Flying with gear.

• Hey guy's, I was wondering if anyone has flown recently with climbing gear and had any problems? Any recommendations, tip's, whatever? I want to bring a full set of Top rope/sport gear as a carry on, on a southwest flight.  From what I've read I should be good, but i wanted to see how other's experiences were.  Thank you guy's!!! God Bless You, and Your Family, and Your Friend's and Your Week!!!

There’s more than a dozen threads on this topic. Do a quick search.

You should be fine. I fly almost every week for work and bring climbing gear in my carry on at least half the time. I've had my carry on searched once, but it was cursory and they recognized it as climbing equipment.

Tyler Johnson wrote: You should be fine. I fly almost every week for work and bring climbing gear in my carry on at least half the time. I've had my carry on searched once, but it was cursory and they recognized it as climbing equipment.

Thank's dude.  I appreciate the help!!!

Marc H wrote: There’s more than a dozen threads on this topic. Do a quick search.

Fair enough.

But to answer the question anecdotally, I fly with gear several times a year and have never once had an issue with ropes, cams, draws, harnesses, shoes, chalk, etc. carry on domestically or internationally.

The one item I am often hesitant on is a nut tool. I brought it through once and the TSA agent's comment was something along the lines of well its technically over the 6 inches but it would be tough to really stab someone with this.. Does anyone routinely bring a nut tool or has anyone been told they wouldn't be allowed to continue with one? I'm talking in the US. I did once, leaving Barcelona, catch some of grief for karabiners. The guy didn't like the one on a water bottle and he was very surprised when he saw a sport rack. After some explanation it was permitted. Oh and several times Ive had to unroll my rope so they could look at it.

Mike wrote: Does anyone routinely bring a nut tool or has anyone been told they wouldn't be allowed to continue with one? I'm talking in the US. I did once, leaving Barcelona, catch some of grief for karabiners. The guy didn't like the one on a water bottle and he was very surprised when he saw a sport rack. After some explanation it was permitted. Oh and several times Ive had to unroll my rope so they could look at it.

I fly with my nut tool every time; I've never had a problem.  I even once got a Trango Shark through because I forgot it was on my rack.

Colin Matherly wrote:

Fair enough.

You will get a lot of info if you do a search.  Like links to the TSA site regarding helmets and ropes and even some amusing stories.  You'll get some info on this thread, but you will get a lot more by doing a search.

1. Ryan Marsters wrote: But to answer the question anecdotally, I fly with gear several times a year and have never once had an issue with ropes, cams, draws, harnesses, shoes, chalk, etc. carry on domestically or internationally.

Thanks for the Info!!!

Mike wrote: The one item I am often hesitant on is a nut tool. I brought it through once and the TSA agent's comment was something along the lines of well its technically over the 6 inches but it would be tough to really stab someone with this.. Does anyone routinely bring a nut tool or has anyone been told they wouldn't be allowed to continue with one? I'm talking in the US. I did once, leaving Barcelona, catch some of grief for karabiners. The guy didn't like the one on a water bottle and he was very surprised when he saw a sport rack. After some explanation it was permitted. Oh and several times Ive had to unroll my rope so they could look at it.

Thank's dude!!! The hole nut tool thing is radicals.

Marc H wrote:

You will get a lot of info if you do a search.  Like links to the TSA site regarding helmets and ropes and even some amusing stories.  You'll get some info on this thread, but you will get a lot more by doing a search.

That's good to know, I definitely check that out, thanks!!!

Carry a climbing magazine...it helps to explain your gear.  Works like a charm.

gblauer Blauer wrote: Carry a climbing magazine...it helps to explain your gear.  Works like a charm.

That's an amazing idea!!! 200 IQ idea.

Heads up on chalk, yesterday was the first time I saw a limit on powders in carry on. No idea how serious they are about enforcing it.

Colin,

Serious question here. You are 14 years old. What does the airline require for you to fly by yourself? (if you are flying by yourself)

FrankPS wrote: Colin,

Serious question here. You are 14 years old. What does the airline require for you to fly by yourself? (if you are flying by yourself)

I believe the airline will provide an agent/escort for 13-17 year olds, but guardians can also get a pass to get through security so you can escort your kid to the gate if you wish.

PatCleary wrote: Heads up on chalk, yesterday was the first time I saw a limit on powders in carry on. No idea how serious they are about enforcing it.

 For the cost and ubiquity of chalk I’d consider flying with an empty chalk bag and picking up a new block/ball if you can.

I did not know that.  On the Ask TSA page, someone asked if chalk was ok, and they said it was.  Might have to rethink my packing.

FrankPS wrote: Colin,

Serious question here. You are 14 years old. What does the airline require for you to fly by yourself? (if you are flying by yourself)

I'm not flying alone.  I'm flying with my family.

FrankPS wrote: Colin,

Serious question here. You are 14 years old. What does the airline require for you to fly by yourself? (if you are flying by yourself)

A 14 year old is on the edge of being able to fly by themselves.  This is very dependent on the carrier and their policy.  Most carriers will charge a fee for unaccompanied minors ages 5-14.  This fee can be more than $300 round trip.  Check with your carrier and then you decide if your 14 year old is capable of handling him/herself in the event of flight disruption, missed connections, weather delays, mechanicals or any other of the myriad of things that can and do go wrong when flying.  (I fly commercially  2-4 days a week, I've seen it all!)

I've flown numerous times with double trad racks and nut tool in my carry on.  I've been looked at with dubious faces, but once I explain what everything is, I've never had an issue.  The rule is tools must not exceed 7 inches.