Rods on an airplane. Please help!

[Hinkle2891]

im going down to Texas in early August for a bass fishing trip, and my favorite rod is 7'6" and a one piece, so my girlfriend (while we're down there at the BPS store, which ive never been to one. STOKED!) is going to buy me a rod while i'm down there. i need one that can break down and go onto my carryon, because i will NOT trust the airlines with a rod. any suggestions? i really don't want to spend all the money for a rod holder for just one trip.

[fish-fighting-illini]

 I'd say no holder = no fly with it. I thik you'd be nuts to try without one.

 People shove oversized heavy bags, heavy and huge laptop bags. It's always the last person on who has the largest luggage ( that should have been checked). He does the "stuff it at all costs" deal on somebody else's nice luggage.

 You need to check the lengths of the rod vs the carry on size limit ( for yourt airplane(s) ) to determine what your rod pieces can be.

 You could also pack in a pvc tube and pay extra or ship it ahead via UPS to be safer

just my .02 & good luck

[Chris W]

I also would not fly with one would ship it back ups or something.

[Hinkle2891]

thanks for the help. i was considering ups, but it'd be kind of hard to coordinate with where i'm going. besides, if i can get a free rod out of it more power! yay! lol. so, i was considering trying to find a rod that breaks down so that i can put it on my carry on (with my selection of baits_.

[islandbass]

Buy yourself a PVC tube long and wide enough to accomdate the two piece rod of your choice. Buy some pipe insulation to protect your rod and some foam (or sponges) for both ends of the pipe.

You can get endcaps but strong duct or packing tape can seal the ends.

Write your name and cell phone number on it.

You CAN bring it as a hand carry.

Now, when you get on the plane, do not load it in the upper storage until most folks have thrown their bags up there. Then put yours up or ask the flight attendant to help you find a spot. Be nice and they will gladly help you.

This is what I did, but I did it with a thick card board tube from a shipped rod. I would have gone the PVC route, but couldn't get to home depot in time.

Your rod will be safe.  Mine made it with me all the way to Mexico, and international flight.

A 7'6" two piece should be alright on a DC-10 sized plane. Mine was an 8'6" two piece. No trouble. Bring your rod with you.  Mind you this was Alaska Airlines. It wouldn't hurt to double check with your airline to see if they have certain requirements, but I imagine they would all be the same if not similar because they need your business.

Good luck! 8-)

[MarauderYak]

For what you're wanting to do, you might want to consider a travel rod.  I know BPS has travel rods in their Extreme family that come with a travel tube.  I think the restriction vary by airline, but I'm betting it's going to have to be a travel rod (3 or 4 pc) to be taken as a carry-on.

[OnthePotomac]

You can travel with a full size rod tube, but check with the airline, because some charge a bunch for the long tube and it does go into luggage.

[Hinkle2891]

i'm kind of leaning towards buying a 2 piecer while i'm down there. any suggestions on good worming rods under 100 bucks? i would end up having to sell my pfleuger though. i just don't want another rod without the reel, and well i don't have money/need for another combo.

[LAO162]

The Cabela's XML Pack Rods are currently on sale.  They may be an option.

[Marshfisher]

I'd go with a one piece and ship it back UPS Insured. Sure, you will beat it back but the risk is not there and if the airlines still charge the stupid extra fees, you could be better off money wise too.

[stryk9]

the cabelas rod tubes are definitely cheaper than buying a new rod.