First time flying with gear- Do's and don'ts

The only things that *should* be a problem are your nut tool ("tool over 7" long") and any kind of knife. Still, the only pieces of gear I don't know of someone getting hassled over or confiscated are harness, shoes, and helmet. The safest bet to avoid TSA hassle is to check everything. The safest bet to avoid losing your gear is to carry it all on.

The unfortunate reality is that you are absolutely at the whim of one TSA agent. Flying into and out of common climbing destinations helps, traveling at a day/time when security is not too hectic helps, being polite helps, but no guarantees.

Em Cos wrote:The only things that *should* be a problem are your nut tool ("tool over 7" long") and any kind of knife. Still, the only pieces of gear I don't know of someone getting hassled over or confiscated are harness, shoes, and helmet. The safest bet to avoid TSA hassle is to check everything. The safest bet to avoid losing your gear is to carry it all on. The unfortunate reality is that you are absolutely at the whim of one TSA agent. Flying into and out of common climbing destinations helps, traveling at a day/time when security is not too hectic helps, being polite helps, but no guarantees.

Check the nut tool. never had a problem with anything else. Probably could check nuts if need be. Cams could be more likely to be damaged.

Probably wouldn't hurt to show up a bit early in case they make you check the gear but I've never had an issue in the past with it.