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Hey all - I'm planning a trip to Florida next month and will be flying down...I want to take three or four of my rods down but don't know which brand of rod case to buy. BPS has a Plano and Flambeau model of carrying case, but both have negative feeback comments. I really don't want to spend $50 to $60 for something that is going to break on the first or second time out...What do you all use/suggest?
1st thing is check and see how much the airline covers in case they get lost. I know when I flew I had to take some cheaper rods incase they were lost.
What I used to do was use 2.5inch pvc pipe. Then I would take rods lets say 4 put two facing one way and two the other. Put a rubber band around them then wrap in news papper or buble wrap and pack tightly so there is no movement in tube. Also check with airline they use to charge extra for long parcels like rods.
Last time I went to Florida, I took eight rods to The UPS Store. They packed them and shipped them to the UPS Store in the town I was staying at. I think it cost me about $70 or $80 dollars one way. Trust me, its a lot cheaper and safer than dealing with the airline. You can probably go to a local tackle store and get a rod tube from them and save even more money.
I used to work for an airline loading planes and trust me you want something sturdy. The plastic carriers are cheap in my opinion since I have seen how they come off an airplane and taken to claim. I did see several times the PVC pipe idea and you could drop them and they would not break or the lid would not pop off with duct tape around the end of the lid. They tend to fall off the belt loader or baggage cart while loading the plane since they are round going up a flat surface. My crew and I would take extra care of fragile things believe it or not since I LOVE to fish and hunt they would call me over the radio everytime rods or tackle was checked in to see if I knew the guy flying to fish or hunt. I spent some time in Atlanta and Chicago and CVG and other cities working and they would pretty much play tackle football with bags. Some of the things I have seen was a joke. No wonder everyone hates the little guy out the window loading your bags.
Shawn
I have flown with my rods several times and I have a Plano rod holder, I have never had any damage.(Knock on wood)
I have friends that fly into Nashville from Denver every year. He went to a hardware store, bought threaded pvc pipe, some epoxy, a small lock and a hinged latch. He epoxied one end on that will never come off. On the other end, he screwed on the cap, lined up the latch, drilled the holes, took off the cap, attached the latch and now all he needs to do is pack the rods and, screw on the cap and lock the lock. He has not had a problem with his fishing gear in the ten years he has been doing this.
Have packed rods on planes using PVC many times and have never had a problem. I wrap the rods in bath towels and duck tape the towels so they don't slip. Once you get the rods packed, duck tape a strap of some sort to the PVC tube. Find the right place to tape it and it makes a great handle. You will be glad you have a handle when you're carrying your tube through the airport.
Also, MAKE SURE you know what the airline allows when it comes to fishing rods. You can find this information on the airline's website. I always print a copy of their 'rules' and keep it handy in my carry on bag... I flew Continental to Mexico last year and I couldn't pack a rod over 6'6".