TSA NOW SAYS IT’S OK!!!
Originally published in Western Outdoor News week of April 17, 2007
If you’re a frequent Baja traveler, fisherman, or sportsperson, you have no doubt been perplexed by many of the changing security rules in the aftermath of 9/11. No doubt the biggest bugaboo has been whether you can bring reels aboard as carry-on luggage if it has line on it.
I’ve detailed this subject before, but basically, many of the airlines forbid such carry-on luggage like spooled reels as a safety threat. (But of course, a sharp pencil, nail file or cosmetic items were OK…)
Airlines went back and forth. Often what their reservation agents said was different than what was done at the actual check-in or what was allowed by the mercurial whims of some of the whiz kids working the TSA x-ray machines.
However, TSA itself is now actually saying they “recommend” you bring things like reels and a few other things aboard.
“Tackle Equipment – Fishing equipment should be placed in your checked baggage. Some tackle equipment can be considered sharp and dangerous. Expensive reels or fragile tackle such as fly’s should be packed in your carry-on baggage.”
For the full text go to: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1188.shtm
We called TSA and they verbally told us that this included reels with line. I would suggest you make a copy of the webpage and bring it with you. I’ve been told by several readers that they have carried a paper copy in the past and had no problem with having their reels aboard in carry-on luggage. It’s good insurance against a TSA agent who didn’t get the memo.
It’s kinda interesting that under this wording, you can bring stuff that was originally thought to be dangerous like fishing reels, but they will still take away that economy sized shampoo or toothpaste you packed into your carry on!
Anyway…
One airline has finally stepped up and put something down in writing that you can “take to the bank” so to speak. Alaska Airlines is making a strong push in the Mexico travel market and the link below confirms that Alaska allows some of your tackle to be carried free in addition to your two checked bags.
Many of the airlines, especially since the demise of Aero California, have been charging for bringing rod tubes. As long as they are encased in tube (no fair taping more than one tube together…they’re onto that little trick of ours!) Alaska Airline says:
“The following items may be checked free as a third bag: Two rods, two reels, and one tackle box encased in a proper hard case or Alaska Airlines box.”
You can check out the full text at
http://www.alaskaair.com/www2/help/faqs/SportRelatedItems.asp
That’s pretty good news. Just be aware that the weight limits are all being restricted. The days of two check-in bags of 70 pounds each seem to be gone, replaced now with limits of 50 pounds each. Overweight and oversized charges seem to run $80 to $100 on the average. If you’re flying “domestically” for example, Tijuana to Loreto or Cabo San Lucas, your TOTAL of all luggage is restricted to no more than 50 pounds.
That’s my story. If you ever want to reach me, my e-mail is riplipboy@aol.com.
That's My Story 
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