Bringing walking poles to Europe in carry-on luggage

Probably still is. Within the last year I have been forced to use a standard wooden cane with a rubber tip. TSA does not like it and almost cuts it in half at each inspection. I am 82, gray hair, a little over weight, and with some difficulty walking. Last week TSA took the cane, my belt, and my Apple watch ('cause it had metal band) for special inspection. AND I have TSA Pre-check. Just cannot be too careful these days. Good luck.

The final call is up to the TSA screening agents as you pass through security, not the airline check in people. So you have to be willing to sacrifice your hiking poles at security or build in the time to go back to check a bag. The current TSA restrictions list "hiking poles" as not allowed in carryons without any exception for the kind of tips on the poles. If you were using it as a medical assistive device, you may have more leeway, but again it's the discretion of the agent.

This recent thread highlights a kerfuffle with a TSA change in plans, and then changing it back, which of course could happen at any time. I myself would just check a bag with the hiking poles and anything else not super important in case it goes wayward. The other option is to purchase an inexpensive set when you get there, plenty of forum discussion on that topic https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=1y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=rent+hiking+poles&utf8=%E2%9C%93

It is not just TSA, a US agency, that you need to worry about. You will also be subject to the rules of the equivalent agency at airports of other countries that you may fly out of.

You do know they sell those here in the EU? Or, another way to avoid hauling them through the airport, would be to mail them to be held for pickup at the first place you intend to stay.

The last pair I bought I paid 12 euro for, and they weigh less than 20 grams more than the pair from REI that cost considerably more. I'm not sure can find a deal like that, but removing the cost shipping both ways would make for a significant argument to buy local.

Either plan to check your bags or do as KGC recommends and buy locally. If you can get by with an economy pair for city walking, perhaps leave them behind with the lodging proprietor for use by someone else.

It makes more sense to buy a cheap pair here. What country or city are you going to first?
I have a pair of Z-fold ones that I really like and they were only 39€. Pretty sure Decathlon has some even cheaper.

Ms. Jo is spot on. We do regular European hiking trips and while we generally check in a duffle with our poles and boots we have always found poles on hand at either the hotels we have stayed or at the local sports stores such as Decathlon.

Thanks everyone. We will buy a pair in Europe. Looks like Decathlon is in lots of cities and has pretty cheap sets.

Still, the only difference between collapsible poles without sharp tips and collapsible walking canes - provided the tubes can be easily inspected - is the type of hand grip. It seems like the TSA needs to update its regulations. And some wonderful manufacturer needs to produce hiking poles that just fit rubber tips. Or perhaps with 2 screw-on sets of hand grips (cane grips when flying to keep the inspectors happy; hiking grips to replace them upon arrival!)

If anyone finds a solution, let me know.

If anyone finds a solution, let me know.

Easiest is to take a large bag that accommodates the poles and check it. AFAIK removing the sharp ends is not sufficient to allow them on board.

The hand grip has nothing to do with it. The concern is that the cane, walking stick, etc., can become a club or a spear. Remember knitting needles are out also. I could use a hiking pole because it would be viewed as a medical device and it is obvious that I need it. It is crazy, I know. But we just have to learn to live with it.

I wouldn't chance it. As others have said, it's up to the TSA or the European security checkpoint. Just check your bag - that's what I would do.

Frank, actually knitting needles may now be carried on. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/knitting-needles

To save time, you could purchase from a vendor that ships (such as asadventure.com or auvieuxcampeur.fr and have them shipped to your first destination before you arrive. Contact the hotel or whatever where you'll be staying and warn them of the shipment so they'll accept it and hold it for you. I'm sure there are other options than I've noted, but those are examples.

I've purchased several items from both of those vendors over the years and have had zero problems whatsoever.

Never occurred to me .... but I have carried a collapsible fishing wading staff on dozens of flights. Guess I got lucky.