Flying With Fishing Tackle to Anchorage Alaska
When you’re traveling to Alaska for pleasure, there’s a pretty good chance you’re headed there to fish – and you may want to bring some equipment of your own. We’re glad that on our trout and salmon trips to Bear Trail Lodge we have not had to bring anything of our own (they even provide waders), nor has it been necessary when we’ve fished for halibut and other saltwater critters out of Seward. Nevertheless, at some point in the future we may have a need to do so, as we intend to return as often as we can.
Once you arrive in Anchorage, it’s immediately possible that you can fly to and from Alaska with fishing gear. The airport is jam-packed with people coming and going with rod tubes and boxes of fish, rocking their Xtratufs. With respect to the rod tubes, most of them are shorter fly rod tubes, the type that are generally (but not always) easier to carry on than check. I’ve seen relatively full-length tubes of the types that conventional anglers typically haul. Still, there’s no question that you can and should be willing to fly with your own tackle, and most of the staff on the Alaska side of the equation will be familiar with the rules of the air.
On your home turf, however, the staff may be less familiar with what you can bring, how it should be packed, and what if anything it should cost. Be sure to understand their policies before you make a mistake, and it’s never a bad idea to carry a hard copy of their baggage rules along with you.
Obviously Alaska Airlines is the biggest carrier in this space, and even on the other end of your route they should be familiar with fishing gear as checked or carry-on luggage. Nevertheless, it still pays to be prepared. Here are their rules, followed by those of the others who fly to Anchorage.
Multiple piece exceptions
For these sports-equipment types, you may check the following multiple pieces as one checked piece. Unless otherwise noted, all standard checked baggage fees apply. Refer to our Checked baggage page for more information about these fees. Refer to our Checked baggage policy for checked piece, overweight, and oversize charges.
One piece of fishing equipment is defined as two rods, two reels, and one tackle box. Fishing equipment may exceed 62" (linear) but no more than 115" (linear), without incurring an oversize fee.
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 Vacations 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.
Sporting Equipment
A. One item of the following sporting equipment can be checked by Sterling Airways as a part of the checked baggage allowance defined in the “Baggage Allowance” section of this Contract. Fees may apply as detailed on the
Company's website.
Fishing Equipment: One item of fishing equipment is: two rods, one reel, one landing net, one pair of fishing boots (properly encased), and one fishing tackle box.
Dimensions
The first piece must not exceed 62" and any additional piece must not exceed 55" (Length + Width + Height).
Weight
No piece of luggage, as part of the Baggage Allowance, can exceed 50 pounds. Each piece of luggage that weighs 51 – 100 pounds is deemed to be overweight baggage and subject to oversize/overweight baggage charges….
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.
If you are flying with Condor, you have several options for booking and registering your sports equipment. If your sports baggage remains within the prescribed dimensions and weights and you have booked your flight via our website, you can conveniently add the sports baggage at the end of the booking process. Or you can book the additional sports baggage later via "My booking". Alternatively, this booking can also be made by a travel agent with whom you have booked your Condor flight.
Sports baggage that has not been registered in advance is subject to a significantly higher price at the airport. Under certain circumstances, the transportation of unannounced sports baggage may be refused. It should also be noted that registration must be made at least 8 hours in advance, otherwise transportation cannot be guaranteed. In exceptional cases and in the event of problems, please contact our customer service (WhatsApp, telephone).
For guests in Condor Business Class, we carry the first piece of sports baggage free of charge.
Maximum dimensions and maximum weight for sports luggage
The booking of sports baggage is generally subject to a charge. If your sports baggage has the following dimensions and weights, there is no additional charge:
Maximum weight of 30 kg
Length 200 cm x width 40 cm x height 100 cm or
Length 300 cm x width 40 cm x height 60 cm
If the luggage exceeds these dimensions, our customer service must check whether transportation is still possible. Registration via the booking route is not possible. You should therefore make the booking together with our customer service. If the individual piece of baggage is heavier, transportation is unfortunately not possible! Condor may also refuse to transport baggage that has not been registered in advance.
Costs when booking sports luggage
When registering sports baggage, costs are incurred which vary depending on the type of sports baggage and the flight zone. The exact amount can be found in our "Overview of sports baggage subject to registration". You can register via "My booking" or at your travel agency. In exceptional cases and in the event of problems, please contact our customer service (WhatsApp, telephone). Self-service counters at the airport cannot be used to drop off sports baggage.
If your sports baggage exceeds the specified dimensions, you must contact customer service. The Service Center will then check the request and prepare a chargeable offer. Please also note that you must register your baggage at least 8 hours before departure, as we cannot guarantee transportation!
Special regulation for Business Class customers
For guests in Condor Business Class, we carry the first piece of sports baggage up to a maximum weight of 30 kg and with the maximum dimensions length 200 cm x width 40 cm x height 100 cm or length 300 cm x width 40 cm x height 60 cm at no extra charge. There is no registration fee for adding the baggage.
Transport packaging and denied boarding of sports baggage
Sports baggage may not be checked in together with other items, e.g. clothing
We would like to point out that sports baggage must not contain any items other than those directly related to the practice of sport, in particular no clothing.
Suitable transport packaging for sports luggage
The transportation of sports and special baggage is only possible in suitable transport packaging or transport containers. All sports baggage must be packed and checked in separately, i.e. separately from your checked baggage. Otherwise, all baggage will be charged at the current excess baggage charges, which may be higher than the flat rate for sports and special baggage. The check-in staff reserve the right to randomly check the packed sports and special baggage and to refuse transportation if the regulations are not complied with.
Sports baggage may be excluded from transportation
Every airline has the right to refuse carriage - with regard to the passenger as well as with regard to the baggage. These reasons are set out in Condor's General Terms and Conditions §11.9 "Right to refuse carriage due to inadmissible baggage contents". You are obliged to inform the airline of any possible problematic contents of your baggage before the start of your journey. Please contact our customer service.
Overview of sports baggage subject to registration
Generally applies to all sports luggage:
Dimensions: max. length 200 cm x width 40 cm x height 100 cm or length 300 cm x width 40 cm x height 60 cm. Anything higher, longer or wider must be registered with customer service (phone / WhatsApp).
Weight: up to max. 30 kg. Luggage that is heavier cannot be transported!
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
Fishing poles meeting the carry-on standard (22in x 14in x 9in) are allowed as carry-on baggage
Sports baggage and special baggage
For active travelers in particular, some larger baggage may be essential on their vacation. Whether bicycles, sports weapons, ski or snowboard equipment, Discover Airlines offers to transport larger or special items.
Please book your sports and special baggage via the following form or via your travel agency.
There is only limited storage space available for sports equipment. Therefore, we recommend that you register the sports equipment you want to take with you as early as possible. At the latest, the registration must be made 24 hours before departure. Please quote your booking code when making your reservation.
Sports equipment can be counted as part of your free baggage provided that the number of items and the weight do not exceed the free baggage allowance for your travel class. This does not, however, apply to the Economy Light fare.
Prices and rules for the chargeable carriage of sports baggage
If your sports equipment exceeds the free baggage allowance and the weight limit of the respective travel class, but does not exceed the maximum weight of 32 kg, you will be charged the flat rates for sports equipment. You can check your free baggage allowance in just a few steps with the baggage calculator on lufthansa.com – based on route, travel class and fare. It will also give you the prices and dimensions for the carriage of your sports equipment.
To the baggage calculator
The items listed below can be checked in as additional sports baggage. If your sports equipment is not listed under the rules for sports equipment given below, the carriage of your baggage will be charged in accordance with the flat rates for excess baggage.
Fishing equipment
1 item of baggage with one fishing rod
1 item of baggage with fishing gear
Maximum number of baggage items: 2
Dimensions (height + width + depth): 200 cm, with packaging
You are allowed up to 100 lbs of baggage per person free of charge. Additional baggage will be charged at our current excess baggage rate. On full flights you may be separated from your baggage and it may arrive on a later flight. It is possible your baggage may not travel on the same flight with you due to weight and space operational limitations. When this happens all reasonable efforts will be made to forward your baggage to its final destination as soon as possible.
We can accommodate most odd-shaped luggage as long as it can fit through the loading doors of the plane and fit within our cargo space.
Overweight or Oversize Bags
Bags that weigh 51-100 lbs
Oversize Bag (63"-115")
If a bag falls into more than one fee category, only the higher single fee is charged.
$100
$150
$100.00 Sports Equipment Fee (Bicycles, Golf bags, surfboards up to 6 feet 4 inches, rifle cases, archery bow cases, etc.);
$100.00 Heavy Baggage Fee – any Checked item (including Sports Equipment) weighing over 50 lbs. Any baggage which exceeds the size or weight allowance is subject to additional fees. Bags over 100 lbs must be checked as cargo.
No single piece of checked baggage may weigh more than 100 pounds and/or exceed 115" (linear). Additional fees apply for bags over 50 pounds.
If a bag falls into more than one fee category, only the higher single fee is charged.
Baggage fees paid online, through our Contact Center, or at the airport are nonrefundable if unused.
A maximum of five (5) checked bags (including Sports Equipment and Gate Check items) are allowed per traveling passenger unless otherwise specified herein.
Ravn shall not be liable for damage to Sports Equipment (such as Archery Equipment, Boogie/Skim/Speed Boards, Bowling Equipment, Fishing Equipment, Hang Gliding Equipment, Hockey/Lacrosse Sticks, Javelins, Kite boarding Equipment, Oars, Pole Vaulting Equipment, Pool Cues, Re-breather Equipment, Scuba Diving Tanks, Scuba/Diving Equipment, Water Skiing/Snow Skiing/Snowboarding Equipment, Surfboards, Surfboard Equipment Containers, Surfboard Bags, Wave Skis, Wake-boards and Windsurfing Equipment, but not limited to these specific items).
One item of fishing equipment consists of: two rods up to six feet in length, two reels, one landing net, one pair of fishing boots (properly encased), and one fishing tackle box.
Please note: A fishing tube will be accepted as an overhead bag under the same guidelines as all other overhead items, which means the tube must fit within current overhead size restrictions and may not exceed any of the following dimensions: 24” long x 16” wide x 11” tall or 114 cm (56cm x 35cm x 23cm). Therefore, travelers may want to pack their fishing pole in a checked bag (fees apply) or make alternate shipping arrangements.
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
Notes on Flying to Anchorage With Fishing Tackle
Obviously, while Anchorage is the airport we’ve used the most, there are other points of entry/exit including Juneau, Fairbanks and Ketchikan.
The airline that gets you to and from Alaska may permit the gear you want to bring, but if you’ll be taking additional commercial flights within the state, you’ll need to comply with other airlines’ rules as well.
Even if you’ve budgeted to take fishing tackle to Alaska, on the way home you may have a box of fish to check as well. You may be willing to pay the surcharge, but sometimes the smaller planes within the state put an absolute limit on your total amount of baggage.
Unlike many of other destinations we visit, there are plenty of options within Anchorage and throughout the state to buy gear, including big box stores like Bass Pro Shops and smaller specialty outfits.
