When I was recently buying my first set of crampons, I wondered if this sharp gear could be brought on a plane. And since I like to travel light, can I have them in my carry-on? So I did some digging to find out the restrictions in different countries.
So can you bring your crampons in a carry-on bag? For most countries, though there is no specific mention of crampons, objects with sharp edges are not allowed on carry-ons. Even in the US, though TSA states that crampons are generally permitted in carry-on bags, they have a caveat that TSA officers have the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
If you’re flying internationally, different countries have different restrictions on baggages. In some countries, restrictions may vary accordingly to the airlines. If you are departing from a country which allows crampons in a carry-on, do run a check if you can do the same on your return trip. If you have a connecting flight operated by different airlines, do also check the restrictions of both airlines.
Carry-on Restrictions For Crampons In 41 Countries
| Country | Can You Carry On? |
| Argentina | Depends on restrictions imposed by the airlines. |
| Australia | No. Sporting goods, tools, and other items with sharp edges or points capable of injuring a person are prohibited. Crampons are specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Austria | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Belgium | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Bulgaria | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Canada | Maybe. Snowshoes are allowed. However, if snowshoes are equipped with crampons or spikes, it is recommended to place them in the checked baggage. Find out more here. |
| China | Depends on restrictions imposed by the airlines. |
| Croatia | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Cyprus | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Czechia | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Denmark | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Estonia | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Finland | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| France | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Germany | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Greece | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Hong Kong | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Hungary | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Iceland | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| India | Unlikely. Numerous sporting goods are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Ireland | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Italy | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Japan | Unlikely. Numerous sporting goods are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Latvia | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Lithuania | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Luxembourg | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Malta | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Mongolia | Depends on restrictions imposed by the airlines. |
| Myanmar | Depends on restrictions imposed by the airlines. |
| Netherlands | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| New Zealand | No. Everyday items as offensive weapons are prohibited. These are items that are used every day for a lawful purpose but are prohibited from carry-on as they can be used to bludgeon, slice or stab a person. These items include sports equipment, grooming or cooking utensils. Find out more here. |
| Nepal | Depends on restrictions imposed by the airlines. |
| Pakistan | Depends on restrictions imposed by the airlines. Find out more here. |
| Poland | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Portugal | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Romania | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Russia | Depends on restrictions imposed by the airlines. |
| Singapore | Unlikely. Sharp objects and certain types of sporting equipment are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Slovakia | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Slovenia | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| South Africa | Unlikely. Numerous sporting goods are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| South Korea | Unlikely. Sharp objects are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Spain | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Sweden | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| Switzerland | Depends on restrictions imposed by the airlines. |
| Tanzania | Depends on restrictions imposed by the airlines. |
| Thailand | Depends on restrictions imposed by the airlines. |
| Turkey | Depends on restrictions imposed by the airlines. |
| United Kingdom | Unlikely. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury are prohibited. Crampons are not specifically stated. Find out more here. |
| United States | Maybe. Crampons are generally permitted in carry-on bags. However, TSA officers have the discretion to prohibit an item if they feel it may pose a security threat. Find out more here. |
What To Do If You Get Stopped By Security With The Crampons In Your Carry On Bag
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If you have decided to bring your crampons on your carry on and got unlucky at the security check, here are your options:
- If you have time, check if you can return to the check-in counter to place the crampons in your checked luggage. This also depends on whether the airline is willing to retrieve your checked bag.
- You could also check in another small bag. But this might incur additional costs for the extra baggage.
- If you are departing from your home country, bring your crampons back to your car, mail them home or pass it to someone who’s not flying. This would mean you would need to rent or buy another set of crampons for your climb.
- If you are flying
backhome , you can mail them home.
Do note that all prohibited items collected by the airport security will be disposed of. They will not keep any items for you.
How To Pack Your Crampons In Your Check In Baggage
In short, JUST CHECK IN YOUR CRAMPONS.
Here’s how you can pack to prevent any damage to your crampons and other items in your baggage:
- Pack the crampons with the sharp edges facing each other.
- Secure the crampons together with their own straps or with rubber bands.
- Place the crampons in a crampon bag or shoe bag. Some shoe bags might be torn by sharp objects so it would be useful to wrap the crampons up in a old towel.
Related Questions
What climbing equipment can you bring in a carry-on (based on TSA’s guidelines)?
- Carabiners
- Rope
- Safety matches (one book of safety (non-strike anywhere) matches are permitted as carry-on items, but all matches are prohibited in checked baggage)
- Camp stoves (allowed only if they are empty of all fuel and no fuel vapors or residue remain. Wrap cords and layer items in bags so that officers can get a clear view of the items)
What climbing equipment should you check in (based on TSA’s guidelines)?
- Belay devices
- Hiking poles
- Ice axe
- Ice screw, nuts, and other tools
- Knives and shivs
- Tent spikes and poles
- Tent (you have to also check with the airlines on any space restrictions)
What climbing equipment is not allowed on the plane at all (based on TSA’s guidelines)?
- Arc lighters, plasma lighters, electronic lighters
and e-lighters - Bear bangers and bear spray
- Flare guns and flares
- Fuels and any flammable liquid fuel, such as cooking fuel
- Small compressed gas cartridges