Fishing rods on airplanes?

Anyone have any advice on taking break-down rods on regular commercial passenger airliners? I can't figure out if it will be an extra fee or what. I'm flying Southwest to TX for a couple of weeks.

My plan is to take some tackle and my saltwater reels and just buy some cheap rods while I'm down there. But it would be fun to take my rods too.

If you're taking 2-piece rods, I'd call and ask them their policy on max length for carry-ons.  I see people walk on with 2-piece rods all the time, but I don't fly SW so I have no idea what their policy is.

-Allen

http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/special-luggage-pol.html

"Sports Equipment

Any of the items listed below may be checked in substitution of one piece of the free Checked Baggage allowance for each Passenger at no charge on a one-item-for-one-bag basis. If the item of sporting equipment exceeds 50 pounds in weight or 62 inches in size (outside length plus height plus width), excess weight and size charges may apply."

"Fishing tackle box and fishing rod, so long as the rod is encased in a cylindrical fishing rod container suitable to Carrier for withstanding normal Checked Baggage handling without sustaining damage to the rod. Fishing rod containers may measure up to three inches in diameter and 91 inches in length."

-Spot-

You could always buy a plano bazooka tube and a couple padlocks then ship it ups to the destination.

My experience with airlines and fishing rods has been mixed. If you have pack style rods or multi piece fly rods in cases that can fit inside your checked bags you shouldn't have a problem. But those are usually fairly short. Longer 2 piece, IMHO safer to ship ahead. Actually cheaper too in some cases.

I have carried a single 2 piece  rod tube on an Alaskan flight before with no problem. For full length rods make your own carrier from schedule 80 4" PVC. Very strong and cheap to make.

I have carried a single 2 piece  rod tube on an Alaskan flight before with no problem. For full length rods make your own carrier from schedule 80 4" PVC. Very strong and cheap to make.

+1

I have brought shorter 2 piece rods, 3ft or so for each half on carryon with a few different airlines.  I have an adjustable bazooka tube that I check when  traveling with longer rods. 

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

You guys are awesome, thank you,for all the feedback!

http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/special-luggage-pol.html

"Sports Equipment

Any of the items listed below may be checked in substitution of one piece of the free Checked Baggage allowance for each Passenger at no charge on a one-item-for-one-bag basis. If the item of sporting equipment exceeds 50 pounds in weight or 62 inches in size (outside length plus height plus width), excess weight and size charges may apply."

"Fishing tackle box and fishing rod, so long as the rod is encased in a cylindrical fishing rod container suitable to Carrier for withstanding normal Checked Baggage handling without sustaining damage to the rod. Fishing rod containers may measure up to three inches in diameter and 91 inches in length."

-Spot-

I don't know how I missed that, thank you.