Hiking poles

Nope. Not allowed per TSA.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/hiking-poles

Very interesting. I have brought collapsible poles on multiple trips to Asia and Australia in my carry-on. Multiple carriers.

I have also seen non-collapsible poles used as support (cane) by travelers who needed them. The older gent across from me on a recent trip within the US received help from the flight attendants to get his pole into the overhead. Perhaps he received special permission as a disabled flyer??

The link above to TSA doesn’t refer to collapsible poles. They break down into several pieces.

The information in post number one is correct. It does not matter if they are collapsible or not. TSA rules require them to be in checked luggage. I’m sure that sometimes they make it through in carryons as reported in post #2, but that would be the exception and not the rule.

I simply check my bag when bringing my poles ever since a set was disallowed while traveling with a carryon.

The simple issue with trekking poles is the carbide tips on them sheathed in the rubber tips.

Of course trekking poles and a cane as a mobility aid are two different tools.

Thanks everyone. So sad ☹️

As Liz and Carol said, hiking poles, collapsible or not, are prohibited in carry on luggage. Most people check their bags when they bring them, but if you would prefer not to, then just wait and buy them in Europe, where they have sporting goods stores galore.

Either way, I would suggest not trying to bring them on board as you run a high risk of them being confiscated by TSA.

I like to use trekking poles for extra stability due to a bad back. When I found out I could not but them in carry on, I purchased a collapsible cane. Since it’s considered a medical device, I’m able to carry it on with me. I found it on Amazon for under $30.

I guess I’ve been lucky….

Just buy some in Europe. I have a permanently fractured bone in my foot. Picked up carbon trekking poles in Europe six or seven years ago when it was flaring up badly. 35 euro, great quality. All generic sporting goods stores have them. Worked great the whole trip. Brought them home checked and they finally died just a month ago.

Or check them.

Also if you are older and seem to have mobility issues, they'll let you carry them on afaik.

The great news is that trekking poles are super common in Europe, at least in Germanic Europe. I was in my late 40's when my foot was bad, and used trekking poles in the country, villages, and cities. No one gave me so much as a second look! You'll fit right in :)

Also, let me say it's stupid a cane is okay but trekking poles aren't. If pressed into a fight I'd FAR rather have a chunky hardwood cane than two aluminum trekking poles. And nowadays are you taking over a flight with either? Not a chance ....

Sorry you can't pack your poles :)

No, I have seen them confiscated by TSA. Purchase or rent some once you arrive at your destination.

Well, that’s super interesting! In the last 9 months we have taken ours in our carryon luggage twice, once to Switzerland last fall and just returned from Paris. I had no idea they were not allowed and we had no problems, nor were we even questioned.