Basejumper.com - archive

Any current info on carrying on a rig (base) from US to Euro?
I'm considering it and it would be an easy way to have a second rig along.
I'm specifically flying air france.

Cheers

Craig

I've flown 20-30 international flights a year for 10+ years and never had an issue with a rig.
However it is nothing to do with the airline, it is down to the airport security as to what is allowed and what is not. Morocco didn't want to let a helmet on board but were happy with a rig. Both flew ok in the end.
I've had letters from British Airways permitting my employees to carry ice skates in their hand baggage (long story) but security would not allow it and made them check the skates in the hold.
Only time I was ever stopped was in Russia where they were concerned about a reserve pin on a sky rig. Explained they could not really take it off and they were cool and allowed the rig on board.
I ALWAYS take 1 rig as carry on.

Did it two weeks ago. Zero issues.

Remember to take the hook knife out and put it in the checked bag.

Very similar experience as jools, I've always carried on one rig on many many flights and not had a problem. I think all the metal and springs and computers in a sky jumper rig makes them much more nervous. A base rig doesn't look like much on an X-ray machine. Unless you say "hey I have a parachute", I've never actually had anyone ask to see anything. I don't necessarily recommend this, but I used to take my hook knife out. One time I didn't, and no one seemed to notice. I havent taken it out in probably 8 years and who knows how many flights. I have been stopped 3 separate times for having clamps in a carry on.

Safeish Tom has a story about the importance of carrying on a rig. Spent 3 days jumping in slip on vans and the same shorts and t shirt for 3 days, but at least he had a rig and a wingsuit.

I had a cop or security guard ask to see in my carry-on bag in Salt Lake City Airport. Interaction went something like this:

What's that?
Me: A parachute.

What's that for? Is that for [sees Adrenalin BASE logo] - ah, it's for BASE jumping.
Me: Yes I'm going to Twin Falls where it's legal at the Perrine Bridge.

You do that with a static line?
Me: Yes that's what I'll be doing.

OK.

He asked a couple more questions about it but that was pretty much it. Nice guy.

Thanks for the feedback guys, I appreciate the non-BS replies.

Tom, good point about the hook knife.
and
If they ever ask about what it's inside, I typically say "life-saving equipment" with a smile and then get into the parachute stuff as required.

cheers

Craig

I always carry on two rigs with me, check everything else. One fits under the seat and one goes in the overhead storage.

In probably 70% of cases it is recognized as a parachute. They usually open up the stash bag and swab the outside of my container while I watch.

Then I get them both back and keep on rolling.

I found this nice hard plastic roll around carry on bag that will hold both of my base rigs. It is a tight fit to get the zipper closed but having both with me in the plane instead of checked makes my travels less stressful.

Air France in itself is not a problem, but quite often, the Aéroports de Paris staff can be PITA's.
But I guess it would be less of a hassle with a BASE rig rather than a skydiving rig

Oh, and it is Europe (Euro is the currency)