Travel With Tackle? - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

BigFish · 01-30-2008, 08:48 AM

Any of you guys know if the airlines let you travel with plugs with hooks? I know not in your carry on but if they are in your checked luggage is there any problem with that?

RIROCKHOUND · 01-30-2008, 08:50 AM

Nope. check away. I pack my gear in gallon ziploc bags so they can easily see them, (in case they have a funny look on x-ray) and make sure it won't poke the guys when they search the bags. I have a feeling you can't get many sharp items through carry on, but reels, line etc I never had a problem carrying on.

CaptMike · 01-30-2008, 09:02 AM

Some airlines say you can carry on a rod if it's less than a certain length. Has anybody tried? I've always been too worried because I didn't know what I'd do with it if it didn't work.

BigFish · 01-30-2008, 09:03 AM

I know not carry on! Man, you can't even carry a nail clipper on board! Just curious about checked! Thanks!

RIROCKHOUND · 01-30-2008, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptMike

Some airlines say you can carry on a rod if it's less than a certain length. Has anybody tried? I've always been too worried because I didn't know what I'd do with it if it didn't work.

I carried on a 3pc 7ft rod (in a plastic case) with no issues multiple times...

ThomCat · 01-30-2008, 09:19 AM

I carry on my rods in a hard rod tube. It can be no more that 42". Never had any problems with gear in my suitcases

macojoe · 01-30-2008, 09:26 AM

Yes they will allow it, but all has to be ck luggage!! Rods can go but nothing more then 72". I just ck'ed all this stuff.
The Zip Lock trick is a good Idea!!

Also you are allowed just 2 suit cases for your money, and not to be a ounce over 50 pounds or you have to pay a Surcharge!!
Anything more then 2 suitcases is also a extra charge from $25 to $50

Swimmer · 01-30-2008, 09:28 AM

Where are you off to?

fishbones · 01-30-2008, 10:24 AM

I've put plugs in the clear plactic boxes that go in tackle bags to travel. I had to take out the dividers to fit the larger plugs, but it worked well. I put the plastic boxes in my checked luggage and brought a rod in a plastic travel tube as a carry on. My reel went with me in my backpack. I was never more nervous about my luggage not making to my destination than when I had plugs packed in my suitcase.

EarnedStripes44 · 01-30-2008, 11:04 AM

I carried a 2 pc. on board a plane last spring. Can't lose with the hard rod tube. Never had any problems with hooks in checked baggage.

eastendlu · 01-30-2008, 11:10 AM

Check out the new bag from aquaskinz makes a perfect travel bag.Looked at it at a show this past weekend all i can say is i have to get me one of these.

wheresmy50 · 01-30-2008, 11:13 AM

You can check guns & knives. I'd be more concerned with the overall length of a checked rod. I'm sure there's a limit.

You can carry on more than before. It also depends on the airport. I've carried some basic tools and electrical testing equipment. I'd venture to guess they'd allow small needlenose pliers and a small takcle kit, travel rods, reels, etc. Just no knives.

Vogt · 01-30-2008, 08:39 PM

I flew out to Washington State this past summer for vacation, I checked an entire suitcase full of tackle with no issues. They did open it and take a look through it on the return, but everything was left intact, just a normal "random" check.

tattoobob · 01-30-2008, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptMike

Some airlines say you can carry on a rod if it's less than a certain length. Has anybody tried? I've always been too worried because I didn't know what I'd do with it if it didn't work.

I tried to take rods up to 6 foot to Florida VIA carry on and it held the flight up because they had to bring them to the cargo to carry them. then I had to go and pick them up at a special place in the airport, next time I will just bring reels and buy a rod and give it away when I return home. big hassle

macojoe · 01-30-2008, 09:00 PM

Rods can't be more then 72"

ThomCat · 01-31-2008, 06:21 AM

U can carry on a rod tube up to 42"

GattaFish · 01-31-2008, 08:53 AM

Larry, You can check just about anything these days,,, It is all screened by the TSA and you can go to tsa.gov.

As far as sizes of things to carry on or checked it depends on the airline. It is best to call the airline to see a max size item they allow. And if you are sending a rod make sure it is in a VERY tough case.. You would not believe what I have seen the ground handlers do to stuff,,,

Tuna Helper · 01-31-2008, 09:38 AM

I flew to Miami last year. I sent a "bazooka" rod tube (just about 8') to my hotel UPS, and carried on a 3 piece travel rod.
I'm flying to St Kitts Saturday. I was able to fit 3 travel rods into one tube (carrying on) and I'm going to pack my reels and tackle in my suitcase.
I highly reccomend UPS (with insurance). I would also suggest trying to minimize how much gear you bring.
Good luck!

moogie · 01-31-2008, 02:22 PM

I travel with my tackle frequently.
The regulations can vary with each airline. Delta is the worst. Their fees are the highest for oversized/overweight luggage.
Alaska Airlines is the best. They allow a rod tube of 84" to go through your check in luggage without a fee, and they only charge $50 for a piece of luggage that is over 50 pounds.
Delta charges $100 for the rod tube and $100 for the overweight bag.
If you decide to carry on some reels with line on them, or terminal tackle/lures, you may be in for a delay. Most airlines won't let you carry them on board. Put it in your check in luggage.
Some of the airlines will let you carry a reel on board with mono on it. Some don't allow "spectra" type lines.
The mono/spectra controversy continues even with the airlines!
Three piece rods in a tube can be carried on board. Check the individual airline regulations.
I've always found traveling with my tackle to be a breeze. Just do it right.
Moogie

surflawyer · 01-31-2008, 03:46 PM

I've found it best to ship your rods ahead to your destination, by UPS. Inexpensive and hassle-free.

moogie · 01-31-2008, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surflawyer

I've found it best to ship your rods ahead to your destination, by UPS. Inexpensive and hassle-free.

My last trip would have cost $282 to get my rods to my destination and $282 to get them back.

surflawyer · 02-01-2008, 02:58 PM

I routinely ship 2 rods (each one piece, seven footers) in a tube, from NY to FLA, costs about $25 each way via UPS. If shipped at least 1 week in advance of your arrival, they can be shipped by land, which is safer than by air.

kar0na · 02-02-2008, 09:07 AM

Just got back from fishing in Florida, I check in a 50 qt cooler loaded with my tackle bags, fillet knives,reels. All they ever ask is you declare it not food. I duct tape the top closed and in over 10 trips its never been opened.For rods i carry 4 2-piece rods (6'-7'6'') in a $17 pvc guncase i found at walmart. this also is checked in. Clothes are in a carryon bag ( shorts,tshirts, couple of dress shirts).Never had any problems and the cooler comes in real hand.