Coming back from Christchurch after a ski-mountaineering trip in 2006, Jetstar insisted
on weighing EVERYTHING I had in one go. $10 per kg excess.
So I posted my used tech gear this year to central South Island 7 days before I wanted
it. It was sent to Auckland instead, and GST was demanded for my import. Didn't see
the ice axes and screws nor stove for 2 + weeks.
Coming home, I ensured I got to the airport early, smiled lots, psyched myself to
happily pay excess luggage fees, volunteered that my briefcase held ice-axes and
crampons that they may be deemed weapons and so, no, I could not carry it on as
Pacific Blue asked me. Seconds later it was decided it was sporting gear and it went
as allowable sporting gear (and not 'general baggage') for free.
Summing up; if the cams are not recognised as everyday stuff, and you are flying with
ropes, it may be seized as items of concern if in your hand luggage. If your hand
luggage is bulky, they may weigh it.
A young German saw me chilling out after I got off the train at Sydney Airport, prior to
checking in - he asked me to mind his many books while he checked in to avoid excess
luggage fees. This prompted me to get him to mind my 1.5 kg of food while I checked
in (I was picking up a hire car after midnight in ChCh and wanted dinner and breakfast
with me). Maybe if you are travelling alone, you could try this. |