Trad gear on an airplane?

Post by **knooper** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 5:37 pm

Hey all. I'm taking a trip out west this summer, and don't really trust my rack to the airline baggage handlers (not to mention that it's heavy), so I'd like to take it as a carry-on. Has anyone done this recently and not gotten harassed by security? If I have to check it, does anyone have any tips on the best way to pack it?

Thanks!

Post by **dhoyne** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 5:47 pm

I have checked my rack and carried on draws and webbing before without a second glance from security.

Post by **TradMike** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 5:48 pm

I got by with it once and the other time I had to check it. It's a roll of the dice that way. Just throw it in a suitcase to be safe. Be careful with the weights of bags. I think they are down to 50 lb. max. per bag w/ 2 bag max on domestic flights. Go over 50 lbs. and it will cost ya! I think international lets 70 lbs. per bag.

Post by **hearn** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 5:53 pm

i've gotten by with mine all four times i've flown with it. The nut tool always stayed in my checked luggage. The only thing they weren't too keen on was the #6 camalot, but after talking to them for a while it turned out ok to carry on. The issue with the #6 only happened once. Just be prepared to wait for a long time while they curiously look through all your shit and call their superiors to look at it too.

Post by **sasquatch** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 6:31 pm

My very recent experience carrying on a rack (camalots up to #4, nuts, and tri-cams, left the nut tool in a checked bag)--flying out of Seattle, the scanner didn't even give my bag a second glance. Flying out of Atlanta, the scanner asked me if I liked to climb mountains (obviously he recognized just from the scan what it was), and said he would check the bag. Did so, took about 5 minutes total, had no problems.

Post by **pawilkes** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 6:41 pm

they wouldn't let me bring a rope on, thought i'd tie everyone up with it i guess. then, after checking the rope, they hassled me about my sport rack. kinda rediculus.

Post by **Snowpuppy** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:58 pm

I put the "dangerous" looking stuff into my backpack I'm taking (tricams, large hexes, and large cams)and lock it into a BD Huey. Also the airlines have new requirements checked baggage cannot weight over 50lbs per bag and the bag cannot be over a certain size. I also sent the rope and etc in the luggage. Airlines have a policy that each bag that has been damaged or stolen the max amount is $2,500 they will pay for it (check with your airline to be sure). In the carry on bag, I put the nuts, hexes, cams (except the large ones), and climbing shoes.

Post by **Danny** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:23 pm

I'd be conservative on what you try to get on the plane. It is pretty much up to the person on duty whether or not to let things through. I almost missed a plane trying to get rope and gear through. I had to have my checked bags sent back through baggage claim and rearrange and packs everything trying to guess to get the weight right. I asked the guy if he thought I was going to whip people with the rope and tie them up. He didn't think that was funny.

Post by **squeezindlemmon** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:28 pm

Just a little note, they do not allow lighters in planes anymore. I used to carry one in my "girlscoutbeprepared" kit but had to throw it away at the checkpoint. They gave me the option to check it in but it was just one of those disposable ones anyway.

Post by **Texas Pete** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 8:46 pm

Pre 9/11 I once threw all my gear in a carry-on and forgot I had ice screws in there. Naturaly the screws looked the most suspicous. They looked them over and then let me on. It was enough of a delay that I almost missed the flight.

I used to carry on all my hardware from fear of rough handling by the baggage guys. Now I check it all and just pad around it. I don't think the handlers can do any real damage anyways. Climibng gear will take a lot of abuse. Its made that way. I don't worry about it anymore. Just throw it in your bags and go.

While attempting to board a plane in Edmonton Canada last summer the US customs guys would not let us on with the rope. Same reason as above. They said we could tie everyone up with it.

2-3 years back United Air Lines would not let us return with a MSR Wisperlite in checked luggage. The bottle had been drained and fumes burned out. We had to ship it back. Almost missed that flight too. I now use a cartridge type isobutane stove, buy our fuel in the field and give away whats left.