Atlanta to Paris --- hiking pole as carry-on

Jim I have taken one, but a collapsing metal one, not a one-piece wood one. I strapped mine to the outside of my carryon so it would be visible to security, and had no issues or questions asked. I have heard of others who have had issues, however, so no guarantees. They are supposed to be considered medically-necessary items, not sporting equipment and your note should cover any questions, but your experience may be different, since yours doesn't fold and the flight attendants would have to accommodate.

I have been on tours where people who needed one but didn't bring one, bought inexpensive collapsible ones over there - not hard to find.

How long is the pole? Is it like a cane? Or is it one of those 6 foot staffs? That might make a difference. The TSA website lists things you cannot carry on. Most long sticks or poles are not allowed; crutches and walking canes are. Does the doctor's letter specify this particular pole, or does it just say a generic assistance device? And you should also ask your airline if they will have an issue with storing if you can carry it on.

Last time I was unsure of an item I drove out to the airport with it and asked to see a TSA supervisor and get their answer. I got his name in case there was an issue.

http://blog.tsa.gov/2014/05/tsa-travel-tips-travel-tips-for.html

Trekking & Hiking Poles – These can only be packed in checked baggage.

We have always transported our trekking and ski poles as checked baggage. Our trekking poles shorten sufficiently to fit our checked luggage. That said, I did bring back a wooden souvenir hiking cane from China as carry-on but it had a blunt tip.

It is usually the airline that allows it or doesn't allow it.

Consider just getting your staff when you arrive in St. Jean. They have them for sale everywhere. Not expensive and you have a good souvenir. Have you also considered using trekking poles instead of just one staff? Lots easier on those uphill and downhill climbs, or for crossing mud and water. I found mine invaluable and I had never used them before my Camino.

Unless your hiking pole (walking stick?) is unique or special in some way such as custom made I wouldn't bother trying to take it on an international flight. Just buy a new one when you get there. Not worth the hassle to save a few $$.

I think your chances of making it to the Terminal 2 TGV station and boarding a train within 55 minutes are slim even without checked luggage. If flying in from the USA, immigration/passport control can occasionally take that long on its own, depending on the staff-to-arrivals ratio. The airport is huge: http://easycdg.com/airport-guide/travel-between-terminals-move-around-paris-cdg-airport/.

I hope you have a back-up plan for your train. Most tickets purchased in advance are no good after the departure of the scheduled train.

I have carried my folding metal walking pole inside my carryon bag several times - domestically and to France without any problem. And I saw wood walking poles for sale in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port last year.

I was going to say the same as Laura: you probably can't deplane, go through passport, change terminals and make the train in 55 minutes--even if your plane lands on time. If you can sprint that fast with a bad knee, you are superman. You need to go to plan B for your transportation.

55 minutes is not enough time to go through immigration and get to the train station. You might make it if everything goes perfectly but planes are often half an hour late and immigration can take over an hour if there are planes ahead of you. This is just bad planning unless you are comfortable with buying a later walk up ticket.

I wouldn't bank on it. Even if one TSA said it was fine...another one will stop it and then they will confiscate it. My son had a special stick he was taking to Europe with him and it got dicey in a couple of the stops he made. I think he ended up with it, but it was touch and go.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the comments to my 55 minute time crunch --- I needed to see what I was up against time-wise --- and wanted any pessimistic responses I might get.

Good news --- Atlanta TSA has assured me by phone I can board with my hiking pole --- they will view it as a walking aid/device --- thus, no checked baggage to have to wait for --- they said I wouldn't even need the letter from my doctor, although I will have it attached to the pole.

Now for honesty --- I actually have 1 hour and 25 minutes to make it from Term 1 to train station in Term 2 --- but, as was pointed out by Laura, immigration/passport control can be slow at CDG, so not home free yet --- If I miss the train, and my ticket becomes invalid, I can get a later train and just pay again for ticket --- a lesson learned, though.

FYI --- as far as passport check time, I had thought about that -- but was basing my expectations on flying in to Frankfurt, where passport check has always been quite fast --- apparently not as fast at CDG --- again, lesson learned.

Thanks --- Jim

You may want to simply ad a leg onto your itinerary--CDG to Biarritz. It's probably less expensive and more efficient way to get to St. Jean Pied de Port. I mention this because you spoke of buying a walk up replacement train ticket if you can't make your original train.