Hiking Poles/trekking poles as carry on

Ski poles are prohibited as carry-ons, however, hiking poles are not mentioned in the prohibited list. No answers given here before may have been based on the reasoning (apparently incorrect reasoning) that since ski poles are prohibited, hiking poles must also be prohibited.

A separate issue would be in the case of a hiking pole model that did not come apart of telescope sufficiently to fit into carry-on dimensions, probably a minority of the cases.

Kent, most hiking poles come apart. Once apart, they "should" fit in a carry on luggage piece. (they come apart into 3 pieces in most cases) The longest piece may have to be placed on an angle in the carry on luggage to fit. But that being said, it sounds like the poles can be carried in their shortest possible position in a side pocket of a daypack (and most hikers are going to have a daypack/backpack in addition to any luggage piece!)

This question has been asked before, and the poster was told NO...that hiking poles are considered to be ski poles, but according to the 2 TSA people I spoke to, they both said it's NOT a ski poles and is allowed as carry on.

I would say that it's great if you've found a TSA person who will allow it in carry on, but be prepared that another agent may say otherwise. So, make sure you have a plan B.

Pam