You cannot tell me this isn’t fun! And it’s United, too. Isn’t that Dr. Dao back there?
We have all been there… or may be at some point
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]n Atlanta security gate agent (TSA) decided to show off for new employees. The decision to hold court at the security gate, shared loudly for all to hear, had to do with my carry on. The agent discovered I had weapon grade armament, two dozen streamers meant for tarpon in Belize. The agent, boasting for newbie employees, suggested that only having experience with matters like this enabled recognition of a clear and present danger.
The scold
Ending, the agent turned and admonished me with authority vested and with only the mercy a veteran adjudicator can: “I’m allowing passage but only if stowed. You should know better. Let this be a warning because I could have confiscated this.”
Knowing better, I just said thank you and moved on; thinking, this is ridiculous because this carry on with flies has been passed over and allowed on dozens of flights, and no doubt would be in Dallas?
Well, in all fairness, it would be almost impossible for an inner city kid (I guessed she was) to know fly fishing lures (flies) from the danger of box cutters. And it’s better to be safe anyway. I was okay with the “show” and felt good about keeping my sometimes harsh tongue in my mouth.
It’s worth knowing
Here is a sage explanation of carry on and angler traveling considerations from the receiving end; lodge owner. Matt Berry, Teton Valley Lodge, knows just what every guest experienced getting to Teton Valley Lodge over the course of many seasons. It’s worth noting.
Hi Skip
Don’t you love air travel these days in America? Gone are the days of the glamorous PanAm Clippers and excitement of air travel. Now it’s more like being arrested for some heinous crime and thrown into general population on Rikers Island. I remember loving to fly commercial. Maybe it was because I was young and going someplace fun, but I remember enjoying the experience.
Today, it’s a necessary torture we must endure
You could say our two least favorite government entities today are 1) IRS and 2) TSA. Is that a fair statement? Both agencies are quite similar; the TSA is just a bit more personal for most of us. The IRS is some far away amorphous entity in some large drab building where we send money every year. The TSA is hands on, sometimes, most times, too much so.
Yeah, they are there to keep us safe right? Well, maybe they do, I’m not so sure. What they are is another frustration in an already stressful situation. Travel is stressful. Try going international with your children. Heck, try flying to Disneyland. Ugh.
Simms’ Headwaters Tackle Bag.
Here are a few tips when packing for your fly fishing trip with us to avoid the ire of the TSA
1. Only pack a carry on with appropriate clothing for the trip. We have everything else here at the lodge needed for fly fishing.
2. Send your luggage by UPS or FedEx. Both deliver right to the lodge.
3. If you are bringing all your fishing equipment, keep in mind these TSA rules:
Small Fishing Lures
Carry On Baggage: Yes
Checked Baggage: Yes
Sharp fishing tackle that may be considered dangerous, such as large fish hooks, should be sheathed, securely wrapped, and packed in your checked luggage. Like other high-value objects, you may wish to pack expensive reels or fragile tackle that does not pose a security threat (small flies) in your carry-on baggage. (Who knows what “small means.” I’ve had to remove fly boxes from carry-on and then put them in checked baggage before.)
Fishing Rods
Fishing rods are permitted as carry-on and checked baggage. However, please check with your air carrier to confirm that rods meet size limitations for carry-on items. Ultimately, it is the carrier’s decision on whether rods can be transported as carry-on baggage. Make sure you check with your airline.
Fishing Tackle
Fishing equipment should be placed in checked baggage. Some tackle is sharp and dangerous. Expensive reels or fragile tackle such as flies should be packed in your carry-on baggage.
Wrenches/Pliers
Carry On Baggage: Yes
Checked Baggage: Yes
Less than seven inches in length.
The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. If you’re lucky they like to fly fish and let you through
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Matt Berry flyfish@tetonvalleylodge.com
Teton Valley Lodge
3733 Adams Road
Driggs, Idaho 83422
208.354.2386
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