Hi All, I have been reading this forum and I am determined to pack light for our trip to Europe, but I really need to take my foldable walking stick to hike in the Alps. Just wondering if I will have a problem putting it in my carry-on. So many rules now about what you can take on board - but can't find anything about sticks...lol Anyone tried this? Thanks,
Donna
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5850 posts
You might, particularly if it has a pointy tip. Even before 9/11, I was made to check my collapsible hiking poles at Charles De Gaulle airport when I tried to go through security. Mine had the hard metal tip (similar to ski poles) with a removable plastic cover. TSA lists ski poles as prohibited in carry-on. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Unless you can come up with a doctors note that the walking stick is medically necessary, the stick has to be checked. They're considered the same as ski-poles.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5850 posts
By the way, packing light and checking a bag are not mutually exclusive. You can still pack light even if you check your poles. It is probably best just to plan to check them so you aren't scrambling at the airport with reorganising your bag (as I was).
Posted by
OP
Shelby
71 posts
Thanks - that is what I was afraid of :( So glad I asked - you guys/gals know everything! So grateful I found this site!
Donna
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
I took a folding cane from Idaho to Istanbul and back from Amsterdam through Seattle to home. The biggest problem I had was in the U.S. It was more trouble than it was help. I won't even consider doing something like that again. Don't you know you can stuff a hollow object with explosive? You can find the TSA list of allowable items by going to: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm It might be easier to just do an internet seach: TSA prohibited items. Thousands Standing Around will be happy to help you.
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3287 posts
A folding cane is very different from a hiking pole, at least as perceived by TSa regs. A hiking pole ( or stick) is basically a ski pole, with a pointed tip, but it collapses for transport and is adjustable in length. These are considered by TSA to be in the same class as ski poles which are on the noon list. While you might on occasion encounter a TSa agent who is willing to consider it a cane rather than a hiking pole/ski pole, I would not count on it. We and everyone we know have always checked ours.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
This discussion reminds me of the comic several years ago who suggested that every passenger be issued a baseball bat as they boarded. What terrorist would try to hijack THAT plane?