UKC

Hi,

I've got a trip to Bishop coming up, booked on Virgin Atlantic. I've just called to check whether they consider a bouldering pad to be 'sporting goods' (and therefore free) and I've been told that they do NOT, and that I'll need to pay £95 each way for the pad.

I am considering just turning up at the airport and arguing the toss there. They'll put a kayak on for free but not a pad.... Seems a little bit unfair...

Has anyone got any experience doing this? Had pads accepted? Had pads refused?

Any info is appreciated.

In reply to TonyThePrawn:

Just tell them that it is camping equipment and for sleeping on. As long as it is in your baggage/weight allowance you should be ok.

In reply to TonyThePrawn:

put a bunch of clothes in the middle and fold it, then tape it shut with a bunch of duct tape. After that go to the airport and have them wrap it in that awful blue cello tape type thing and pretend it is a suitcase?

Otherwise, at those rates it is worth buying a used one when you get there and then re selling it...

In reply to TonyThePrawn:

If all else fails, you can hire a mat as well in Bishop from Eastside sports
http://eastsidesports.com/eastside/
or hook up with some other climbers in the pit! http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bishop/bouldering/pleasantpit_b.html

In reply to TonyThePrawn:

Claim to be a pro-wrestler then proceed to choke slam someone on to the pad, thus proving it's true use as sports equipment.

Simples.

In reply to Hamfunk:

Top tip Hamfunk - I'm sure there are absolutely no downsides to choke slamming the folks at the check in desk..