Avid hikers love going on new trails wherever they can, which includes trails in cities and countries far and away. Many hikers who will be flying and use hiking sticks or trekking poles often ask: can you bring hiking sticks on the plane?
Yes, you can bring a hiking stick, hiking pole, or trekking pole on a plane as long as it is in your checked luggage. Hiking sticks are not allowed in carry-on bags. The TSA only permits walking sticks, canes, and other like items to remain out of your luggage on a plane if they are required assistive devices. Because hiking sticks and trekking poles are not considered assistive devices they must be stored in your checked luggage.
Can I Bring Hiking Sticks On A Plane?
As we covered, the TSA only allows non-assistive devices like hiking sticks to be inside your checked bag, so you can bring them- they just need to fit in your luggage.
Bringing Hiking Sticks On The Plane In A Carry-On Bag
To reiterate, TSA guidelines do not allow hiking poles to be brought in carry-on bags, so you’ll need to put them in your checked bags during your flight.
Bringing Hiking Sticks On The Plane In Checked Luggage
If you have hiking poles that don’t break down, you’ll need to put them in checked luggage.
Although most trekking poles are rugged (especially the one-piece versions that can’t be broken down), you’ll still want to take steps to protect your equipment.
Don’t settle for a soft bag. Pack your hiking sticks in a long shipping container or other rigid tube or carrying case to keep them safe from damage on your flight.
Tips For Bringing Hiking Sticks On The Plane
Check With Your Airport’s TSA Officials
By speaking with TSA personnel at your local airport, you may find they have different guidelines that will allow you to bring your hiking sticks on the plane in their fully-assembled form or in your carry-on bag.
This is typically more common with smaller or rural airports than airports in major cities, but it’s always worth a try.
How To Pack Hiking Poles In Luggage
We recommend assuming that you’ll need to pack your poles in your luggage rather than be allowed to leave them out while on the plane.
Follow these easy steps to pack your hiking poles ahead of time, saving you time and frustration at the airport:
- Step 1: Fully collapse or break down your hiking poles (depending on if they’re telescoping or modular).
- Step 2: Line them along the edge of your bag with both points facing the same way.
- Step 3: If your poles have sharp points at the ends and you’re worried about them damaging other things in your bag or the luggage itself, ball up a thick sock around the ends, or pop some tennis balls on them, securing the balls with tape if necessary.
- Step 4: Pad your hiking poles with soft items like clothing to keep them from being bent as your bag moves through the airport’s luggage system.
Alternatives To Bringing Hiking Poles On A Plane
If all the above sounds like too much hassle for you, we understand!
You can save the stress and keep some extra space in your luggage by simply renting a pair of trekking poles or hiking sticks from a shop near your destination.
Just plan ahead and make the calls and/or reservations so you know which way to go.
You may find that the cost of renting some hiking sticks is cheaper than the cost of a checked bag!
FAQs On Bringing Hiking Sticks On Airplanes
Yes, but they need to be in your checked bags only. The TSA does not allow hiking poles to be brought in carry on bags.
No, TSA does not currently allow hiking sticks or other non-assistive devices to be in carry on bags, but you can bring them in your checked luggage.
Yes, the TSA allows hiking poles and trekking poles to be brought in your checked bags only.
Be sure to pack them properly and cover the points so they don’t damage your luggage or other belongings during handling, and be sure to pad around them with your other items to prevent them from damage or being bent during transport.