Flying with a tiller + extension

Since lacrosse and hockey sticks are banned as carry-on items (at least in the US) and a duffel large enough to fit these goodies inside would have a HUGE surcharge ($150 on AA), has anyone out there come up with a different way to solve this problem - aside from shipping in both directions that is. Thanks!
 
For the 2010 Masters Worlds in Hayling Island I flew from the US to London with my tiller and extension in a fishing rod holder. It went as checked baggage and counted as an extra bag. It cost $50.00 each way.
 
For the 2010 Masters Worlds in Hayling Island I flew from the US to London with my tiller and extension in a fishing rod holder. It went as checked baggage and counted as an extra bag. It cost $50.00 each way.

probably cheaper then Fedex or other options
 
probably cheaper then Fedex or other options

Buy a sewage pipe (4" diameter)
Cut it down to ~50"
Duct tape over the ends.
Make a handle out of tape for them to affix the bag tag to.
Check as a normal peice of luggage (it will come out on the 'oversize carousel' though, with the skis and surf boards etc.)
I'm on the way back from a training trip right now, and my tiller is packaged like this as I type.
 
I have used the heavy duty cardboard tubes that antennas and such come in. If you're around a large boatyard or chandlery you might be able to get one free from their dumpster.

On a trip to the Caribbean last year (alas not to sail. . .) we were transferring in Dallas and were moments away from experiencing a full on TSA lock down because some knucklehead had his fishing rods packed in a PVC pipe complete with screw in end caps looking just like a giant half-assed pipe bomb and he left it leaning against a pillar just outside the security screening area. Once the TSA guys noticed it there was a flurry of talking into their radios and nervous glances all around and just in the nick of time the owner showed up to collect it. I don't think he earned the full body cavity search but he was close. Since we made our flight it was pretty funny but a good reminder to not leave tubes or anything else unattended around airports. . .
 
Not sure what the situation is state side. But most airlines over here offer all sorts of baggage options for things like fishing rods, gold clubs, surf boards and the like. So I would say give the airline a call first, if all else fails tell them it is a fishing rod!
 
I use cardboard mailing tubes (the sort you use for rolled documents) and carry as hand luggage on the plane - I've flown out of New york maybe 20 times with no issues - I think the carbon fibre looks OK via the x-ray, in fact I have never had anyone ask for me to open it.....I do tape up just in case I ever have to check it...the tubes fits nicely at the back of the overhead luggage bin
 
Different airlines have different rules and it also depends whether you fly internationally or within the USA. For instance, I just flew AA, US to the Dominican Republic and did what Mike M suggested.

Bought a mailing tube ($6) at the Container Store to fit my tiller/extension. I didn't dare taking this into the cabin though. Instead, I just handed it off at the AA check-in. Because of the odd size, the tube shipped (for free; since this was an international flight) with the other 'odd' luggage (surfboards, oversized bags, etc) that required 'special' handling.
Fortunately, no problems.
 

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