Shipping Rods Vs. Checking On Airplane

[VABasser]

Hey guys,

Well the topic title should say it all.  Which method do you all prefer to get your rods to wherever you're going?  I ask because I am going to visit my cousin in Idaho in a couple of weeks to do some fishing.  I've carried on 2-piece rods many times with no issues.  The problem this time is we are fishing in a tournament out there and so I want to bring my "real" tackle; basically all my 1 piece rods that aren't going to be carried on.  What is the safest and most cost-efficient way to transport them?  I may have no choice but to ship them ahead of time because it appears that United has a length limit for rod cases that are on "express" flights, which one of my connecting flights is unfortunately.  Anyone have experience with this?  Any insight on these things or traveling tips with 1-piece rods would be helpful.  The last thing I want is a broken tip or something.  Thanks   

[thehooligan]

I've always used FedEx, recently I sent out a brand new Powell and it showed back up on my doorstep broke in half. I've used USPS in the past without issues, think I'm going to try ups next.

Still waiting for FedEx claims to cover my rod....

I have a buddy that travels alot, he put his reels in his carry on bag and brings a 7ft tube in the overhead compartment with a few rods in it, lol.

[rippin-lips]

I'm actually leaving tonight for Tx. I went to Lowes and bought a 10' piece of 4" thin wall PVC and end caps. Cut it down to 8'. I shipped 7 rods through ups to Tx a week ago. Got there just fine and with no damage. Cost me $55 with $900 worth of insurance. USPS broke a rod I shipped so I'm not using them anymore.

[Dwight Hottle]

Save yourself the hassle & ship them ahead of time. Might actually be less expensive. Some airlines are charging $75 for rod tubes classifing them as oversized.

[new2BC4bass]

Glad you asked this question.  Am heading to Florida Monday, and was hoping to take a few rods with me.  Seem to recall that carrying them onboard wasn't an option.  Shipping several in one case is a thought, but spending $60 (for both ways)  still seems expensive to me.  In my case wife and I always stay with her sister, so I bought 3 casting rods and left them there for return trips.  Unfortunately not an option in your case.

 

I purchased several rods over the winter, and would love to try several of them out on Florida bass since PA bass fishing in my area sucks.

[rippin-lips]

You can't take them as carry on. You can check them as a bag but sometimes oversized charges apply. In my case I have to pay $25 for my 1st checked back and $35 for a second. So paying the $53 for UPS and knowing they're insured and have a tracking number was worth it. Plus I have 2 bags already to lug around so it was easier for me.

[Koofy Smacker]

You can't take them as carry on. You can check them as a bag but sometimes oversized charges apply. In my case I have to pay $25 for my 1st checked back and $35 for a second. So paying the $53 for UPS and knowing they're insured and have a tracking number was worth it. Plus I have 2 bags already to lug around so it was easier for me.

25 or 35 per bag is only if they are under the size limits. Rod tubes almost always qualify as oversized which usually tacks on another 50 or so. Depends which airline

[rippin-lips]

Yeah I was referring to my luggage with those prices. That's why I shipped my rods. Same price and insured plus can be tracked. Also don't have to carry around an 8' piece of PVC tubing.

[Felix77]

For fun fishing I carry 2 BassPro extreme 3 piece rods as carry on. For a tournament I wouldn't even mess with the airline and ship them directly to the hotel or your friends house.

If it is a hotel make sure and tell them in advance. They generally record it as a note on your registration.

Good luck in the tourney!

[VABasser]

Thanks guys, it sounds like shipping them might be the way to go.