Flying with gear question

I am considering flying to meet a friend to climb and camp with, and admittingly its been several years since I've flown and never for a climbing trip. The airline I checked into allowed two checked bags but they must not exceed 50# and or 62" in total that being combined measurements of LxWxH .I have my large Mtn Tools bag which I normally road trip with, which would have clothes, sleeping bag, pad, tent etc. and my Muira 50 with my gear. The Muira 50, I think will be OK but not the larger duffel. I can still take it but at a 75.00 each way additional charge, so you frequent flyers help me out. Whats your beta for flying with gear?

jhn payne wrote:I am considering flying to meet a friend to climb and camp with, and admittingly its been several years since I've flown and never for a climbing trip. The airline I checked into allowed two checked bags but they must not exceed 50# and or 62" in total that being combined measurements of LxWxH .I have my large Mtn Tools bag which I normally road trip with, which would have clothes, sleeping bag, pad, tent etc. and my Muira 50 with my gear. The Muira 50, I think will be OK but not the larger duffel. I can still take it but at a 75.00 each way additional charge, so you frequent flyers help me out. Whats your beta for flying with gear?

There are no hidden secrets here. If your bag is oversize, you pay the price they are asking most of the time. The airline industry is hard as nails and they dont give two fucks about you. They will rape you every chance they get. You can get a bag that is small enough to meet the 62" rule off Craigslist for $20, or borrow one from a friend. You can try mailing it if you have time.

Having much experience flying with dive gear and with climbing gear, carry as much weight as you can as carry-on.

They weigh all bags that are checked, but I have very seldom had them ever weigh my carry-ons. I think your Miura will fit as a carry on, so put as much of the heavy stuff as possible in that and carry it with you on the plane. Pack light things in your big duffel. It kinda sucks carrying the weight around the airport, but hey we are pretty used to carrying it anyway.

I brought back about 75lbs of brass singing bowls from Nepal this way once.

Share whatever possible. If he is bringing a rope or gear, then don't bring a rope or extra gear. Don't bring a tent. Share one.

I put all the expensive gear in my carryon. I find that even with my massive rack of triple cams I can fit all of that plus shoes, harness, a tag line, and more into a standard carry on suit case.

The checked bag is for your sleeping bag, pads, clothes. Should easily clear the 50# mark.

Make sure the nut tool is in the checked bag though.

Also, air out the liquid fuel canister if you must bring a liquid stove. Otherwise bring a propane stove.

Great suggestions, just the kind of tips I was looking for.

I put my heavy stuff (rope and rack) in my carry on luggage; cuts the weight of your checked bags and it also ensures your climbing gear makes it to your destination. I've never had any trouble going through security with the aforementioned items, they've taken it out several times but never confiscated it.

One more thing. You can have a carryon AND a personal item. That personal item could be a small backpack, like a bullet pack and you can put even more things in there.

Like stated above keep all your heavy hardware and cord in your carry on.

The only time I've had any trouble was flying out of Colombia, SA. Security wanted to confiscate all my stuff but I got them down to just taking my rope. Calling ahead is never a bad idea.

As I've heard before maybe having a climbing mag with you isn't a bad idea. ;)

For a carry-on, I usually use a Muira 50 loaded with gear. I carry a rope bag as my personal item. No problems.

Sign up for the airline credit card...you can sometimes get the first two checked bags for free.

On my last trip IND - Vancouver I carried on rack, rope, harness, and shoes in a 33L pack. Everything else went into my checked bag.