On Jan 6, 9:17*am, Dave LaCourse wrote:
I'm preparing for an up-coming trip and was wondering what the
*official* restrictions are on fly rods, reels, but especially flies.
I have two large boxes with very big streamers as used in Kamchatka.
Even though I have gone through air port security with fly boxes on
previous trips, they were always small flies - 14 - 22, never big ones
like I have from Russia. *So I went to the TSA site and found that not
only can you bring your fly rods regardless the size of the rod
holder, but also reels AND, most importantly, flies are legal. *So, my
carry-on will be a backpack with vest, fly boxes, two Lamson 3.5s, my
trusty GS3s, boots, medicines, change or two of drawers/t-shirts,
etc., and my two four piece rods (7 and 8 weights) will be in a
carrying case. *

Stopped by my local library this a.m. to get an audio book. *I have
trouble reading on an aircraft and thought this would be a good idea.
I planned on down-loading it onto my I-pod, along with lots of jazz.
To my surprise they have books on "Playaway." *It's a small MP3 player
half the size of an I-pod. *Such a deal. *I picked out a couple of
dramas and should be well entertained even if I am beat when I arrive
at my destination.

Dave

Take it from me...the 'official' policy is meaningless. Be prepared to
have to check in your rods, flies, reels, forecepts and nippers....it
all depends on the security personnel. Coming through Prague once I
had a woman stop me at the x-ray machine and open my rod tube to see
my 5-piece 5 wt. She asked what it was, then insisted that it had to
be checked in, but I noticed supervisor looking over at it and asked
him if that was okay. He was a fisherman, admired the rod, and said to
go ahead and carry it on. If he had not been there, I would have had
no recourse.

Personally, I'd come prepared with a photocopy of the TSA guidelines
and have your gear packed in such a way that IF you had to check it
in, it would be well-padded. Then try to talk your way through any
obstacles, starting with the check-in counter, airside/landside
security, gate security and finally boarding. I've gotten stopped for
various items at each level...having some nitwit right outside the
plane stop you and take something away after 5 other people have
approved it is the worst. Don't produce the photocopied TSA guidelines
unless its a last resort.

And even if you have a 10 hour layover, don't leave the transit
terminal! You'll have to go through all levels of security again.

--riverman