Hi all,

I am going down to Orlando for work in about 2 weeks and convinced my boss to fly me in a couple of days early to do some bass fishing down there.  Anyone have any tips for flying with rods??  I was gonna use one of those tubes they send your rods in when you buy them from BPS or Cabelas, it seems sturdy enough.  I was just curious to see if anyone had any experinces flying with rods, I dont want any headaches at the airport or to get down there and have them damaged.  

Im pumped to get down there though, its still very cold up here in NJ!

I have traveled with rods, post 9/11, without any problems. However, they may ask to open the container, so be prepared to reseal the cylinder. You might want to bring along your own tape.

Get a Bazooka tube. I have 2 and never have had a problem traveling with them. Airports are used to seeing everything from fishing rods to golf clubs to who knows what.

I get some strange looks in the terminal.

You won't have a problem.

Be sure to check the maximum length of carring tube you are allowed to take on the plane for the rods.  It varies with each airline.  If it's over the maximum length, they will make you check it in (for some reason I don't like to check-in my rods.  I like to know where they are at all times).

Bazooka tube.  I've used it on many trips to Brazil and Mexico.  Here is the down side:

Some airlines, like Delta, will charge you $100 fee for an oversized container.  I was able to get that fee waived ONCE.  

If you have connecting flights and need to recheck your luggage due to different airlines, you may be delayed because usually the rod tubes are the LAST items that are unloaded.  It happened to me on the way home from Brazil, and we ended up missingour connecting flight home and spend an extra night in Miami.  Not cool if you are tired and want to get home.  

Make sure you LOCK the main latch that allows you to expand the case.  I didnt and the knucklehead at the airport tried opening it from there, like a giant cigar case.  He then could not close it properly and ended up breaking one of my rod tips.  Luckily I was albe to get the rod replaced through G Loomis.  

Hope this information helps.  

Thanks for all the advice!  Very valuable information.