making a trip to NY this weekend for the week.  found out yesterday i will be able to fish with an old friend for some smallies.  i decided to build my own travel tube for my rods.  

i got a 2" PVC pipe and i capped one end permanent.  then i used a threaded cap on the other end so i can just screw the cap off.  then i took an ordinary cabinet handle and bent it sleightly to match the contour of the pipe.  i attached it with some simple zip ties, and it does not slide at all.

i can fit two casting rods in it perfectly, i wrapped the two rods together, tip to handle and inserted them as one.  once capped and after a good shaking, it seems they are very secure.  i coult not hear the rods hitting the sides of the tube or anything.

total cost was around 13 bucks, add another $5 for the bitchin custom flames and your all set for under $20!!

my plan it to duck tape the threaded end at the airport after they do what they gotta do with it.  

FYI... for american airlines you WILL NOT be charged extra for anything under 115" and under 50lbs.

here is a pic, dont laugh at the flames, i spent about an hour or so cutting and perfecting the duct tape to produce them!!!

Cliff

i laughed out loud when i read "...add another $5 for the bitchin custom flames ..."

they do look nice. it all looks nice. nice job.

Now those are truly custom travel tubes.

That's great work Red.......

Tight Lines In NY!  

that's pretty cool, beats spending 40+ for one of those rod tubes

i laughed out loud when i read "...add another $5 for the bitchin custom flames ..."

So did I...  

You get a big "atta boy" for caring about your rods like that!  

Have a great trip and catch a few smallies for us!

You may want to read the new rules and regulations on baggage.

Most airlines are now only allowing one checked bag. If you want to take a second it is at least $25. This is changing after June 15 to $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second (each way) I believe. And the size is 62 inches (l x w x h).

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp&anchorEvent=false

Per AA.com:

Oversized Baggage

Oversized Baggage does not include transatlantic or transpacific flights

Checked baggage which is larger than American Airlines stated size limits will be charged at the rate of $150 per piece.

These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or overweight baggage.

Baggage measuring more than 115 in/292 cm (total outside dimensions; length + width + height) will not be accepted as checked baggage.

Red,

If BaitMS is right, just send it fedex a few days early.  Most rods I ship cross country are under $25. (insured)

Red,

I agree with flechero on this. Send the rods in the tub a few days early insured and sig required to your old friend (with their knowledge of course). Even if the airlines were allowing rod tubes I wouldn't trust them with those (there to nice).

Check it out through FedX or USPS.

Tight Lines!!!

You may want to read the new rules and regulations on baggage.

Most airlines are now only allowing one checked bag. If you want to take a second it is at least $25. This is changing after June 15 to $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second (each way) I believe. And the size is 62 inches (l x w x h).

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp&anchorEvent=false

Per AA.com:

Oversized Baggage

Oversized Baggage does not include transatlantic or transpacific flights

Checked baggage which is larger than American Airlines stated size limits will be charged at the rate of $150 per piece.

These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or overweight baggage.

Baggage measuring more than 115 in/292 cm (total outside dimensions; length + width + height) will not be accepted as checked baggage.

i have already checked in on all this, and we purchased our tickets before may whatever it was, so we get one free bag each.  plus i am leaving this saturday morning at 6am, so it is kinda late to ship it.

i am going to rely on my past airport experiences and just go with it.  i have never had one single problem flying anywhere, no delays, no lost baggage, nothing.  i trust that this tube will withstand whatever those handler guys can throw at it, my only fear i guess is if someone stole it outright.  i am not worried about it at all.

thanks

Cliff

Make sure to let us know how it goes.

I see an American Airlines bashing thread in the future.

my streak continues....austin to chicago to syracuse, rods are both in perfect shape, the tube did well.  no issues!!

That's great now catch your PB and we want pics.....

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!  

looks great...with the flames!

FYI on Southwest you can check a rod tube FREE as long as its 3" or less in diameter and 91" or shorter long.

I had no problem cheking my rods over the weekend and no damage. If you need the link for this on their site, here it is:

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/sports_equipment.html

That's great now catch your PB and we want pics.....

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!

no pics yet, i forgot the cord for my camera.  but i took my nephew down to the local river here in town this week and managed to land myself a nice 31" northern pike!!  i am hitting the lake with my old pal tomorrow morning a 6am for some smallies.  i just hope the weather and the lake are nice to us.

check back at the beginning of next week in the outing section and i will have pics up.

Cliff

rods made it back to texas just fine!!  see the outing section for the fishing report

Cliff