Fly Tackle & Airlines

[Flycaster]

I'm going to Montana in July and I am flying there for the first time instead of driving. I'm taking Delta out of Bradley. My concern is how to take my rods, reels, flies, vests, etc. Some people have said they take them in the cabin of the plane, others check them at the gate. Some people ship their gear out there ahead of time. This wasn't such an issue before 9/11. I'm interested in hearing about other people's experiences and their preferences for traveling with fly fishing stuff.

[h.ridley]

:D Last summer I took my flyrod case on the plane when I flew to Las Vegas to go to Lees Ferry. It was on Jet Blue airlines. This year we're flying Delta out of bradley to go to West Yellowstone June 25th. I'm expecting it to be the same. I'll be happy to let you know then.
Howie


Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans. J.L.

[pvansch1]

Find out what the airline regulations are on flying with your gear, reels, flies, tools will need to be checked. As far as rods go, typically if they will fit in overhead or coat closet they are OK.
Get the regulations, there are guide lines and the ticket takers make up the rules as to what mood they are in. Print them out and carry them with you!!!
Pete

[Todd K]

I've heard of a few people having to check their tubes in after trying to take them as carry on. I don't like the sound of that. Im going to Norway this Summer and wondering about the same thing.

[flygirl]

A couple of friends of mine just flew & they always carried on their 2 pc rod tubes but this was the first time they were told they could only carry them on if they were in cardboard NOT METAL tubes. So the guy who dropped them off ran to Home Depot & got them some cardboard tubes to put the metal tubes in & that was allowed on. They were told that if they have canvas tubes its O.K. Metal was the no no. I have 2 4pc travel rods in canvas rod tubes that I carry on. I also have a carry on gear bag for my waders ,shoes & empty vest. I pack the fly boxes/flys, wading staff, net and anything else that goes with the vest in my luggage. This way if my luggage gets lost ,SO WHAT....I can still fish because I have in my possession my rod & waders.

[mtdreaming]

I have never had any trouble carrying on any of my tackle. Admitedly, I generally fly with four or five piece rods, but last year I did bring a two piece onboard Northwest. To avoid any arguments over space on the very crowded flight, I gave the stewardess (excuse me...flight attendant) my biggest, friendliest smile and asked if she could please put my rod in the first class coat closet "for safe keeping." She happily obliged and even hand-delivered it to me when the plane landed.

The only suggestion I have is to not carry anything resembling hand tools on board. A couple years ago, I had a nice pair of Abel pliers confiscated by the TSA in Puerto Rico....(which was rather ironic, considering I had 3 boxes of 2/0 and 3/0 flies and 15 ft of heavy shock tippet wire which could strangle an unsuspecting stewardess quite handily).

[lar42]

I flew to North Carolina on Delta earlier this year. I checked my bag with waders, boots and vest. I carried on my canvas rod tube and reel and it fit right in the overhead bin. No problems there but it's a good point that they won't let you carry the metal tube with you. I guess you could use that as a weapon. I reckon you could whack someone over head with it. :?

[Flycaster]

Thanks for the information! I knew I could count on all of you for your help. :D :D

[3XTIPT]

I have checked fly rods in orvis case to Florida, Montana and Mexico - through general baggage and always got them on the other end. Often there is a different place to pick them up from the general carousel - ends up with the golf clubs etc. I have travelled with friends on these trips who have brought their rods on board in plastic cases and stored over head. One thing to note, when I fished the Missouri in Montana for 5 days in a drift boat, I put my disposable camera in the drink wells at times while fishing. When flying out of Bozeman, my cameras got swabbbed at the gate and identified as having been exposed to explosives. More than a few of the guides out there use their boats for not only fishing, but hunting waterfowl as well. If someone puts shotgun shells in the same drink wells where your camera goes, you may have a problem at the gate. I was able to eventually talk my way through the situation and keep the 800 speed disposable cameras from going through the xray machine. Something to keep in mind...

[Patrick06790]

I just returned from a week in Oregon.

Flying is bad enough without either worrying about my gear getting lost or competing with people who absolutely insist on carrying on enormous duffels and things, lest they have to spend fifteen minutes at the carousel with the rest of the hoi polloi.

I ship my stuff well ahead of time via UPS. Moreover, I take it to a packaging place in Canaan where they have experience working with traveling anglers and hunters.

A large box with waders, boots, three four-piece rods, chest pack, sweaters, reels, fly boxes and other ephemera weighing about 37 pounds cost about $65 to Portland (incl. $2000 insurance and packing materials) and about $58 back. Allow 5-7 business days lead time.

It makes the airport infinitely easier to deal with.