Can I carry rock climbing hardware as carry-on in Europe?
Can I bring rock climbing gear such as
- quick-draws
- climbing ropes
- nuts, hexes, cams, friends, etc. as described here
- a nut tool, as in the middle of this picture
- climbing chalk (Amazon example if you don't know what it is)
in my carry-on luggage in flights departing from Europe?
The internet refers mostly to US TSA rules, without a real consensus. While official rules seem to allow it, some suggest your bag will get additional attention and others report of items being refused, also in Europe.
In the extreme case of a complete climbing equipment, figure 1 or 2 ropes of 70m each, 15 quickdraws, harness, shoes, chalkbag, some carabiners and other tools plus nuts, hexes and friends.
Why would this be a problem (besides size and weight restrictions)? - Honestly I would look twice if I had 10kg of metal go through the scanner. Also the nut tool is somewhat similar to a blade and chalk is a white powder like cocaine.
Why am I asking this here? - On my next climbing vacation I might fly Ryanair and want to be a cheapo who does not check his stuff. Other persons have concerns about leaving equipment worth hundreds of $/€s in their checked luggage and prefer having it with them.
I am looking for answers that either base on personal experience or sources that can be checked.
(All images from wikimedia. Apologies for being the latest to ask a "can I bring [insert obscure item here] on a plane?")
Best Answer
Is Climbing Gear Allowed in Carry-On Luggage?
My answer is based on personal anecdotes and common sense. I'm using TSA as a reference because its prohibited item search tool is quite simply awesome, as opposed to the EU list of prohibited items which is (IMHO purposefully) generic and vague.
Carabiners / Quick-Draws
I have carried carabiners in hand luggage before. I never had problems with them. Usually security staff don't even look at them. I use full size carabiners as keychains, and always have an extra one hanging from my backpack in case I need to hang something there. However, a luggage full of quick-draws might raise a few eyebrows. As an authoritative reference, TSA says that carabiners can be carried in both hand and hold luggage:
Climbing Rope
Climbing rope should be fine in hand luggage. I fail to see how it could be construed as a sharp, dangerous object. TSA seems to agree with me:
Nuts, Wires, Hexes, Cams, Friends, and Nut Tools
IMHO all of these could be construed as blunt/dangerous items by a zealous security officer. The nut tool itself could even be considered a blunt weapon. I can't find mention of any of these items on the TSA search tool so I'll go with EU regulations this time:
c. objects with a sharp point or sharp edge (objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury)
[...]
d. workmen’s tools (tools capable of being used either to cause serious injury or to threaten the safety of aircraft), including:
[...]
- tools with a blade or a shaft of more than 6 cm capable of use as a weapon, such as screwdrivers and chisels,
Climbing Chalk
This is just plain old chalk so it should be fine in hand luggage. Climbing chalk is made primarily of magnesium carbonate which is non-toxic and non-flammable.
A Final Recommendation
As always: go for checked-in luggage if you're unsure and, most importantly, not prepared to have all the gear thrown away by security agents. Personally I would not risk losing all my carabiners, quick-draws, nuts, hexes, cams, and tools the day I'm leaving for a rock-climbing trip.
Pictures about "Can I carry rock climbing hardware as carry-on in Europe?"
Can you bring rock climbing gear on a plane?
Typically, most climbing gear is fine as carry-on luggage, including climbing shoes, chalk bags, helmets, and harnesses. Crashpads can usually fly as checked baggage.Can I bring carabiners on a plane?
Yes, carabiners are good to go in carry-on bags.Can I take climbing chalk on a plane?
Yes. It is allowed in both carry-on and checked-in luggage. It is a good idea, however, to keep it either in its original packaging or in your chalk bag together with your climbing gear.Can you take tools on a plane UK?
If you are a jet-setting joiner or plumber, check-in bag fees will eat into your income, for you are not permitted to carry on essential toolbag items such as screwdrivers, spanners, pliers, saws, drills or drill bits on the plane. We've put together a guide of what tools you can take on board here.Sport Climbing Gear Checklist || REI
More answers regarding can I carry rock climbing hardware as carry-on in Europe?
Answer 2
So I contacted Munich airport and they were quick to reply:
- climbing equipment in general is no problem
- also large cams and friends are ok
- the only exception being: no sharp or pointed objects i.e. no nut tools
These answers were from the responsible department of the airport and the person in charge also absolutely knew what they were talking about in terms of climbing gear so I would be willing to trust this info. In theory the rules should also be the same throughout Europe.
However YMMV and at another airport and other staff might see things differently so as has been pointed out by JoErNanO it would be sensible to have a back-up option (i.e. checking your stuff in hold luggage or leaving it with a friend).
Finally, of course you have to be careful to respect the size/weight limit of your airline.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Dazzle Jam, Tatiana Syrikova, Plato Terentev, Marek Piwnicki