It is easy to take climbing gear on a plane if you know about the things prohibited on a plane.
Many ask—can you take climbing gear on a plane—because they do not read the list of items not allowed on a plane.
We will guide you all about the climbing gear’s suitability to carry on a plane.
It will also help you learn about taking many other things on a plane.
Can You Take Climbing Gear on a Plane?
Yes, all the airlines allow you to take your climbing gear on a plane.
You cannot carry all the things in your hand-carry bag.
The flight security team may ask about the purpose of the equipment.
You can show them manuals or a guidebook to help them understand your motive to take the climbing gear on a plane.
There are issues taking climber gear made of metals also.
There is only one exception.
You cannot carry the ice climbing equipment to the airport or plane.
These are sharp hammer-like tools that people can use as a weapon.
They will not allow such climbing tools on the plane.
They may confiscate the climbing tools that can work as a weapon.
Do Airlines Allow Climbing Gear in Hand Luggage?
There are no issues in taking the standard climbing gear in your hand-carry luggage as long as it does not have sharp edges.
Bouldering professionals can carry all the things needed for climbing in their hand luggage.
All airlines allow chalk, climbing shoes, and harnesses in hand luggage.
These are all the tools for bouldering.
You can save yourself from problems and carry heavier bags by putting all these things in the checked plane luggage.
Most experts suggest putting these things in the hand luggage.
It also depends on the person scanning your luggage as he may not allow you to take the usually fine things.
We can consider the case of carrying a harness in your hand luggage.
The security team may believe that allowing you to take it to the climbing harness may be dangerous for others.
They may follow the same process for the carabiners because these devices have sharp edges.
Everything that someone can use as a weapon may not go in your hand luggage.
The airport security team takes matters of security seriously.
Most Crucial Climbing Gear Airline Allow on Plane
You can take most types of climbing gear on the plane that you can fit in the bag and do not have sharp edges.
Everyone can use common sense to identify the things security teams may not allow on the plane.
You can consider the safety factors of the climbing gear.
If there is a risk that the equipment may hurt someone accidentally, it is better to avoid it on the plane.
We have compiled a list of items that can go on a plane without issues.
- Rope for climbing
- Climbing shoes
- Harness
- Helmet
- Belay devices
- Quickdraws
This list does not include things you can take on a plane.
Some of them are not listed here.
You can check the item based on the criteria, as it should not be on the list of banned items.
You can also think about the criteria that we told you about.
If the product fulfills all safety criteria, you can take it to the plane.
Climbing Gear That Airlines Do Not Allow on Planes
Some climbing gear is dangerous as people can use them as weapons.
You can find the details of these gear from the list of items banned on the planes.
You can find some ideas in the details section of your ticket.
The airport entrance has sign boards with a list of items banned from the airport.
You cannot take some things to the airport also.
These things are indeed banned on planes.
We have also added some items the security team may allow in the checked baggage.
- Water bottles. You cannot add water bottles in the place because water can leak due to pressure in the cabin. It can make a mess also.
- Ice Axe. The ice axe is the sharpest climbing gears; you have to break the ice with them to make your way. You cannot take it on the plane.
- Knives. These are prohibited items. You cannot take them to the cabin. They may allow you to take it inside the checked luggage.
- Poles. You cannot take poles to places due to their large sizes.
- Oxygen canister. You may need oxygen when climbing peaks with altitudes more than 8000. Airplanes do not allow oxygen canisters on the plane as they can lead to blasts.
- Screws for Ice. You cannot take ice screws in your hand luggage as they have sharp edges. Most security guards may think that it is a weapon.
The Common Issues of Flying with Climbing Gear
The most common problem of flying with the climbing gear is being asked to step aside for more checking.
When the security team sees metallic things on the scanner, they will ask you to go for thorough bag checking.
Most security teams will allow you to go within minutes as they know about the climbing gears.
It may take more time in some places as security checking professionals want to avoid danger to the other people in the airport.
You may face issues in some countries as they have different rules.
You will not face an issue in Europe and America as a lot of people are coming there to climb mountains.
If you go to a country where they do not get many climbers, it will take longer to clear your stuff from the airport.
There are different rules in certain countries and airlines
It is better to learn about the rules of different countries as some countries may not allow climbing gears on planes.
You can keep a smile on your face and try to explain to the security team your intentions and the functions of the equipment.
Most of them will not bother you for that.
If a person argues with the security team without looking at the local laws, he may get into trouble.
It also depends on the agent checking your bag.
Some may allow several types of climbing gear on the plane.
The other agent may not allow the same equipment on a similar flight.
It also depends on your luck.
Is It Suitable to Take Climbing Chalk on a Plane?
Most climbers think there are no issues in taking climbing chalk with them on the flight because it does not harm anyone.
It is true in most cases, but you must be careful about the chalk powder, as security agents may think it is something else.
Some addictive substances are also in the form of white powder.
It is better always to take the climbing powder of famous brands.
It will be easy to explain to the security agent that it is the climbing powder when there is a label from the company.
Taking the pack sealed by the company has the highest chance of avoiding problems.
Putting the climbing powder in the zip-lock or shopping bag without a label is not a good idea.
Do Airlines Allow Bouldering Pads on a Plane?
Some airlines may take the bouldering pads without fees as they are lightweight if you are lucky.
You cannot leave all the planning of your flight to luck.
Most experts recommend emailing the airline company to inform them about the bouldering pads.
They may ask you to pay the fees for oversized luggage.
It will not cause trouble for you.
In worse cases, the airline may not allow you to take the bouldering pads on the flight.
You may have to leave them or change your flight.
Is It Possible to Get Bouldering Pads on Rent?
You can visit your local gym and ask about renting the bouldering pads.
Most of them allow it if you want them for a few days.
They may charge you ten to fifteen dollars for one day.
They may also give you a helmet for a small daily rent.
It is hard to get expensive climbing gear for rent.
It also depends on the area near your home.
Most larger city climbing gyms in the US allow you to get the bouldering pads for rent.
You can look for their advertisement on social media to find the best option near your home.
Which Climbing Gear Are Most Suitable for a Holiday?
Many of us think we need many climbing gears when going on a climbing holiday.
It is not true in all cases, as people can climb with only a few gears.
Climbing shoes, harnesses, and helmets are the most crucial gear for the safety of climbers.
You may also take some gears for specific needs. Ice climbing requires Axe and ice screws.
Some climbers do not carry all gears as some are with their climbing partners.
Partners can help each other during climbing in this case.
