Hiking Poles in Carry On Rule - has it changed?

You might want to bring a printed copy to Security Screening in case the TSA employee you get hasn’t gotten the word about the new rules. When all is said and done, the new rule says what is allowed is up to the official screening your carry on.

Are you sure the rule has changed? Last I heard, they changed the rules to allow hiking poles and then that day or the next, they changed it back.

EDITED TO ADD: I did check the TSA website and it does say blunt tipped are allowed. Not sure when it changed. I'd be happier if there was a date on the page.

You may want to check to see if the security entity that will check your bags for the return to the U.S. also allows the poles. I've had a few instances (Kindergarten rounded scissors confiscated in France) where items allowed per TSA were not allowed in another country.

Still recall the "hack" someone saw. While they may not allow hiking poles, they do allow mobility aids (canes). The teller of the story mentioned how he saw a couple stop well ahead of security, take their poles out, hobble up to security, get through, then pop them back in their bag and on their way.

But really, the sticking point is what defines a blunt tip. Most have a metal tip, covering with a rubber cap does not "fix" or change it.

There are poles that have flat carbide tips, plus ones with different tips to interchange. Mine have a flat tip that is hollow, plus a rubber cap, they also fold up to less than 16". I have not had even a question going through a half dozen security checks, but then I only take one, and use it often as a cane.