Flies and Fly Boxes
Well its best to start with the easiest . When it comes to your flys PACK THEM IN YOU LUGGAGE that is it full stop. We all take to many flies anyway and in most cases end up using the local pattern or guides fly to do the job. I know you spent hours tying them up and researching patterns but there are not going inside the cabin no matter how tightly you clutch the carry-on bag to your chest as you head to the x ray machine. Pack them or send them them ahead if you wish. Your most likely better off buying or ordering some local patterns to be at your accommodations when you arrive. If you are taking them and or tying materials and tools PACK THEM. Which reminds me flammable materials in your bag will cause problems going through any of the new security scanners. Having bottles of glues and soft body products and other type tying accessories in your bags may in fact slow down or actually cause you or your luggage to miss the flight. To not declare flammable materials or pressurized products in your luggage is also down right wrong for a couple of reasons I am not going to get into here. Being honest is the next important rule to staying calm when it comes to travel.
In a further article we will show how we pack our flies in our checked luggage.



Rods
Buy a rod tube that you send through as checked luggage. Do not take your rod on a s a carry-on. Not only is it not practicable it ridiculous. Those guys heading to and from Alaska and Canada with the rod tube in one hand, cooler complete with blood stains octopus strapped on top of their roll on carrier are the funniest looking travelers in the world. Check it in will you, no one wants to steal your rod's. Check them either in the travel rod tube within your baggage or as suggested in a purpose built rod tube. We have a Boulder Landing brand tube that has done a few loops and suffered the punishment only airline travel can dish out. The ends have been broken and cracked on a couple of occasions and I have replaced them with the screw cap lids of Wieder food supplement containers which fit perfectly. The straps and rivets have survived well as have the buckles. Several brands are available on the market but choose one that suits your needs and complies with the airlines. A few things that have helped me are: using pipe cleaner or bag ties in the buckles to secure end caps and discourage thieving, marking our names in large felt marker on the outside as well as ID tags, personalizing your tube and making it stand out, stuffing spare pairs of socks in the ends to further protect the rods from possible damage. Things to consider when buying, how many rods will fit, (ours take 8 fly rods and a double handed teaser rod) make sure it is padded well inside, has good rod separators inside, is of the right length. Things to be aware of when traveling. Its hard to hold a long tube, carry-on laptop and wheeled travel case while negotiating the airport. Get help a trolley or use curbside check in. On the way out or between terminals take that 2 bucks out of your pocket and use a Smart Cart. Also be aware of airports that separate your baggage into the customs area. Houston is one that comes to mind and I have had my tube arrive a day behind me (back in the USA not going out) now 3 times. Be careful at LAX and follow instructions when clearing customs there. If you want to use it during your visit do not send anything Fed Ex or by mail to Belize or Mexico full stop. Finally itemize the contents of your luggage/tube and have a good description of your tube at hand.
Oh and by the way next time you can see the baggage handlers loading the cargo from the terminal or window take note of what goes on last and comes off first, you may see your rod tube.





Carry On Bags



Simple here again. Quality products with great access and pocket space to accommodate your reels (without flylines, pack them) camera, sunglasses , passport and travel documents, toothbrush, socks and spare jocks and some beef jerky or other good travel munchy. I am totally convinced that the Orvis travel bag I have is the best thing since sliced bread and would not trade it for anything. Make sure the carry on of your choice meets requirements of the airline and do not skimp in this department buy the best. Sticky taped cardboard boxes and other makeshift carry -ons just don't make the grade for traveling in comfort and ease. If you like your computers a nice laptop carry bag with padding, room for a magazine or two and a mandatory stretchy suspension strap will see you through. Do not take the extra leads and equipment onboard just the basics the rest will travel nicely in the belly of the plane.



Thats it for now as I have to start packing the bags again myself for the next trip. The only thing I hate about travel , is the traveling itself, still if you plan ahead, stay calm and be honest its happy days....fingers crossed.

Cheers
Randall

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