Flying to Panama with Fishing Tackle
If you’re headed to Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge, you can pack pretty light – they’ll do your laundry, they have top-flight fishing gear for every species that they pursue, and besides, you’ll need space in your cooler bag on the way home for all of those yellowfin fillets. Nevertheless, some anglers traveling to Panama may prefer their own gear or for some reason may be fishing with someone else. We decided to have fun on our last trip by chasing tuna with bass gear and matching topwaters. That means it pays to know what you can bring on the various airlines that service Tocumen (PTY).
Here's a deep dive into the policies of the airlines that you’re likely to use. As a reminder, as a general rule we’re not listing pricing because that changes so frequently. Note that fees may be standard, non-existent or variable depending on the particular route you’re flying:
Copa, Panama’s flagship carrier, is the big dog in this space. We’ve been pleased with their service and their pricing, and their stopover program is pretty cool. Since there is a ton of fishing in Panama itself and they serve as the gateway to several other major fisheries (like the Rio Negro out of Manaus) you’d think they’d be pretty fish-friendly.
Unfortunately, their policy is not ideal.
It lists fishing gear under “Small Sports Equipment”:
Carry-on item*
Weight: 10 Kg
Measurements: Each piece can measure up to 46 inches (118 cm) linear:
22'' high + 14'' long + 10'' wide (56 cm high + 36 cm long + 26 cm wide)
Checked baggage
The maximum weight allowed on board is 45 kg (100 lb)
The maximum dimensions allowed are 115 linear inches (294 linear cm) 1,2
Two fishing rods, one reel*, one landing net, one pair of waders, one tackle box.
Most notably: “Fishing reels are not allowed as carry-on baggage” which I presume means that a carry-on sized rod tube would also create problems. Accordingly, on our last trip I packed the tube in the bottom of my large duffel bag.
Sports Equipment
We’re happy to accommodate a wide range of sports equipment on our flights, but some restrictions apply to these items. Here’s what you need to know.
Registering sports equipment in advance of travel
You’re invited to register your sports equipment at least 24 hours before your flight by contacting Air Canada Reservations, Air Canada VacationsOpens in New Window or your travel agent.
Please note that registering sports equipment in advance of travel doesn’t guarantee that we’ll be able to accommodate each item on your flight(s). Please reconfirm with an airport agent at time of check-in.
Packing instructions, waivers and charges
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
When packed separately, each of the following counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type:
fishing rod in rod case + tackle box
tackle bag + reels
landing net
boots
life jacket
One self-inflating life jacket per person is accepted in both carry-on and checked baggage provided:
it’s fitted with a maximum of two small cylinders of carbon dioxide or another suitable gas in Division 2.2, and
it’s accompanied by no more than two spare cylinders.
Waivers / Charges
Fishing rod in rod case:
NO oversize or additional piece charges apply if carried with tackle box.
All other additional checked baggage rules apply.
Packing instructions
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment.
The fishing rod(s) must be packaged in a rigid and/or hard shell container specifically designed for shipping.
If packaged differently, items may be refused for carriage. We’re not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.
https://www.aireuropa.com/us/en/aea/travel-information/baggage/special-baggage/sports-equipment.html
Sports gear
Transportation is subject to space availability on the flight.
The equipment must be packed as a single package.
You can book your sports gear through our website, except for scuba diving, hunting, surfing, paragliding, pole vaulting and pole vaulting equipment. For these equipment, you must book through our sales offices or Call Center.
This type of baggage is not included in the allowance. A surcharge has to be paid.
Non-refundable service.
See the conditions and requirements for each piece of gear below.
The maximum weight is 23 kg, with the option of increasing it to 32 kg, subject to the corresponding fees.
Fishing Equipment
Fishing equipment consists of two rods, one reel, one net for holding fish, one pair of fishing boots and one fishing gear box.
The maximum linear size is 250 cm.
Special baggage
Special rules apply to the transport of sports equipment and other special baggage items.
Taking sports equipment on your trip? No problem! Just make sure your equipment weighs no more than 23 kg / 50 lb (or 32 kg / 70 lb in the Business or La Première cabins) and that its total dimensions are 300 cm / 118 in* or under. You will need to get prior approval from our customer service department in some cases. This approval is always required when traveling as a group (10 or more passengers). You must submit your request at least 48 hours before your flight’s departure.
The information below applies to flights operated by Air France.
Different rules may apply on flights provided by our partner airlines.
* On some planes, there are space restrictions in the hold, which means that equipment longer than 180 cm / 70 in is not permitted.
Fishing equipment
Fishing equipment (including 2 rods, boots, tackle box and net) can be transported in the hold.
This equipment is considered a standard checked baggage. It is therefore included in the price of your ticket (except Light fare tickets) if you are only checking in 1 baggage item (or 1 of 2 baggage items allowed for passengers traveling in the Business or La Première cabins).
Want to transport more baggage items? Does your equipment exceed the number, size or weight allowance for your ticket? You can purchase a Baggage Option online or pay a fee for this option at the airport.
Allowance and requirements
1 rod case (containing up to 2 rods) and 1 equipment bag or tackle box will count as 1 checked item. You can travel with:
2 rods and 1 reel in a case
Fishing tackle
A landing net
Fishing boots
1 pair of waders (properly encased)
Cost
Standard checked bag fees of your destination apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kgs and standard overweight fee applies over 50 lbs / 23 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs. Oversize fees do not apply.
If the combined weight of both items (rod case and equipment bag) exceeds 50 lbs / 23 kgs, they will be charged as two separate items. If the equipment bag alone exceeds 50 lbs / 23 kgs and 62 in / 158 cm, it will be charged as a separate checked bag and standard overweight and oversize fees will apply.
Can I bring my sports equipment?
You can do so by complying with the packaging and transportation requirements we will explain to you below.
Sports equipment in the cabin
Fishing equipment:
You can fly with a pair of boots, a net and two fishing rods.
Fishing equipment may not be carried in the cabin for domestic flights in Colombia.
Your sports equipment must comply with the following measurements in order to fit in the cabin: 115 linear cm and 10 kg in weight. Please note that if you are flying with a basic or XS fare, you will have to pay an additional charge for one piece of carry-on baggage.
Sports equipment in the hold {Fishing equipment is not mentioned in this section, although skis, hang-gliders, surfboards and bicycles are]
Starting from February 1, 2024, if you are flying with a classic, flex, or business fare, you can replace your first piece of included baggage with sports equipment, as long as it does not exceed 23 kg and 158 linear cm in dimension. If your sports equipment exceeds this weight or size, an additional charge will apply for overweight or oversized baggage or specialized handling of this type of baggage.
The maximum weight for sports equipment that can be transported in the hold is 32 kg / 70 lb, and its linear dimensions must not exceed 230 cm / 90".
Special Baggage
The following items, irrespective of their actual dimensions, may be considered one piece and accepted in lieu of one piece of checked baggage whose outside linear dimensions are 62 inches.
One set of fishing equipment
The following items of sporting equipment may be included as checked bags, and when in excess will be assessed by the charges as per the excess bag policy. The charge specified will apply to the items of sporting equipment, whether or not it is presented as a single piece. Sporting equipment must be securely encased to avoid protrusions.
One set of fishing equipment
Fishing Equipment - One outfit: Can Include: Two Rods, one Reel, one landing net, one pair of fishing boots (all properly encased) and one fishing tackle box.
Note: No Spear fishing allowed in the Cayman Islands
You can bring most sports equipment with you on your trip, though keep in mind that standard checked baggage fees apply based on cabin, travel region and total number of checked bags. Overweight baggage fees apply to bags that exceed 50 lbs and bags cannot exceed 115 linear in/292 cm (length + width + height). Items in excess of the baggage allowance will be subject to additional, overweight, and oversized baggage fees. Please refer to Calculate Baggage Estimate for additional details. All Sports Equipment must be packed in a durable protective container designed specifically for the equipment.
Items over 115 linear inches (292cm) and/or 100 lbs (45kg) will not be accepted
CAD amount will be charged exit Canada, and EUR amount will be charged exit Europe
Fishing poles up to 115 linear inches (length + width + height) (292 cm) are allowed as checked baggage as long as they are contained safely.
Fishing poles meeting the carry on standard (22in x 14in x 9in) are allowed as carry on baggage.
Standard baggage allowance and fees based on cabin and travel region apply
Fishing equipment weighing over 50 lbs. will be charged the applicable excess weight fee
If the outside linear dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 115 linear inches (292 cm), the item will not be accepted
Items in excess of baggage allowance will be subject to additional or overweight baggage fees
Want to travel with your guitar or golfing equipment, or need to take a bulky item? When you fly with us, you can take everything you need.
Book your sports equipment (bike, golf clubs, diving gear, etc.), musical instrument online and find out how you can take your wheelchair, the requirements for travelling with firearms or luggage that exceeds the conventional dimensions or weight.
Add and pay for the service when you book your ticket through Manage your booking or when you check in online.
Sports equipment
Make sure you comply with the carriage and packing requirements for sports equipment so you don't have any problems when you check it in. The permitted weight is 23 kg. If you exceed it, you will have to pay an excess baggage fee up to a maximum of 32 kg.
Other water sports equipment
Diving, fishing, inflatable rubber boat, life jacket/personal flotation device...
Fishing: A maximum of 2 containers, one with no more than two rods and another with boots and fishing gear.
Fishing equipment
You can bring your fishing equipment instead of an item of checked baggage without making a reservation.
A set of fishing equipment may only consist of rods, a reel, a landing net, a pair of fishing boots, and a fishing tackle box. Please make sure they are all packed together in 1 package.
Fishing equipment -- It can be transported as part of your allowed checked baggage allowance, provided that it complies with the weight and dimensions established for this purpose. In the event that the equipment has an additional piece, the stipulated cost will apply; if its weight exceeds 23 kg, each additional kg will be charged according to the established amount.
Fishing equipment not mentioned, although you can check a TV set up to 50” on flights to Cuba.
Fishing
If you are seek to rendezvous with different lakes and rivers or newest discoveries, you can carry your fishing equipment.
Carrying fishing equipment on flights
Fishing equipment consists of fishing rod, reel, bucket, a pair of waders and fishing gear bag.
For the transportation of fishing equipment, they are required to be notified during reservation.
Fishing equipment transportation is charged for domestic flights and we carry your 1 fishing equipment for 395 TRY.
Fishing equipment shall be packed in a way to prevent damage and carried in their special bag.
As some aircraft types in our fleet are not suitable for carrying the cargo of these sizes, do not forget to inform the related personnel during reservation. Equipment not in the appropriate sizes are carried on cargo flights.
It is mandatory to make reservation entry.
A special charge is applied for international flights.
Special charges for transport of sports equipment and terms and conditions may vary on AnadoluJet flights.
You can bring fishing equipment as a checked bag if it's packed securely. Standard bag fees and overweight charges apply.
Dimensions allowed are:
115 total inches (length + width + height) if you’re flying on United
80 total inches (length + width + height) if you’re flying on United Express
Venezolana
Nothing specific about fishing or sporting equipment
Conditions for checked or hold baggage
Rates: Applies to all rates
Pieces: 1
Maximum weight: 25kg
Maximum dimensions: 80cm high, 50cm wide and 28cm deep.
NOTES
Remember, just because you can get your gear to Panama doesn’t necessarily mean that you can get it all the way to your destination. We have to take a Copa flight to David, so even if we fly another carrier, we still have to heed Copa’s rules. If you’re hopping a plane or a puddle jumper to your lodge, be sure to check on the requirements.
While an airline desk agent may prove difficult at times, we’ve been fortunate enough to use SFPIL’s VIP program, which means that we always have a native speaker as a “fixer” of sorts. No guarantees, but they’ve worked a few miracles for us.
