Traveling with Aluminum Rod Tubes.

[Terry M]

7 weeks and counting till I head out to Montana. Anybody ever have any issues with the TSA's with aluminum rod tubes on the airlines? My pack rod is in one and I'm wondering if I should pick up a plastic tube for the trip.

[Todd K]

Yes, I know of a hand full of people who have had issues with them. You are better off with PVC or plastic. You could pick up a tube from home depot and cut it down. Pick up end caps of course.

[pvansch1]

They don't like aluminum tubes. PVC will get by most of the time.

I make most of my rod tubes from 1.5" diameter PVC and the fit over bulky end caps, ugly but it works. If you want something nicer and are willing to pay a few dollars more got to http://www.landmarkflyrodtubes.com/
Ron doesn't have his prices posted, but they ae very reasonable.

[Eric L]

They don't like aluminum tubes. PVC will get by most of the time.

I make most of my rod tubes from 1.5" diameter PVC and the fit over bulky end caps, ugly but it works. If you want something nicer and are willing to pay a few dollars more got to http://www.landmarkflyrodtubes.com/
Ron doesn't have his prices posted, but they ae very reasonable.

Yup,

I have been forced to check aluminum tubes.

Eric

[FK]

Ship the rods and reels to your destination ahead of time, get confirmation that they arrived.

Eliminates problems with TSA and airports.

Regards,
FK

[trouter203]

it would be so much easier if they were consistent with their approach. when i flew out of LGA last summer, the guy at the curb told me i would have a problem with my aluminum tube. however, the folks at the security area just asked what was in my bag and let me through. i sort of have an issue checking 3 rigs worth over $3,000. in any event, it is better to be safe than sorry.

[grayghost]

I had the same problem last year. I went to an art store Dick Blickes in Plainville and bought a tube used to transport documents or artwork. It worked great and was inexpensive.

[Terry M]

I'm gonna go get some PVC tomorrow and make one up. The less issues the better. Bad enough I usually end up getting searched with the wand after I set off the detector with the metal in my back.

[paddy]

Medic:

I suggest traveling with a plastic rod tube. I did this while traveling both nationally and internationally.

I have been out to Montana twice. I had a great time fishin both times. I have not been out that way in ten years. I guess I'm a little jealous.

All the best fishin

Paddy

[conncoll19]

The TSA has a page online regarding hunting and fishing guidelines, right down to line and fly storage. I don't have the link off hand, but it's not hard to find. Print this out and bring it with to avoid issues with other gear, their inconsistencies are ridiculous. I personally have never had problems travelling with aluminum but better not to risk it.

[Catch 22]

The TSA has a page online regarding hunting and fishing guidelines, right down to line and fly storage.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1188.shtm

From the TSA site:

Fishing Rods / Poles - Fishing Rods are permitted as carry-on and checked baggage. However, please check with your air carrier to confirm that it fits within their size limitations for carry-on items. Ultimately, it is the carrier's decision as to whether or not it can be transported as carry-on baggage.

Tackle Equipment - Fishing equipment should be placed in your checked baggage. Some tackle equipment can be considered sharp and dangerous. Expensive reels or fragile tackle such as fly's should be packed in your carry-on baggage

Notice that there is no mention of tubes or cases. Just rods and reels.

Jeff

[Terry M]

Thanks for the link. My reels are definatley gonna be a carry-on item. I'm gonna call the airline to see if they have checked baggage restrictions. I'll probably end up with an extra charge for more than one bag anyway.
Stay tuned for the pics when I get back. 1 day of fishing in Yellowstone and 5 days up in the mountains. Should be a blast.
Thanks All!!!

[Terry M]

Here's the rules from the Airline:


Fishing Equipment
Northwest accepts one set of fishing equipment (two (2) rods with reels, creel, net, pair of boots and tackle box) in lieu of one (1) piece of luggage included in the free luggage allowance. Fishing equipment is accepted as checked luggage only. Fishing equipment not included in your free luggage allowance will be charged the following rates:

For travel wholly within/between US/CA/Mexico and the Caribbean:
$100* USD / CAD each-way
Trans-Atlantic travel: $150.00 USD / CAD / EUR each-way
Trans-Pacific travel: $130.00 USD / CAD each-way
Between Hawaii and Japan: $84.00 USD / 16,200 JPY each-way
Between US and Philippines: Call NORTHWEST Reservations for rate information
Fishing pole containers must not exceed 160 inches. The fishing rods, creel, landing net and boots must be properly encased. The tackle box must be sealed or locked.
Northwest does not accept liability for loss, damage, or delay of fishing equipment. Excess valuation insurance may not be purchased for transport of fishing equipment.


We're gonna pack our full size rods in 1 container. Split 4 ways won't hurt as bad.

[pvansch1]

If you pack them in a lockable container be sure to use a TSA friendly lock. Otherwise they will hack the case open and leave you pile $%it for rods and equipment.

[skeelernyc]

If you pack them in a lockable container be sure to use a TSA friendly lock. Otherwise they will hack the case open and leave you pile $%it for rods and equipment.


only if they see something suspicious, i sent my skies with a non tsa lock and had no problems, i was told as long as they can xray and see what is in there you are ok.

[Terry M]

That's why I was questioning the aluminum rod tube. The x-ray factor. Already picked up a plastic one.

[Gene]

I have flown NWA the past 3 years. I carry on 2 rods in a padded travel case (DB Dun). I'm always questioned what the contents are and when I tell them fishing rods they pass them through x-ray and I'm on my way. Hopefully it works the same way this year. I'm leaving in 7 weeks too.
Gene

[flygirl]

I've also flown NWA...I carry on a wader bag with my waders/boots/vest w/fly boxes & attach my double rod/reel case on top of it so it looks like its one piece. Never had a problem for the past 6yrs....after all , I'm going fishing & I don't care if they lose my luggage....at least I'll have everything to fish with.

[Terry M]

The airline loosing luggage or fishing equipment would'nt bother me as much as loosing flies. I'd be more than just a little ticked off if I had to replace a few hundred flies that I spent countless hours tying.

[Steve Z]

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1188.shtm