I cannot be a lot of help because I have not flown with rods in a few years now, but I have on a few occasions since 911 and did not have any trouble.
I purchased a rod tube that would hold three 4pc. 9'-0"(it was triangle shaped which worked great) and I was allowed to check it as what was then called a "personal item" in addition to a carry-on bag. I don't think a 3-pc 9'-0" rod would meet the criteria for a "personal item" then and I have no idea today. On flights that did not have overhead storage, commuter type flights, the staff was good about holding the rods in the front of the plane and I would pick them up on the way out. My guess is that whatever airline you use on the way to Alaska understand about fly fishermen and their rods and would be accommodating, it is getting to that connecting flight that may be the problem.
Each airline makes there own rules as regards to personal items, so a phone call or visit to their web site would be advisable.
Sorry I cannot give you a better answer.
