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General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

Climbing rack in Carry on Luggage 5-Jan-2007 At 10:33:41 AM AlanD

Message

Each airport/shift will have it's own definition of what is acceptable as carry on luggage. As long as you remove those items that could be used as a weapon, you shouldn't have any problems.

Each airline now has a different policy on the weight of checked in luggage, also how sporting equipment is weighed and what their excess fees charges are. Much of the information is on the airlines' web pages, but sometimes it's worth contacting the airlines to get a clarification, preferably in writing. The airlines also may significantly bend the rules for significant teams i.e. members of National teams, training squads and I would assume expeditions, as long as they know about it when you make the initial bookings. Weight limits are being tightly enforced now, but often sporting equipment is considered on a flat rate or is charged on a flat rate if it exceeds the check in limit. If one airline is being difficult with their conditions, check out another airline (Pacific Blue - Virgin Blue policy is fantastic for getting over to NZ).

While 20kg, seems to be a world wide limit, trips that pass through the US have a higher limit, usually 32kg per back, although this seems to be dropping to 23kg for OHS issues, as a result it can be better option to book a trip to Europe via the USA as the higher weight limits for both stages of the trip, surprisingly the ticket price can actually be lower.

I've never been able to find out why the higher limit, possibly it's because of tradition and the Americans wanting to carry more, lower fuel costs or because their is less air freight being carried on domestic flights to the USA, or possibly a combination of the above.