I’ve searched the forum and found nothing recent on this topic - I am leaving from Michigan through O’Hare for Colorado on Thursday (it’s Tuesday morning now) and was blithely thinking I would just carry on my 7’ 2 piece bamboo rod in a 44" aluminum rod tube. Then it dawned on me - I travel a lot and don’t recall ever seeing anyone carry on something that size. Has anyone got some wisdom for me that is current, up-to-date? Most posts are 4 years old and TSA changes things constantly. Thanks!
Bob
Haven’t travelled with a 2 pc rod since 9/11. Last time I did, flying out of Dulles, I had to check it; switched planes at Minneapolis and saw about 10 people carrying 2 pc tubes around the terminal. Like you said, TSA changes their rules at a whim and they stopped using logic the day they came up with their 3 letter acronym. You might get through with a pvc tube, although I doubt it; don’t think you stand a chance with aluminum. Hope you prove me wrong. Have a great trip.
Regards,
Scott
I’m not sure about something in aluminum and two piece but travel rods are no trouble. Call your airline and explain you situation and I’m sure they will let it on after a brief in search. If you have a cordora tube, it might help.
TSA will not have an issue except for the metal rod tube. Metal tube = blunt weapon you could bludgeon somebody with.
The airline might have a problem with the length of the tube in the overhead. I’d also imagine that the plane from Michigan to O’hare will be quite small, so you’ll probably have to drop it off before stepping on to the plane.
Having done it myself, I’ll bet there will be a lot of rods on the plane out of Chicago.
Having been hit over the head with 1 1/2" pvc tube (don’t ask), I can tell you it’s just as good a bludgeon as aluminum. Someone should put together a TSA Greatest Hits article; one of my favorites was not allowing flyreels in carry-on because the line could be used to strangle someone. TSA is an endless source of amusement, unless your on the receiving end of one of their ‘episodes’ in which case it’s an endless source of frustration, anger and anxiety.
Regards,
Scott
Sometimes you get lucky. I was carrying on a guitar (admittedly this was years ago) and the attendant was demanding that I check it which, having heard the horror stories, I was very reluctant to do. The captain asked, “What have you got in there?” Martin D-28, I replied. He said, “I’m a player myself. That’s a nice guitar. Why don’t you let me carry that up in the cockpit for you?” Handed it out to me at the end of the flight.
I’ve carried everything from small pack rods to spey rods and never once had a problem. Consult with the airline first as your results may vary.
Once again. If I am taking something larger than a pack rod I ship it via UPS to my destination. Never had an issue.
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!
Wow… thanks for all of the feedback.
This has enough variables out of my control that I am resorting to a 1970’s era rod case I used to take in a float plane to northern Ontario. Back then it was full of casting and spinning rods. I’ll just check it as baggage and hope they don’t run over it with a forklift or worse. We’ll see what United nicks me for this…
Here’s what I decided on after I dredged this old relic out of the garage and cleaned it up…
TSA is different from airport to airport and I’ve had or seen challenges in many locations. Aluminum isalways a no-no. If it won’t fit in the overhead don’t expect to bring it. I’ve since changed to rods that all fit in a suitcase and pack them.
States where they are more relaxed about rods are mountain states and deep south. Upper east coast (especially DC and Baltimore) are the strictest.
By the way, if you have to check your rod case, it counts as an extra rod. That $50 will go a long way to buying a 4, 5 or 7 piece rod.
It can actually vary from aisle to aisle. I inadvertently had a box of flies in my carry-on and got through no problem; my neighbor was in the next lane over, also had a box of flies (nothing bigger than a #16, mind you) and you’d have thought they found a brick of C4.
Usually true but I got the 3rd degree in Bozeman last summer when I put my 4 pc rods through the x-ray machine; also got a lecture because I didn’t have my travel-size bottle of mouthwash and toothpaste in a Quart sized plastic bag. I’ll chalk that up to the inspector being a new trainee.
Regards,
Scott
I have seen 2 piece rods on planes, but haven’t tried to fly with one yet. Depending on where you fly out from it could be an issue as others have said. Also regional airports sometimes have smaller planes, so you might end up gate checking the rod. Which isn’t terrible.
Our local airport is notoriously strict and fly rods go in and out on a regular basis. Last time I flew out there, I got lectured for being late, because I timed it so that I arrived at the airport as they started allowing people through the security checkpoint. (no bag to check). sigh
Paul
I carry on a 4" pvc case 41" long that holds five 3-piece rods. Have written on the case “Regulation 45” this case 41" ", and only had one run-in with one hostess, and I won. Have carried the case (on board) out of the country many times without a problem. Bahamas always want to check to be sure there’s not a spear gun inside.
Your safest and most certain option is to FedEx it to your destination. Carry-on is a roll of the dice. If the dice roll wrong, every CO fly shop I know will be happy to sell you a new rig.
Have carried two piece rods onto planes, post 9/11, but not for a few years. CA to ID, no problems. The plane had every other overhead with a pass-through in the middle, making the overhead long enough.
Mike
I agree with Brad. Ship it and then you have no worries.
The airlines website should give you enough information to determine what you can carry on. If it will fit in an overhead, I think it will be fine regardless of the material the case is made of. If you want to take a chance on a two piece carry on, I would also have a $50 bill in my pocket.
I’ve flown at least 100 times since 9/11 carrying on fly rods, reels and fly boxes with out a problem. Most of the time with pack rods in my roll-aboard bag but at least a dozen times with 2pc 9’ rods and about 30 times with 3 pc 9’6" rods and have NEVER had a problem with security or the flight attendants. I will say that I have only flown with the cordura covered PVC tubes - never aluminum tubes, but other than envy, I have received no comments from TSA regarding the rods.
I always carry my flies and my rods (in Cordura wrapped tubes) on. The other guys I fish with tape all their tubes together and check it as one piece of luggage.
I believe if you check the TSA web site they will even tell you to carry on your flies and delicate tackle. I generally carry half of my flies and pack the other half in my luggage. I have not had any problems. If you live close enough to an airport, just go in with the stuff and ask the TSA folks. The last time i had a question was with the CO2 cartridges for a floatation device – could I send them in checked baggage?? The web site wasn’t clear.
The agents didn’t know for sure and admitted the regs. change all the time. They looked it up for me and gave me the OK.