Flying into Venice then on to Dolomites and the rest of Italy. Sounds like carry-on isn't an option. Any suggestions on whether we should take hiking poles in check through or buy in Venice or South Tirol? Prefer not to complicate with check through baggage.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
9419 posts
Yes, carry-on is an option, TSA has changed their guidelines on hiking poles. As long as the poles do not have sharp points you will be fine. I have a set I travel with that I bought in Germany, but have seen similar available on Amazon and outdoor stores. Search for "blunt tipped hiking poles", they have a carbide nub for the tip and usually rubber caps that can be put over them. Opt for the folding style, and they will be ~16" folded up, so will fit in your carry-on.
I have flown a dozen times, in Europe and the US with no one even questioning them
Posted by
6832 posts
I have not worked up the wherewithal to travel with my own pair, I just don’t trust the process, and I don’t want to give up the carry-on space, no matter how slight.
However, on my last trip, I purchased a pair for ten euros (considerably less than my at home pair!), and they did just fine. The shopkeeper told us he had never sold a pair and that no self respecting Sardinian young or old would ever use them, lol.
I left them in my rental apartment for the next patron. I have also seen them for rent in various places.
Posted by
Bend, OR
2021 posts
You can rent them or buy them there and check them on the way home.
Posted by
Indiana
1187 posts
Our hotel had poles that guests could borrow. You may want to check with your hotel to see if they provide the same amenities.
Posted by
3505 posts
I have folding hiking poles. My husband and I have twice put them in a nylon duffle bag we bought on Amazon and checked them. We then carried on our luggage. I did not want to risk losing the poles to tsa and I have heard too many horror stories of lost luggage to want to risk checking it.