Trying to carry trekking poles on an airplane has been a challenge for hikers who fly since the devastation of 9/11.
Trekking poles appear to be prohibited, but they can fall into a gray area with TSA, the Transportation Security Administration of the United States.
While the TSA does not allow them in carry-on bags, we have some tips from experience on how to travel with trekking poles.
Are hiking poles allowed in carry-on luggage?
Ski and hiking poles are not permitted as carry-ons, but walking canes and walking sticks are permitted if Providing they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed.
Ski and hiking poles are permitted in check in luggage providing these items must not exceed 36 inches (91 cm) in total combined length.
How do you bring hiking poles on a plane?
So ,you have read all the above and still want to bring your hiking stick with you mon vacation here are some tips on How do you bring hiking poles on a plane.
1. Send Them
Send them ahead of time to your destination via DHL or UPS. They have a good chance of getting there. The only drawbacks are that it requires more planning and costs money.
2. Check Them In
Place them in your checked bag. If they don’t fit into your suitcase when collapsed, pull them apart completely. Cover the tips with duct tape or something to prevent the points from ripping your clothes or suitcases to shreds.
They have a good chance of getting there, and it doesn’t take much planning. If you would not otherwise check your bags, the additional cost is the baggage fee, which you will have to pay unless you are traveling on Southwest.
3. Pack Them In Your Back Pack
Wrap them in clothes, stuff them in your daypack. This should not be possible! I was completely taken aback when someone on a hiking trip did exactly this. I wouldn’t recommend it, but everyone has a different risk tolerance!
4. Buy One
While this solution is not ideal it could save you a lot of headache at the airport trying to get your walking stick on the plane.Once you have arrived at your destination you can buy a new walking stick or even rent one from the the travel agency.
Bringing Folding & Collapsible Canes and Hiking Sticks on Airplanes
There are folding canes and hiking sticks that fold up small enough to fit in most carry-on bags. If you aren’t checking bags, you can fit the cane or walking stick inside a carry-on and bring it with you.
It will be useful to have while walking through the airport. The cane will be scanned along with other devices and items using an X-ray machine.
If you don’t want to bring checked bags, collapsible canes and hiking poles are always a good option. Check out our travel-friendly folding canes and walking sticks.
Here are some of the Best Hiking Sticks To take on A Plane
A good foldable hiking stick makes it easier for hikers in climbing steep hills or slippery slopes where footing is uncertain thus providing an extra upper hand on their exploration experience.
Hiking sticks are very helpful tools specially made for people who love to travel and discover beautiful places with fresh air but rough terrain – great place to train the body and mind.
1. Leki trekking pole
The first is the Leki trekking pole stick that has a telescoping grip to adjust to users of different heights and ages. It also has a wrist strap which helps keep it nearby during hikes, but it’s not as comfortable as the Merrell stick.
2. Trekking Poles Collapsible Nordic Hiking Pole Pair
The second is the Nordic Hiking Pole that has an ergonomic grip and a cork handle. It also claims to reduce joint stress, so it’s the best for people with issues with their hands or wrists.
3. CLINE Travel Folding Trekking Hiking Pole with Carrying Case
Can you take hiking backpacks as carry-on on a plane?
Yes, Hiking backpacks are allowed on flights as long as they follow the terms of the airline’s policy.
It is not prudent to pack anything fragile inside your hiking backpack because it will not survive being tossed around like other bags.
Hiking backpacks are allowed as carry-on luggage on most major airlines, as long as they follow the rules and regulations of each carrier.
When flying with a travel pack, make sure to check the airline’s policy to ensure your hiking backpack will be permitted in the cabin area.
Gate agents will allow hikers to stow their backpack temporarily if there is room aboard the flight, but do not take it for granted that you can bring a large backpack onto an airplane.
Some people have asked about carrying a camping backpack or daypack on board; this may depend on how much space is available in the overhead compartments.
Can I bring a 50L backpack as a carry-on?
No, It Would not be carry-on size as the carry-on size for a bag is 32cm x 46cm x 23cm.
Carry on bags need to meet size requirements set by each airline so check with your airline for more information, however as of 1 April 2008 the following guidelines apply if you’re flying Qantas Airways.
Cabin OK – 32cm x 46cm x 23cm. Includes laptops and smaller cabin bags that fit inside larger cabin bags. Make sure they can fit under the seat in front of you.
Cabin Too Big – If you have a cabin bag that is bigger than the above dimensions, we’ll give you a complimentary plastic airline approved stowaway bag or use our boxes for sale at most airports.
Smaller items such as wallets and purses are allowed in carry on bags if they fit inside your luggage.
Conclusion
Hiking poles are not allowed in carry-on luggage, but you should check with your airline to confirm the size and weight restrictions.
Airlines have different policies on how they handle hiking poles: some will allow them as long as they’re under a certain length or weight while others may require you go through baggage claim before boarding if it’s too big to fit in an overhead bin.
Hikers who want to make sure their pole is within regulations can use packing tape to measure (make sure the end of the tape meets up). Alternatively, hikers could also buy one that folds down for easy travel.
This article was originally published by Campingearth.com. Read the original article here.
