Whats up guys, I will be flying out from Colorado in July for a week to visit family. Looking for someone to climb with that knows the Gunks or at least has a trad rack. It will cost to much to check my rack, rope on the plane. I will be about two hours away in East Pennsylvania, Wayne County. I have wanted to climb out east for years but never seem to get the chance. Would like to hit some classics 5.7-5.10. I will be able to drive up from PA.
Just FYI, I fly around the country for work and almost always bring gear to sneak in a climbing day and I never have to pay for checked baggage.
It's easy to toss a skinny 60M rope and light rack in your carry on. I normally travel with a 50L pack (Cold Cold World Chernobyl) and a messenger bag as my "personal" item and take them both carry on. When flying on a regional jet (like Denver to Montrose) they gate check your bag free of charge. Rack, rope, shoes, and 2 changes of clothing fit really easily. In terms of finding partners easily, I suggest bringing a rope before you bring the rack. Leave the nut tool at home though - it will get confiscated about 1/3 of the time.
I always bring my climbing gear in the carry-on as well. The cams get inspected about half the time, but I always get through just fine. A 60m 9.2mm, ten cams, set of nuts, a bunch of slings and biners, helmet, shoes, and chalk bag fits in my 30L pack along with whatever clothes I need for the trip, and my personal item carries electronics and toiletries.
If you can't fit your rack, just ditch underwear to make room. :-)