Hiking Poles

[mlr1149]

I'm flying Iberia from the USA. I'm wondering if I can carry them on in my backpack since they are very collapsable lightweight poles or are there problems with TSA?

 

[J Willhaus]

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/am-i-allowed-to-carry-hiking-poles-walking-sticks-into-the-airplane-cabin-with-me.73727/

Here is a pretty comprehensive overview on a thread pinned to the top of the equipment topics. Many of us have asked this question before so this thread was developed.

 

[Telelama]

Hi M, short answer is no.

Officially the TSA prohibits hiking poles in carry on; https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/sporting-and-camping?page=3

If you're leaving the USA or transiting through a US airport, getting poles through security in your carry on is highly dependent upon the particular TSA (Transport Security Administration) official that is screening your backpack that day.

I've never gotten them through security at Denver, but easily got them through security in Dallas several times.

 

[mattythedog]

I'm flying Iberia from the USA. I'm wondering if I can carry them on in my backpack since they are very collapsable lightweight poles or are there problems with TSA?

I have carried both z and telescoping poles in my carry on pack domestically and to Europe, and TSA has never given me a problem. I do put them in a PVC or cardboard packing tube with name, address, etc, in case they catch them and they require checking. I remove and store carbide tips separately. If telescoping, I pull all 3 sections apart so they take up less length. I throw or give away the packing tube when I arrive at the start of the Camino. Take your chances. I personally know 5 people who checked packs only because of the poles, and had them lost in baggage, and had their Caminos delayed at least a day.

 

[J F Gregory]

Hi M, short answer is no.

Officially the TSA prohibits hiking poles in carry on; https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/sporting-and-camping?page=3

If you're leaving the USA or transiting through a US airport, getting poles through security in your carry on is highly dependent upon the particular TSA (Transport Security Administration) official that is screening your backpack that day.

I've never gotten them through security at Denver, but easily got them through security in Dallas several times.

We have always got then through Seattle. We are on the Frances right now.