Your Bass vacation--how do you get your stuff there on a plane?

[Bassmaster2k]

Just wondering how folks get their rods etc. from Point A to Point B when the two points are connected by commercial airlines...particularly on the smaller planes (e.g., regional jets).

It seems some/most/(all?) airlines have special exemptions for fishing equipment, but I've heard stories about rod cases being rejected as checked baggage at the airport...what are your experiences?  Any tricks, workarounds, advice for the travelling bass fisherperson?

[George Welcome]

Send rods to destination ahead of time by USPS or UPS. It will save the airport hassle and broken equipment.

[bigbasshunter]

Most planes have coat closets that you can store your equipment in. I just brought back ovwer $1k in gear from florida to virginia as a carry-on with air tran. Otherwise as long as its in an TSA approved carrier you can check it. Check out the Plano Rod Tube they work great for 3 7ft rods, you just keep your reels in your carry-on, tackle has to be checked

[Slip Gun]

Most planes have coat closets that you can store your equipment in. I just brought back ovwer $1k in gear from florida to virginia as a carry-on with air tran. Otherwise as long as its in an TSA approved carrier you can check it. Check out the Plano Rod Tube they work great for 3 7ft rods, you just keep your reels in your carry-on, tackle has to be checked

Thank goodness. The next terrorist attack is surly going to be done using crank baits.

[Use ONLY Stren]

Ive carried on tackle from fla. to tenn. more times that I can count.