We'll be traveling to Swiss on June for hiking..
I am thinking of getting one of those telescopic trekking poles
Are those allowed inside a carry on backpack on a plane??
Some have sharp points on them, so I am concerned it may get confiscated at the gate...
Any wisdom would be appreciated..
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6790 posts
Generally not allowed as a carry-on by the US TSA.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6442 posts
Some people have reported that they have been able to carry them on. However, TSA rules are they are NOT allowed in carry ons. You are allowed a cane. On a few trips, I have carried on a cane and basically used it as a hiking pole
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/hiking-poles
Also, I had planned to put my hiking poles in a 22 inch checked bag and they didn't fit. Perhaps others fold down smaller, but neither of the two sets we own do.
Posted by
North Carolina
2492 posts
No, the TSA only allows them in checked bags. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/hiking-poles As for the sharp points, you would need to put rubber tips on them so as not to damage anything with them.
Posted by
100 posts
My REI poles fit in the RS Carry-on if you put them in at a 45 degree angle-however, the bag needs to be checked.
Posted by
34 posts
I brought some home from Switzerland last month and they let me put them in my carryon. I even went to a supervisor to check.
I’m not sure how it would have gone if the trip were reversed.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6442 posts
Switzerland may allow trekking poles in carry ons. U.S. TSA, in theory, does not. That brings up another consideration. The traveler needs to check the security rules for every country of travel.
Posted by
Bend, Oregon
2544 posts
Generally, no. They are not allowed in carry on bags.
It’s worth asking your lodging if they have poles available for use. Many people leave them behind. You can also rent them from shops.
Posted by
Connecticut
692 posts
No, not allowed. I purchased a pair in Italy last year. Had to return them the next day after researching the ability to get them home in my carryon.
Posted by
North Carolina
2492 posts
You might consider buying them there and getting them home either by mailing them to yourself or in checked luggage.
Posted by
Indiana
923 posts
No, they must be checked. I have witnessed TSA confiscating them from travelers who put them in carry-on.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8876 posts
There is always the option of checking your bag. That is what I do.
Posted by
OP
Pennsylvania
258 posts
The replies has been very helpful.
Is there place near Jungfrau region where I can rent trekking poles??
What should I expect in terms of price of rental??
thanks..
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6442 posts
We rented sleds in Murren at a sporting goods store & rental. I can see on Google maps that there is a place called Intersport. If others do not provide more info, I would contact your accommodation to find out what they would suggest.
Posted by
Cape Ann, Massachusetts
3334 posts
I just took my trekking poles apart and checked my RS wheeled carryon with everything I could replace if I had to do so (although I have never had an issue with checked luggage not arriving to me in a timely manner). It arrived in Madrid as expected, and back home when the reverse trip was done. I am kind of attached to my trekking poles so didn't want to buy new ones... LOL I'm even more attached now.
Posted by
Bend, OR
1035 posts
No, TSA does not allow and I read somewhere that it’s not the pointed tips but that they are hollow. Anyway, I’m debating on whether to just buy them in Zurich when we arrive and check the bag going home or because we will be doing a lot of hiking and my old well broke in boots are big, dirty and heavy, to just check one of our bags with the boots and poles….decisions