I bought a cheap plastic gun case that my 2-piece rod fit in. Cost was $25 and the airline checked it at the gate for free. I got some looks going through security with what looked like a gun in a case, but other than that, no problems.
I've also just purchased a rod/reel at the destination and then gave it away to a kid when I left. Well under $100 and I'm sure the kid was able to use the thing or sell it and get more value for it than I could for the hassle.
When I go to Hawaii, I stop at Walmart and pick up a saltwater rod / reel for around $50 and leave it with the hotel maid when I leave. It's a nice tip I think. Probably California would be the same way.
