Beardbuster,
Make sure you have lots of midges for the San Juan. Griffith's Gnats work great, but have plenty of different patterns dry and pupa. Long Fine tippets and drag free drift is more important than actual pattern there.

As far as your carry on goes? Put any sharp objects, scissors included in your checked luggage or they will take them no doubt about it. You can carry your rod on as long as it's under a certain size limit? Can't remember.......but obviously 2 piece rods are a no no anymore.

Bamboo rod repair? No your aren't fixing it with just some epoxy, especially if the tip is splitting. Find a qualified rodsmith to give you an official opinion, but it sounds like you have a wallhanger.

By the way........yeah I'm a fly tyer. Also guided fly fishing in Montana , Yellowstone, NY and PA. Been fly fishing for 23 years.