I have traveled many times with my rods and it's always different when I go because a lot of the agents don't know the facts..
- First off, I fly on American Airlines and there are no additional charges for fishing rods (see photo)
- So basically it will be treated like any other checked bag
- I also take this printed out in my backpack because like I said the agents try to charge you because they don't know the real "rules"
So all in all I suggest you go to Southwest's website and dig around to find your answer...