Check with the TSA website AND the airline website. If they say it's OK, print the pages so you can show personnel if they have a problem with it. I've never had a problem with aluminum tubes for my 4 piece rods and I've seen hundreds of guitar cases (that must be close to 44" in length) being carried on board airlines. It's hard for me to imagine you'd have a problem unless you get a snit airline or surly TSA employee. And, that can happen!