In reply to Simon Caldwell:
I was chatting with the person who was in charge of security at Manchester airport (well the bloke in the cabin after all the checks).
He did tell me that a couple of years ago they did have an issue with things that may be able to restrain people, ropes, slings etc, but he told me that's history.
I then asked about nuts, cams and quickdraws, no problem he said.
I asked similar at Milan airport and got similar feed back.
I find it very difficult to believe that the policy of airport security is down to the whim of the mood of the person on duty. The reason being is this would be terrifying, not because of what they will not let you take, but because of what they would let you take if in the correct mood, hey dude yes take the Sabre on board, Samurai sword, no problem.
My belief is that our representative body, yep the one who has caused club fees to rise by £6, could speak with the UK body overseeing airport security, and possibly produce a fact sheet, with pictures, to present if challenged at security saying what is approved and what is not.
I fully appreciate that different countries have different rules, however this would be a start, and possibly the Spanish, French or even EU could be spoken to.
If something is dangerous and a risk to security, obviously it should not be allowed in the cabin, however an incompetence tax on climbers of £50 a trip is a bit unjust.
I do find it odd that trekking poles (spears) are explicitly allowed.
To the OP, I always take my harness and helmet and rock shoes in the cabin, and never have a problem.