Traveling With Gear

[Patstorm]

Has anyone ever flown with their climbing \rigging gear?

Can you check your bag with gaffs in it?

Does TSA open your bag up and look around?

If the bag has locks will they still open it/ cut the lock?

Can you purchase extra ins. Through the airline encase your big is lost ?

 

[KevinS]

Your best bet is to call the airline you are flying with they'll tell you what you may need or not be able to pack

 

[monkeylove]

Pat there are a few threads about this, try searching for better answers but yes. There I alot you can't take as carry on but yes.

 

[KevinS]

Pat there are a few threads about this, try searching for better answers but yes. There I alot you can't take as carry on but yes.

I think he can check most things though. There's no liquid. It may vary if you are on an international flight compared to something within the USA

 

[monkeylove]

I would agree other than the gaffs but better to check with the airline. If Rich sees this thread he may have more insight. He probably flies more with gear than anyone else I know of.

 

[Treevolta]

I fly with my climbing kit often. From Canada to the USA. As long as it's in your checked baggage it's not a problem. Keep in mind that you only have 50 lbs before you get an extra charge for having over weigh luggage. I once had a footlock prusik in my carrier on bag that drew some attention.

 

[Merle Nelson]

Weigh your bags. 10 lbs over was going to cost so much on a return flight I strapped a climb line to my carry on bag and threw away a couple of work clothing items. Weighing and planning would have saved me some last minute stress.

 

[Shawn]

Can always look into shipping your stuff.

When i worked at Knot and Rope I seem to remember John shipping his gear somewhere once when they were flying for vacation.

 

[Tuebor]

You can carry an unloaded gun in your checked luggage, so gaffs should be no problem. The TSA might look in your luggage and will cut locks if they need to. Not sure about insurance. Poke around your airline's website for information.

 

[Patstorm]

I'll check the website. Thanks for all your help!

 

[Keeth]

I've flown several times with my climbing gear. Everything was packed in a duffel bag with a good nylon zip tie in lieu of a lock.

If you put an itemized sheet on top of all your gear along with a note requesting they put another zip tie back after checking the bag they will. It doesn't hurt to throw a tree supply catalog in as well if you can afford the weight. In the U.S.A. the itemized sheet is usually enough. I have a friend who works for TSA and she's the one who gave me that advice. Never had any trouble (so far).

 

[Keeth]

Should have mentioned that I put extra zip ties in the bag attached to the note.