Best way to carry-on antique reels to a show

[Mike N]

Many of us flying to Daytona or Frankfort will have to carry onto our flight the reels we wish to display. Checking them with our luggage raises the risk of theft or being lost. Besides being pre-approved by TSA, does anyone have any travel suggestions to make this transport process easier?

My thought is to pack the reels in light weight, easy-open plastic food storage containers (Tupperware) and carry them on in a large, easy-open, zipper canvas bag or backpack. The wood felt-lined boxes I usually use are just too heavy Most times the x-ray operator will recognize them as fishing reels, but if you do have to pull all the reels out for examination this makes it easier and quicker.

Any other thoughts?

Mike N

[RonG]

I use a wheeled hard suitcase that fits in the overhead. You can package your reels inside in zippered bag or backpack.

[reelsmith.]

Hey Mike ...I found these at Staples and have used them for a few years now. They work great.





They easily fit into both my back pack and my carry on. The hard shell gives extra protection.

If I'm bringing a lot of reels, I pack them in Crown Royal bags instead, which take up much less space than the pictured reel cases, allowing for a lot more reels.

https://www.staples.com/Really-Useful-B ... uct_899356

Dean.

[kyreels]

I carried at least 30 reels to/from Tulsa, Harpers Ferry, and Branson. I used the crown royal bags and Orca reel bags. I don't see a risk of damage for the types of reels I carry, even though some of them are valuable. I see others using the foam protection, but I don't think that is needed for carryon. But I would agree foam lined cases are best. I can see an ivory handle cracking on a carryon. Speaking of ivory, that is a whole other risk area.

However, you never know when the TSA will require checking something. If they think its a risk, it must be checked. Quoting the 2020 rules, "To ensure travelers security, Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) may determine that an item not on the Prohibited Items List is prohibited."

In such a case where TSA decides you must check your carryon due to any number of circumstance, I will wish I had the foam case. I can see a situation where you have to work with an agent to pull a few valuable reels and check the others. I don't think you can predict anything over a long number of trips. Sooner or later someone will find an issue with something.

TSA actually does not say anything specifically about fishing gear. They mention every other kind of sporting good. I have carried musky lures with very large hooks onboard. I don't think you would get away with a gaff or any kind of sharp object. They list generally "tools" over 7 inches as prohibited, and that can be kind of a guide.

I always check rods through, I have had them delayed, but never lost permanently. The rod cases should be the best because they will be banged and tossed around.

[Mike N]

Thanks for the input, gentlemen. I posted the following in the Daytona show thread in “announcements” but it seems appropriate now to reiterate here:

Also, if you are flying and can’t bring a display case consider doing what I do— order a display case or two from Arthur Edwards in Georgia, artnkar@planters.net, who will bring them to you at FATC Daytona where he has a display table, and then ship them to your home after the show. Art is a real craftsman; this year I called and pre-ordered my cases in old fashion red cedar wood with green felt.

We can all use another small display case. Last year Art “rented” me a case for $20 and at the end of the show when I decided to buy it, he credited the $20 against the sales price and shipped it to my home.

Mike N.

[Mike N]

I carried at least 30 reels to/from Tulsa, Harpers Ferry, and Branson. I used the crown royal bags and Orca reel bags...

Matt,

I found this link for “ORCA reel bags” and was going to order a few. Are they still being offered for sale? Thanks.

https://www.orcaonline.org/?s=Reel+bag

Mike N.

[Robin Sayler]

I have always used the hardshell pistol cases. You can fit several of them in a backpack and they are foam filled so you can get a ton of reels in each one without them shifting while you run thru the airport.