sd - 1-5-2015 at 12:16 PM
Has anyone flown Southwest Airlines with a rod case recently. I am looking at a flight from Orange County to SJD, about $350 RT. This includes 2
checked bags free.
Their website mentions over sized luggage fee of $75 per bag each way. Then under sporting goods it states that a rod case of up to 91 inches long and
3 inches in diameter is allowed. BUT, in the same explanation it says over 62 inches long pays the over size charge. AND, the rod cases all exceed 3
inches in diameter, including mine.
I emailed them, and their response was it will cost an additional $150 RT for my rod case, I am surprised if this is true.
Thanks,
Scot
AKgringo - 1-5-2015 at 12:44 PM
Are you locked in to South West? Alaska Airlines is used to handling sporting goods. I have flown with skiis, and rifle cases before and they were
just considered checked baggage.
I have also seen people take rod cases as carry on items, which they handed to the flight attendant as they boarded.
I have not flown with skiis for five years, so things may have changed, but I would ask them.
Over the years, I have been able to accomplish things at the airport check in, that people in the call center have told me differently.
sd - 1-5-2015 at 02:35 PM
AKgringo,
Yes, airport check in can be much different than the call center. I prefer the Southwest flight as they fly out of Orange County, closer for me.
Yes, Alaska takes the rod case for the same price as a piece of luggage, and my experience is they are fisherman friendly.
I again reached out to Southwest, will report their reply when I hear. Pretty sure they would work with me once at the airport.
Bob53 - 1-5-2015 at 02:53 PM
Might be cheaper to just rent rods at your destination. $150 seems like a rip off.
chavycha - 1-5-2015 at 03:09 PM
How long is the case?
I've carried on rod cases up to 72" in length on almost every US carrier. Anything larger than that will probably cause you problems as carry-on
baggage.
You can nearly always stash them in the coat closet up front (ask the flight attendant at the door when you step aboard). Worst scenario is it goes
in an overhead bin or gets gate checked.
sd - 1-5-2015 at 05:30 PM
Boat rods are often heavier tackle than I prefer, and most in marginal condition. I prefer my own tackle when possible.
Chavycha - I have never been charged for over sized case. Mine carries 7 foot rods. I have an airline approved hard case. Never had a problem or up
charge on Alaska or Air Tran. Air Tran is now Southwest.
Thanks
Skipjack Joe - 1-5-2015 at 05:44 PM
They've got to be small enough to fit in the overhead bins. That means single-rod rod cases. They usually store them in onboard closets if they are
small enough to fit.
If the rod case too large to go onboard they will charge you for them as extra baggage.
sd - 1-5-2015 at 05:51 PM
Mine is always checked as one bag, too large to put in the cabin. most flights I have been on have 3-10 in the baggage compartment. Many guys also
bring ice chests to take their fish home, also checked as a bag. neither are charged any up charge on Alaska or when Air Tran was flying.
My case has maybe 40 flights to SJD from Orange County and Los Angeles.
Pompano - 1-5-2015 at 06:22 PM
Hola Scot,
I've only been able to put my shorter take-down rod cases into any overhead bin. I highly doubt your 91"case will fit even crossways into a normal
bin. For carry-on, looks like the forward closet is your only bet besides the cargo hold. By the way, I think that's an outrageous price, too. You
should be able to wrangle something better.
Good luck with the trip!
Here's a photo of a recent trip to fish. Booked late, and was packed in like a sardine in a can. Hardly had enough room to change my mind! This
is why I prefer to RV-travel... and pull the fun things behind.
Freight
bajaguy - 1-5-2015 at 06:36 PM
Wonder what the cost would be to ship it as freight on the same flight??
willardguy - 1-5-2015 at 06:51 PM
I'd tough it out with a boat rod and put the money toward something nice in the quiver, but im a bit of a tightwad!
sd - 1-5-2015 at 07:32 PM
I'm with you willardguy, I won't be paying a $150 up charge. I am waiting to hear back from Southwest, asked them to review their own written policy,
that is confusing.
Pompano - your travel style is great. Leave home, travel for months, fish, hunt, and take along a pretty girl. The new rig looks amazing!
Once I get my rods down there I will just leave them for my next visit, so much easier that way.
sd - 1-7-2015 at 05:38 PM
Just received a voice mail from Southwest customer service. 91 inches x 3 inch diameter is considered as one normal checked bag, no upcharge for over
size rod case. That said, nearly every rod case exceeds the 3 inch diameter, as most carry 6-9 rods each.
He left me his contact info along with his extension number in case I have any issue, great customer service!
I plan a May trip, will update my experience then.
