Does anyone know it you can take Walking Sticks in carry on luggage?

Hiking or trekking poles have to go in checked luggage.

http://blog.tsa.gov/2014/05/tsa-travel-tips-travel-tips-for.html

Last year we put ours in a folding duffle bag and checked it. TSA a doesn't allow them in carry-on.

Thank you Sasha and Patty. Appreciate your feedback. Guess we will need to decide if it is better to check our luggage or look for a pair of walking sticks once we arrive in Italy. Great to have such support from fellow travelers.

cabrams I have carried-on one collapsible walking stick on my last two trips. I strapped it on to the outside of my carryon bag so it was totally visible. I bought a cheap one over there on the trip before that. I understand that TSA website says no, but its not really a walking stick in your case - its a medical device.

Good point Stan. It truly is a medical issue and I am sure we could get a note from the orthopedic surgeon. Thanks ..very helpful

It matters if the tips are pointed. A single "walking stick" with a flat blunt end might be allowed as a medical device, especially if you have a doctor's note. But a pair of regular trekking poles, with pointed tips, are clearly banned by TSA, according to the website. Even if you have the protective cap on the tips

Are these the Black Diamond Z-poles that fold up? I wouldn't take a chance on losing them. Inexpensive trekking poles are easy to find in Italy in the mountain towns, but I don't know about cities. Where does the tour start?

Or maybe check one bag, even if it is carry-on size.

I agree with Patty.'s suggestion. Why not just check them? If you don't want to check your bag, get a separate lightweight bag like a nylon duffle bag, wrap the poles in bubble wrap or cardboard, put them in the bag and check.

A zip up tote like this works well as you can fold it up and put it in your main bag after you arrive.

https://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catalog/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&id=38

It is not just TSA in the U.S. that you need to be concerned about. Years ago, before 9/11, I was stopped at CDG carrying trekking poles in my carry on at security. They sent me back to check-in to check the poles. My poles have sharp metal points with plastic covers. The key will be whether your pole is more like a cane with a flat bottom or if it has a sharp tip.

I've done a lot of walking in Scotland and I am very glad to have my trekking poles. So, I always check a bag. It's one bag, Touch wood, I've not had a problem. My luggage, thus far only gets lost in the US. But, I do carry on all electronics, change of clothes, toiletries, and other valuables. And since I'm checking I can actually use my purse. : )

Thank you all so very much. This is an important issue for us since we really are hoping to hike. The ideas are very useful. We will check out what is available at REI tomorrow since our current poles have pointed ends with caps. Since we plan on carrying on our luggage the idea of just checking the poles as our luggage is a good one. Happy Traveling to all.

This question has been asked before and the consensus was that you just put them in checked baggage.