had a couple boxes of flies in his and, the way TSA responded, you'd have thought he was packing C4. I've heard lots of folks sail through with no problems and TSA's printed regulations say you should be able to, but catch them on a bad day and things can get ugly.

Regards,
Scott

[tailingloop]

As ScottP noted TSA published info on their we site says flies are ok for carry on. However experience shows that it is up to the screener. Someone in one line gets through an someone in a different line has to go back and check them. The only sure fire way to avoid problems in the security line is to check them.

[DG]

Best bet is to contact the airline and review and/or carry a copy of the TSA no-no list with you when you travel.

Remember, in many states you can't have a fly box that contains more than ten flies, or can be detached from your flyfishing vest, or looks scary, or a myriad of other sins. Oh, wait, I might be thinking of something else.

[CoachBob]

Even if your flies get through, the rest of your equipment may not.
forceps -- no chance
nippers -- no way
pliers -- uh uh
tippet/line -- not likely, could be use as a garrot (could include a reel with line)
zingers -- garrot

This is what TSA has to say : http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...rial_1188.shtm. Basically, the agency says about rods: "Fishing Rods are permitted as carry-on and checked baggage. However, please check with your air carrier to confirm that it fits within their size limitations for carry-on items. Ultimately, it is the carrier's decision as to whether or not it can be transported as carry-on baggage." And here is what the agency says about tackle, including fish hooks: "Fishing equipment should be placed in your checked baggage. Some tackle equipment can be considered sharp and dangerous. Expensive reels or fragile tackle such as fly's [sic] should be packed in your carry-on baggage."

[zaxaca]

Odds are that they would not be a problem. But, it only takes one surly TSA or airline employee to muck things up. Best to place them in checked luggage.

[BH Spey]

I've been on at least 100 flights in the last 5 years WITH flys (size 4 salmon flys down to size 24 trout flies), forceps, nippers, zingers, tippet, rod, and reel without anyone ever once asking to inspect any of it. Most airports have multiple security check points, if at first you don't suceed, try another check point - though again, I have NEVER had to resort to this. I have gone through security with all my fishing equipment in Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Grand Rapids, MI, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, West Palm Beach, San Juan Puerto Rico, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Albuqurque, San Diego, San Francisco San Jose, Denver, Missoula, Bozeman, Kansas City, and St Louis.

Don't worry about it!

[Royce]

I've travelled with my fly fishing gear a fair amount over the past few years and never, once had any problems carrying on boxes of flies. I've also had my lanyard and everything on it (nippers, forceps, etc.) in my carry-on luggage and never had any issues. I realize it only takes one grumpy person at security to cause problems. Just remember, no matter what the TSA we site says about carry-on items, the person agent at the security gate gets to decide what is carried on and what isn't.

For the record, the only item I was not allowed to carry on was a rod in a WOOD rod tube.

[bobbyg]

I always ship my gear ahead. I don't need any hassles with the TSA or gear.

[jszymczyk]

Best bet is to contact the airline and review and/or carry a copy of the TSA no-no list with you when you travel.

Remember, in many states you can't have a fly box that contains more than ten flies, or can be detached from your flyfishing vest, or looks scary, or a myriad of other sins. Oh, wait, I might be thinking of something else.

Good one! Except now that if you are going to People's Republic of New Dork, your fly box can not contain more than seven, and if you are unfortunate enough to live there, you must sell your high capacity fly boxes within a year.

If I am ever fortunate enough to be able to travel on a fishing trip, I think I will arrange to FedEx or UPS my IMPORTANT gear ahead of me.