Flying Alaska Air to montana

[Jeremy]

Anyone have any experiencing checking a fishing rod? Trying to decide if i should take on the plane with me or just mail it ahead of time, thanks for the info.

[Streaky]

I've taken onboard as a carry-on baggage.... but then when I showed up at the seat the steward(ess) took it and put it below-in a different section of the plane. ..but I didn't mind it much, at least it wasn't with all the rest of the bags 'flying around below'.

I'd take it with you.

[clacksteel]

I've had no problem checking it as a bag...as long as you have a solid carrying case. They stick a couple "fragile" stickers on it and you get it back at the "oversize" baggage area.

[PDXSteelhead]

I've carried on - I've held it until everyone was seated and then put it in the overhead bin, usually fits in the front, even if luggage is in there.

I've also checked them too, with a solid case.

[D3smartie]

always carry on your rods.

[mandinga]

always carry on your rods.



YES! (if you can)

Problem is that sometimes they wont let you on the plane with your rods...Ive read many accounts of people who were forced to check their rods.

Personally I have never had a problem...5 piece rods fit quite nicely in a briefcase...or small duffel.

I would recommend having a case to check the rods with...I like to use "indiscreet" bags and/or packaging. Sure those Abel and sage travel case's are nice, but why dont you just slap a "please steal me" sticker on the tube!? pvc, large large duffels, snowboard bags, golf bags....a sleeping bag and duct tape?

sorry for rambling.

[D3smartie]

i have flown alaska, american, sw, nw, united, us air, delta all with no problems. Sometimes you have to argue with the stewardess but usually you can keep it with you.
the only time i had trouble was when a woman at the airport in Boston didnt know what a fishing reel was and though it was some kind of bomb or something. She freaked out. :smile:

[mpruet]

I have flown both Alaska and United with my rods and have not had any issues with taking them on the plane with me.

Both airlines are very accomodating towards us fisher-people.

[Plem]

<font color="orange"> have you seen how those guys toss luggage around? :noway: :noway: :noway: :noway: </font>

[HazMatt]

I have a two piece that only fits in "newer" planes with longer compartments. When it doesn't fit, I will ask for them to put it in the coat closet so my rod rides in first class while I'm back with the cattle...

HM

[Jeremy]

Bumping this back up, leaving next wednesday, anybody have any good hot spots to hit when i am over there? I will be in Glacier NP for 3 days and Yellowstone for 1 and everywhere in between.

[D3smartie]

headed to the MO on thursday :smile: been a good caddis hatch lately.

[FireCat]

Jeremy..As I type this I am asking my wife, who is a Alaska Flight attendant, and there should be no problem taking your fishing pole on board, you should be taking Horizon into Montana. These are smaller planes but many go there for fishing, and as you know Alaska takes many fishermen to "ALASKA" For fishing and hunting.
It can be kept in the planes closet. Rules usually apply if you can get it in over head, great but if you cant and no room then it gets stored in the belly of the aircraft, that is why I always put my rods in a rod holder or carring case, just in case.
The only time a problem might arise is when the big surf rods that go to Cabo, mazatlan, or any of the fishing destanations along the Mexican coast, can take up alot of room so many dont even mess with it they just take their rods in a big pole case of some sort and place them with the luggage in the bottom of the plane.

[Squirrely]

I was wondering how much it costs to fly to montanna and what town do you arrive in? I just got back from Montana on Tuesday, infact I was in Missoula fishing Rock Creek. Very nice country to say the least cant wait tell my next trip!

[Jeremy]

I am using frequent flyer miles so it is free but i think it was around $300 round trip to fly into Bozeman, i am piggy backing on my wifes business trip. Flying into bozeman and driving up to bigfork fishing along the way. Hanging out in glacier for the weekend and then driving back down to yellowstone on sunday. How was rock creek fishing? dont know if we will swing by there or not unless its hot

[D3smartie]

The MO was fantastic the last 3 days

[BigSkyHunter]

Rock Creek is fishing really well right now. Lots of bugs and plenty of hungrey fish. Caught 28 fish one afternoon last week. The blackfoot is another good option right now. Streamers close to the edge is producing some very large browns and bulls. Water is dropping and the streams are all clearing up.

BSH