trad gear and recent airport security

[CoffeeBiner]

Hi folks - there might be a better place to put this question, I don't know.

 

Has anyone traveled by air with a trad rack in your luggage since the Christmastime almost-terrorist-event? I understand airport security is getting pretty harsh so I'm wondering if anyone has a story to tell about trying to get on a plane with those dangerous-looking pieces of springy metal and webbing. Any confiscations, rejections, interrogations, or cavity searches?

 

Any recommendations for carry-on or checking the stuff?

[PhöQ]

Took a trip to Vegas on Alaska airlines a few years ago and had a big trad rack in my checked in duffle. They searched it and left a note to let me know but otherwise no issues.

That was a couple of years ago so take that for what its worth!

GL

[selkirk]

I had about the same experience a couple of years ago flying to Denver to go ice climbing in Ouray with a buddy. So not only were there lots of metal bits, most of them were damn sharp! I was pretty sure there was no way in hell they'd let me take ice tools as carry-on

 

TSA just left a note saying the bag had been searched but no damage to speak of. I'd just say if anything is delicate do what you can to pad it.

 

 

[matt_warfield]

A friend forgot to put his GriGri in checked luggage and ended up with it in his carry on bag. This was a few years back (post 9/2001 but pre underwear bomber) but consider the confusion of explaining the purpose of a high density metal device with some strange purpose to a security person. He finessed his way through it but who knows what would happen now.

[chef_raekwon]

Flew down to Phoenix last weekend with sport gear in my carry on. (including a grigri) No problems at all.

[Tod]

I have flown both domestic and internationally multiple times with a full trad rack and rope in my carry on. These flights have been both within the last 5 years and within the last 12 months

 

Domestic has never been a problem other than the occasional odd look and possible search that confirms that there is nothing sharp or explosive.

 

If you are flying internationally, I found that the Krabi, Thailand airport will not let you carry on a rope as it is considered dangerous item.

 

The only climbing item that I won't put in my carry on is a nut tool. It just looks to suspicious.

[CTM]

Went to France last year, made it to London with half a trad rack in my carry-on. They made me check the baggage because of a suspicious looking nut tool. They didn't make me pay for the extra checked baggage on that flight.

 

On the way home I carried a set of nuts and cams and put the offending nut tool in my checked baggage. They didn't like the looks of my #11 nut and made me check the bag. That cost me $100 extra.

 

To avoid future hassles and $ I will always check metal climbing gear on international flights.

[Sherri]

I frequently fly from Seattle to Vegas (on Southwest) and always check my bags of gear, rope, etc(Southwest lets you check two bags for FREE) so I don't have to schlep them through the airport or get weird looks at security.

 

Never had a problem with damaged or confiscated gear doing it this way, but there is a TSA security note in my bag after every flight, without exception, saying it has been searched.

 

In my carry-on, I pack a spring-loaded tea-strainer that almost always buys me extra scrutiny there. Apparently it looks like a flint lighter or some other incendiary device in the xray. I think I'd have an easier time explaining a gri gri to them.

[EricMPeterson]

I work in an airport, so I now what I have been seeing go through. At most you will get talked to and questioned about certain items. Most tools should be ok. Think of it this way, if it can be used as a weapon check it. Large cams (given a good swing) could be a weapon. You can always call TSA before a trip and ask.

[LostCamKenny]

Large cams (given a good swing) could be a weapon

then you'd have to retire the thing after use

[Llarian]

I certainly wouldn't carry it on, but I just flew a couple weeks ago with a full ice climbing setup in cargo. No problems other than the TSA searched note on the way back. Kudos for the poor TSA guy who had to try to get my suitcase closed again after searching it.

[spionin]

flew to europe three weeks ago with crampons, tools, screws, slings, etc. in my checked luggage. no problems whatsoever.

[pdk]

I had problems w/ a rope and set of draws on a Canadian flight. Apparently ropes can be used to tie people up....Whatever.

 

To me, the moral of these stories is "it depends" - one day you may get everything through, another day you may have to drop $100 to check an extra bag because someone doesn't like your rope.

 

 

[aussie69]

Flew to China with my trad rack as a carry on a few months ago. Alls I got from security was some scrunched up faces and a quick questioning. No problems. (Seattle to Hong Kong to Guilin)

[nhluhr]

I've carried on my chalkbag for when I go on business trips to cities where I might find a gym. I fully expected TSA to call it anthrax but they didn't even mention it.

[CoffeeBiner]

Thanks Y'all. Guess I'll check it and not worry too much.