Flying DCA --> Bozeman with Rod Tubes

[Andrew D]

Hello friends, 

I'm heading out to Bozeman MT in a month or so. I'm bringing two rods in their tubes, and neither fit into my bag. I was curious if anyone's had success and/or failure flying American Airlines out of DCA with rod tubes in the drink holder portion of your backpack as a carry-on, or if I'm going to be tackled by TSA as a risk. Alternative is that I can get a big duffel bag to fit both of them plus my waders and other stuff, but then I'd have to check a bag. Easier, but higher risk of not having my stuff with me when I need it. 

Anyone have experience in this? My first time bringing rods out there. 

Thanks!

AD

[Brian Bennett]

Hey Andrew, 

I've done it several times with no issues.

Thanks,

Brian

VICE Fishing Co 

Br...@vicefishingco.com 

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[Fly Fish]

I fly with two rod tubes (4pc rods) a few times a year, put them in the overhead.  Never had an issue.  

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[Tom Somers]

Same. I've carried on 4pc and 2pc tubes for years with no issues.

[Ken Fugate]

I have flown numerous times using a Orvis Rod & Reel Case that fit up to 10 ft 4 pc rods and strapped up to three spey rods in their tubes on the outside.  Never had a problem carrying them on and putting in the overhead.  I eventually got a Fish Pond Dakota case that fits up to 14 ft 4 pc spey rods so I didn't have to strap them to the outside.  If you don't want to take up an entire overhead bin, the flight attendants will probably let you put the case in the coat closet.  Just remember to get them before leaving the aircraft.

Ken

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[David Vazquez]

I'll corroborate what everyone else has said above. HOWEVER, I flew United out of IAD two weeks ago to the Caribbean. United has a new policy that forces you to check any fishing gear. It's outrageous that I had to check my two fly rods (which I managed to get into one hard case) each way when I saw folks with golf umbrellas, umbrella strollers, work posters, etc. carrying on. But the United agents on both ends were pretty adamant that I had to check my rods. I'm really glad that I checked the policy before I left the house, as I would have brought my Patagonia roll up rod case--which is great for carry-on, but would have probably resulted in multiple broken rods had I checked it. All of this is to say, check American's policy online before you assume that you can carry on your rods. If you do have to check rods, figure out a way to consolidate into a single rod carrier (I've had great luck with DIY rod carriers made out of PVC pipe from Home Depot). 

Dave

[Brian]

Be aware in Argentina they must be checked if flying domestic!

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 11:49:25 AM UTC-4 Ken Fugate wrote:

[tperkins]

Also as TSA rolls out new scanners at the security lines, everything now has to go in trays (at least thats my experience at a couple airports) and when I was flying with a 4 piece rod, it wouldn't fit in the tray. So the TSA Agent had to hand inspect it. So this might become more common and add time to getting through security. 

Thanks for the heads up with United! That is crazy you can't board with them. (American won't gate check a running stroller but that is another whole issue that luckily I don't have to deal with any more). 

[Yambag Nelson]

Did United allow you to gate check them or did you have to go back through security and pay?

[David Vazquez]

I didn’t try to go through security. I looked up their policy and then asked the agent at check-in if I could just carry on. They looked it up and were surprised themselves that I had to check. I suppose you could try to just affix a rod tube to your backpack and carry on. There were several people I saw who were carrying posters and such that were roughly the same size as a rod tube. 

[Regan Burmeister]

I recommend using a low cost golf bag. Worked successfully for me for trips to Argentina and Alaska with two-handed rods.

Regan

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[Greg Feder]

And a short-shafted mashie niblick is perfect for dispatching those you keep and eat!  🏌️‍♂️

Cheers, 

-- Greg

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 14, 2025, at 7:06 PM, Regan Burmeister <rega...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Tom Franco]

One tip I use is to cut some corrugated 4 inch drain pipe (the black outdoor stuff that is usually burried)  to size and store multiple rods with rod socks in that "tube". This cuts down on weight and protects the rods. I can stuff it with socks, t-shirts, etc to maximize space.   I also bought the Orvis Travel Bag and I can fit all my other stuff boots, waders, etc. LL Bean sells a similar one for less. 

 

https://www.orvis.com/product/trekkage-lt-adventure-80l-checked-roller-bag/3E0N1000.html?adv=626712&cm_mmc=Google-_-Fish-_-plas-_-FISH_PMAX_CVR_BAU_X_G-_-3E0N1000&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21396501532&gbraid=0AAAAADnb7VFPFM5yWy0-q8RTpuyYJdRRQ&gclid=CjwKCAjw1dLDBhBoEiwAQNRiQQvTtfFVi6C1pfWf1af0UENOL-jez0TPQZxvKR2YkClWgly8RBHbshoCyOUQAvD_BwE

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[Jason Shipley]

I just flew United to Kalispel and had no issues with two fly rods 4pc strapped to my back pack. The fishing gear rules apply to single piece rods. https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/baggage/sports-equipment.html. If you worried could stick the rod into a poster tub.