Prepping for a Fly Fishing Trip: Flying with Gear

Flying to a fishing destination adds a few extra steps to your prep. Airlines have their own rules, TSA has restrictions, and not every piece of gear travels well. Here’s what to expect and how to be ready.

What to Pack and How to Pack It

Carry-On Suggestions:

Rods in travel tubes (if airline permits and size allows)
Reels (with or without line)
Electronics, valuables, fly boxes

Checked Luggage:

Waders and boots
Small nets
Larger fly boxes with articulated or heavily weighted flies
Tools (nippers, forceps, knives
Liquids like floatant must follow 3.4 oz TSA limit or be checked

Recommended Luggage & Gear Bags

Rolling Duffels & Gear Haulers

Fishpond Stormshadow Rolling Duffel

Premium rolling duffel with built-in rod storage for up to 6 rods.
Add the Jackalope and you carry up to 10 rods
Large clamshell design with internal compartments for wet/dry gear.
Rugged wheels and weather-resistant materials make it ideal for demanding travel.

Simms Tailwind 80L Duffle

Converts into a backpack with padded straps.
A secondary zippered compartment at the base is designed for housing wet and dirty gear
Deployable, stowable, and removable shoulder harness for backpack carry
Two highly durable grab handles constructed with neoprene and webbing

Orvis Trekkage LT Adventure 80L Checked Roller Bag

Water-repellent roller bag sized for longer trips
Regenerative design includes components that are repairable/replaceable, guaranteeing years of service
Ergonomically engineered, easy-to-deploy telescoping trolley handle
Interior mesh compartments to organize your gear
Hidden daisy chain holds attachments
Accommodates 9' 4-piece fly rod tube

Simms Tailwind 100L Large Roller

Highly abrasion and tear-resistant 420D nylon fabric with carbonate coating and rain flap over zipper for weather protection
Zippered face pocket on the front of bag for quick access to smaller items
Mesh organizer pockets located underneath the lid in the main opening for storing essentials
Internal compression straps for securing gear

Rod Cases & Travel Storage

Orvis Carry It All

Securely holds up to six 4-piece rods (up to 9.5 ft), reels, and fly boxes.
Updated design with internal storage panels for leaders, tippet, tools, and licenses.
Internal compartments with improved adjustable dividers
Two Sizes. Medium holds 9' 4-piece rods. Large holds up to 11' 4-piece rods.

Patagonia Black Hole Rod Case (Medium/Large)

Burly, weather-resistant exterior made from recycled materials.
Holds multiple rods and reels in protective sleeves.
Padded and organized for secure travel in overhead bins or inside a roller duffel.
Fits rods up to 11'

Simms Tailwind Rod and Reel Vault

Compression-molded 900D ballistic polyester for reliable performance year-in and year-out
Clamshell zippered opening to the main compartment secured by YKK #10 zipper
Customizable internal organization via movable hook and loop dividers
Holds multiple rods (4-piece) up to 9' in length

Fishpond Dakota “Switch & Spey” Rod & Reel Case

Specifically built for longer two-handed rods.
Holds rods, reels, lines, and accessories in padded compartments.
Ideal for anglers traveling with spey or switch rods.
Internal dimensions 45" x 9.5" x 5"

Airline Policies on Fly Fishing Gear

American Airlines

You may check one rod case (containing up to 2 rods) plus one equipment bag or tackle box as a single checked item.
This can include rods, reels, tackle, nets, boots, and waders, provided everything is properly packed.
If the combined weight of the rod case and bag exceeds 50 lb, you’ll be charged for two items.
Oversized fees do not apply unless individual items are over the standard size or weight limits.

United Airlines

One item of fishing equipment may be checked per passenger. This includes up to two rods, one reel, one net, boots, and a tackle box.
Total linear dimensions must not exceed 115 inches on mainline flights or 80 inches on regional carriers.
Counts as one standard checked bag. Standard overweight/oversize fees apply if over 50 lb or outside size limits.

Delta Air Lines

Fly rods are allowed as carry-on if they meet size limits (22 × 14 × 9 inches).
As checked baggage, rods must be securely contained and not exceed 115 total linear inches.
Items over 50 lb incur overweight fees; items over 115 inches may be refused.

Southwest Airlines

Rods must be packed in a sturdy cylindrical container that can withstand standard handling.
One rod container plus one tackle box count as one checked bag.
Oversize charges apply if the container exceeds 91 inches in length or 3 inches in diameter.

Alaska Airlines

Up to 2 rods, 2 reels, and 1 tackle box, counts as one checked bag under regular baggage rules.
Size limits range from 62 to 115 linear inches, and oversize fees are waived as long as the gear stays within that range.
Rod tubes can be carried on, provided it can be safely stowed (e.g., in the overhead bin or under the seat)

Additional Travel Tips

Clearly label all gear with your name and contact info.
Consider shipping bulky or sharp gear ahead of time if staying at a lodge.
Arrive early at the airport in case your gear requires extra screening.
Print out airline gear policies to avoid confusion at check-in.
International travel has different policies for carry-on luggage. Many will not allow rods in the cabin. Check with the airline before travel.

Large Nets

Hard-sided bow cases work well
Enough room for a Fishpond El Jefe plus fly boxes and other items
Ensure you measure your net and compare it to the bow case before purchase
Some bow cases have plastic grooves that holds the bow. For fly fishing, you'd want a case with just foam.

Final Author Notes

I travel frequently to fish and have never had an issue carrying on either the standard Fishpond Dakota or the Large Orvis Carry It All. When I’m only bringing a backpack or rolling suitcase as my carry-on, I usually hand-carry my spey rod in its tube as a personal item.

I adjust my gear based on whether I’m bringing a rolling carry-on. Since I often travel with a lot of camera equipment, my needs are a bit different. For you, a rod case and backpack for carry-on, plus checked bags as needed, might be sufficient. I wouldn’t recommend trying to carry on the Fishpond Dakota Spey bag, as it’s just too large. If I am not bringing a rod bag, I will use a Fishpond Ripple reel case. If it's just 1-2 reels, I'll stick them in the manufacturer's reel pouches.

Flying first class usually offers a bit more flexibility. Depending on the airline, you’re often allowed up to two checked bags, each with a maximum weight of 65 pounds. They’ll also sometimes ask if you want to store your rod case in the closet—just don’t forget it when you deboard! As always, check with your airline for the latest carry-on policies before traveling.