I flew to Key West this past February and had no problems. My 4 pc rod was in a factory pvc covered rod tube. In my carry on I had a pair of 6" needle nose pliers and a pair of combo scissors forceps. They took out the needle nose pliers and measured them to make sure they were not longer than 6". I think TSA and most airlines have seen enough fishing/fly fishing rods, that it is no big deal to them.
Dave
" If a man is truly blessed, he returns home from fishing to the best catch of his life." Christopher Armour