Flying with climbing kit!

[Dak]

Hey folks,

 

long story short going to Africa and Australasia next year and want to take full climbing kit.

 

Whats best way to get it there, fly with it? Send it ahead (air or sea)?

 

no experience of traveling with kit so any help appreciated..

 

 

cheers guys!

[David Goss]

When i went to Italy i sent my kit by post but it does cost a lot. When i came back i just left my kit there and bought new here. Now i am an international arborist. Kinda spoils my holidays to Rome when i end up working for most of the time there

[easy-lift guy]

Depending on cost and time and transit, perhaps it might be better to check it in with your regular luggage. Always a chance it could be lost?, make sure it is insured for replacement cost.

easy-lift guy

[DrewB]

ropes go in your checked in luggage and hardware goes in the carry on-thats what i have always done and never a problem. i probably fly with my gear once a month

[sean freeman]

When I used to climb and cut for a living would fly reasonable often (internal flights); just remember to ensure all blades/sounding hammer go checked luggage. Back then we took our saws with us always an interesting experience depending on the airport checkin staff.

[Goaty]

Worth checking about bio security, they may fugimate or at worse take your kit off you. Worth checking, If you have good new kit I would leave it at home and acquire out there if bio is a problem.

[atree]

Take it with you,Might be bit of a hassle sometimes carrying your kit around,Just make sure your not over weight because you'll get charged heaps.

[DrewB]

,Just make sure your not over weight because you'll get charged heaps.

 

flying must cost you a bit then bro...

[atree]

flying must cost you a bit then bro...

 

[Ironbark]

I travel a lot with rock or ice climbing kit. Most airlines will let you carry 1 bag at 23 kgs and for £30-50 you can pay for another. 3 bags between 2 is ample even if we're going ice climbing for 2 weeks with camping gear and snow shoes and shovels.

 

Ryanair's 15 kg allowance is more challenging, but they will NEVER beat me even if I have to wear 10 layers and boots on the aircraft.

 

I've got one of those fishing type hook scales to weigh bags. i've been in some small airports before where they have closed off all the check-in desks except the ones in use, so you can't weigh your kit in a quiet corner.

 

Sending kit ahead can be a lot of hassle. I've been charged Customs brokerage fees even when marked as "return of used personal effects" and my wife works for a cargo airline!