anyone flown with fishing rods lately?

[Chris at Tech]

I'm preparing for my 30th b-day trip next week...guided trip to Lake Fork

As to be expected, I'm seeing conflicting info on the Delta website.

I see one mention of packages over 80 inches in length being subject to extra charges.

I see one mention of packages up to 80 inches being $150 extra.

I see one mention of packages over 80 inches not being allowed.

Of course, my rod tube with 7ft rods in it is about 89 inches...

I'm planning to call Delta tonight, but I'm wondering if anyone here had any input or recent experiences.

[Hookem]

I flew international last year with no extra fees. But a year can change things.

I would look into maybe shipping ahead of time. Call your host and arrange. And it would be cheaper than $150.

Lake Fork, huh?  8-)

[Wayne P.]

I'll be driving to and fishing Fork most of next week thru the weekend and a guy from California is flying. He shipped his rods to a local resident that will be fishing with the same group.

Where are you staying?

[Redlinerobert]

It boils down to who helps you.  I'm always nice to the check in attendant, and usually get the fee waived.  Not always though....

[Gatorbassman]

The cheepest way to get it there is to ship it to the hotel you will be staying.

[Masshole Mike]

i flew airtran to atlanta for the g'ville trip. i had a bazuka pro tube extended long enough that my 7' rod would fit and there was still enough room to stuff a bunch of bags of worms at the bottom (had to have been close to 8' long i'd say...). no one said a word on the way down. i got a few odd stares and questions about the contents from the baggage personnel, but that was it.

on the way home the tube was extended just long enough that my rods would fit and that was all. so it was shorter than it was on the way down. when i got to the airport in atlanta for my return flight they informed me the tube was too long and that there was a charge. i explained i wasn't charged on the way down but it was either pay the fee or my rods stay in atlanta. $140 later and i was on my way (that included an oversized charge for the rod tube, an oversized charge for my checked bag, and also an overweight charge for my checked bag. nice, huh?!)

i would definitely check with your airline ahead of time, explain to them the situation and ask what the best option for you would be. i agree, if you can ship them directly to your hotel, do so. you'll save yourself a lot of aggravation and money.

i ended up calling airtran about being charged, and the most they would offer me was a $50 voucher off my next flight. i said thanks but no thanks, if they're going to charge me to fly my rods wherever i go, they're not getting my business. i'll find someone that doesn't charge and go through them.

[JerseyBassin]

i was in key west, florida last month. we flew from jersey. we constructed  a 7 foot pvc pipe rod holder for the plane for like 5-6 rods. no extra charge i was aware of. didn't have to send it to the hotel so saved money. we called our travel agent to make sure, thats probably the best thing to do. call them up, and they'll tell you the exact maximum length for your rod holder.  

[Jay_G]

This is not a good answer, but it depends on the airline and the clerk. My last trip to Mexico in 02/2008, no charges. In fact, the only time I was ever charged extra was in 2004 and that was by Continental. I tell most travellers to be prepared in the event you are charged.

[Glenn]

I ship mine when I travel.  But with less than a week to go, that can be expensive.  But check anyway.  You never know.

IF you're taking them with you when you fly, be sure to get to the oversize baggage claim FIRST (this is where all the golf bags end up).  If heard many a story where thieves wait there to grab expensive rods, reels, golf bags, etc. and just walk off with them as soon as they arrive.  

[vaparrothead]

I just went to the Delta Website and checked under special luggage, sporting goods and fishing.  The site is very clear you can check fishing rods (properly encased) up to 80 inches.  However that is in lieu of your regular free checked bag.  So pack everything into your rod tube or carry on and if it's less than 80" you won't have to pay any extra.  For anything over 80" or an extra bag you'll pay.

Man the airlines have got it out for all the passengers.  Don't know how you can travel with only one bag (weighing less than 50 lbs) per person.

[Chris at Tech]

I just went to the Delta Website and checked under special luggage, sporting goods and fishing.  The site is very clear you can check fishing rods (properly encased) up to 80 inches.  However that is in lieu of your regular free checked bag.  So pack everything into your rod tube or carry on and if it's less than 80" you won't have to pay any extra.  For anything over 80" or an extra bag you'll pay.

Man the airlines have got it out for all the passengers.  Don't know how you can travel with only one bag (weighing less than 50 lbs) per person.

I agree...but now go to the "excess baggage" page here:

http://www.delta.com/traveling_checkin/baggage/baggage_allowance/excess_baggage/index.jsp

Here, it clearly says " Over 80 inchestotal of length plus width plus height => not permitted"

The most frustrating part is the inconsistencies you see, hear, etc.  Not knowing if I'll be hassled, if I'll be charged, what I'll be charged, etc until I get there is ridiculous.

Now, I'm back to square one where I'm likely to leave my stuff at home...

[skunked_again]

2 piece rods maybe