Traveling with Flyrods

Treefrog

Treefrog

Smolt
I am going on an Alaska airlines non-stop flight to Haley, Idaho. A less than two hour flight. I was wondering what your experiences have been regarding carrying on 4 piece (27") or 3 piece (32") tubes have been. Their posted length limit for carry-on is 24". Otherwise, flyrods have to be checked as one piece of luggage if it is a double rod case.

Dan
 
I am pretty sure the 24" length limit only applies to carry-on bags. I have never had an issue putting my rod tubes (4-piece rods) in the overhead bin when I have flown in the past. I have also seen folks with canes put them in the overhead bin with no issues.
 
It’ll be fine. It’s your “personal item” and fits in the overhead bin. I’ve done it many times. The worst part is some schmohawk who fished once with his brother in law on private water in Wyoming will want to talk fly fishing in the airport when he sees the tube and you’re just trying to get to Idaho.
 
The last Alaska Airlines flight I was on was to Alaska so it may be different for other destinations but rod tubes of many sizes and lots of them were carried on board. Good luck.
 
I carried my Sage Ballistic tube onto Alaska flights last week, in addition to my carry on bag. I then "gate-checked" both before boarding without any fees. The Ballistic tube carried seven rods (extras for others joining us at our destination in Montana). My own interpretation of Alaska's policy is that fishing rods are allowed to be carried on board and are not deemed "carry on" luggage. YMMV.
 
Alaska is sportsman friendly for sure.

With my two piece rods I have 'gate checked' them. Also they have put them into front closet. All depends on the plane.
 
Matt B said:
It’ll be fine. It’s your “personal item” and fits in the overhead bin. I’ve done it many times. The worst part is some schmohawk who fished once with his brother in law on private water in Wyoming will want to talk fly fishing in the airport when he sees the tube and you’re just trying to get to Idaho.
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You flyfish, love the Ramones, AND you say schmohawk?? Seriously, are you my long lost twin?!?!
 
Travis Bille said:
You flyfish, love the Ramones, AND you say schmohawk?? Seriously, are you my long lost twin?!?!
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It’s usually reserved for other drivers but sometimes when I’m just trying to be polite instead of saying something else…
 
RCF said:
Alaska is sportsman friendly for sure.

With my two piece rods I have 'gate checked' them. Also they have put them into front closet. All depends on the plane.
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I’ve tried this twice, with my best smile, and both times the flight attendant has said to put it in the overhead bin. Guess I just don’t have the RCF charm.
 
So rod tubes are okay because they fit in the overhead compartment. What about a double rod case w/ reels attached?
 
@Dryflyphotography said:
I carried my Sage Ballistic tube onto Alaska flights last week, in addition to my carry on bag. I then "gate-checked" both before boarding without any fees. The Ballistic tube carried seven rods (extras for others joining us at our destination in Montana). My own interpretation of Alaska's policy is that fishing rods are allowed to be carried on board and are not deemed "carry on" luggage. YMMV.
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Hi Ron, Dan. How long was the Ballistic tube?
 
Just don’t take your fly rod from Ireland to England on Air Lingus as carry one. They’ll make you check it, even if it’s a 5 piece rod and reel in its own rod tube. apparently it can be used as a battering ram.

No problem with Alaska Airlines.
 
I’d suggest not using the rod tubes that your rods come with, they’re very thin. And if for some reason they get checked or someone throws a heavy bag on them in the overhead they can and will dent.

Build one from ABS.
 
Treefrog said:
Hi Ron, Dan. How long was the Ballistic tube?
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Mine is 37-1/2" measured from the outside ends. I think it fits rod sections about 36". It fit OK in the overhead bin, but it has such a wide diameter that it won't fit in a bin that also is full of larger carryon bags. I was lucky my closest bin had a few smaller bags for kids so it was fine. But on one leg I simply gate checked it so it was no big deal. I also have one in my closet that's 47-1/2" end to end...I don't use it, happy to find a new home for it if anyone's interested. It is strong enough to check, either at the bag drop or gate, and protect your rods. Seven rods in my case, LOL!
 
Treefrog said:
So rod tubes are okay because they fit in the overhead compartment. What about a double rod case w/ reels attached?
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I would not do this...

'Contents of your overhead bin may have shifted during flight, use cation when opening the overhead compartments'

Rods are protected in those, the reels not so much.
 
The only issue I ever had with rod travel was when I had a Sage metal tube. They made me gate check it as it "could have been a weapon". Since that time, I used Cabella cloth covered tubes. They are actually cardboard and Ihave always been able to stow in overhead without any issue. Surprisingly, they also are very sturdy and have lasted a very long time.
 
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