mark:
tehcnically the rod cases are too big. I've found a big smile and abject "I am a worm" humility to the gate attendant works wonders. The key is getting it poast them - once on a plane its easy to find a 5' length of overhead bin where you can stow it if your patient and ask a stewardess for help.
Keep in mind that 90% of the people that deal w/ gate attendents beat the heck out of them about something or other; if you show up w/ a friendly smile; an "I'm not worthy of this but..." attitude and conventienntly mention that last time "the other airline broke it in luggage" you can usually social-engineer it on.