Can You Bring Ice Axes and Other Ice Climbing Gear on Planes?

Travelers can take climbing tools and equipment on planes in the United States with certain restrictions. Whippets, ice picks, and trekking poles are sharp objects and therefore aren’t allowed in carry-on luggage, but they can travel in cargo baggage. Climbing equipment like helmets, rope, carabiners, quickdraws, and gloves are permitted both in carry-on and checked luggage.

Passengers can’t travel with pitons and climbing screws in carry-on luggage in the United States as they are considered sharp objects that could be potential weapons. Overall, quickdraws are accepted in carry-on and checked luggage, but the security agent in the airport makes the last decision whether they’re safe to take in the cabin or not.

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Travelers should pack ice axes in checked luggage when traveling on planes in the United States. Axes should be wrapped safely to prevent any harm to anyone handling the baggage. Some of the ways to pack an ice axe in luggage include using an [amazon link=”B00RNJKCUO” title=”axe rubber protector”], putting it inside cardboard, and using the elastic cords in the suitcase to prevent it from moving around.

You don’t have to declare your ice axes if you own them already and are traveling with them. You should only declare ice axes to customs when you buy them at a destination outside the United States and you intend to return with them to the country. If you buy any other climbing equipment while on a trip, you need to declare it once you return to the United States.

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Theoretically, crampons and Yaktrax are allowed in carry-on luggage when traveling in the United States. But, TSA recommends packing them in a checked suitcase, as the TSA agent at the airport might deem them as dangerous objects. According to TSA, snow spikes are not allowed in carry-on luggage in the United States.

Overall, you can bring climbing harnesses and helmets both in hand and checked baggage on planes in the United States. Still, your baggage might be subject to additional inspection, so be prepared to answer questions about your equipment.