Iberia - walking sticks in cabin baggage possible?

[Binka33]

Hello,

I would like to ask if any of you has a recent experience when travelling with Iberia to Spain (within Europe) - if it is possible to take the walking sticks (folded) in the cabin as I dont have any checked baggage purchased.
If I shall risk it?

Many thanks for your comments!

 

[David with new Kit!]

There was a thread running recently on this very subject, lots of posts!!
If you can afford to have them confiscated at security, then take them.
If you can´t, then leave them and buy a cheap pair on arrival. That's what my wife is going to do.

 

[FSP]

Not to mention the delay that happens to everyone else waiting in the security check line behind people that try to slip them through security.

 

[jsalt]

It depends who is on security. LOTS of stories on this forum. You might be allowed through, you might not. I would never risk taking my expensive foldup Black Diamond poles in cabin baggage. I would leave them at home and pick up a cheap stick once I started walking.

 

[David with new Kit!]

It depends who is on security. LOTS of stories on this forum. You might be allowed through, you might not. I would never risk taking my expensive foldup Black Diamond poles in cabin baggage. I would leave them at home and pick up a cheap stick once I started walking.

My wife also has black diamond, hence my narrow view of advice above. I wonder how far the thread will run this time

 

[Tincatinker]

This topic has been thrashed so often it is beginning to enjoy it.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have added my personal experiences and two cents worth on this topic too many times, so I'll just say this...yes, no, possibly, maybe, depends.

 

[alexwalker]

As soon as you start your Camino, you will find abandoned sticks in most albergues/can buy cheap ones in many stores. Do not buy sticks at home: You will only delay the line in security control, and you will have it confiscated in customs anyway.

The same goes for Swiss/Other knives etc. Buy a cheap knife for bread/sausages etc. when in Spain, and give it to your last albergue before you leave for home. Problem solved.

Remember, you can buy almost anything in Spain, for a fraction of the cost in your own country: Spain is a VERY civilized, ancient country/culture. I guess only Ancient Rome, Greece, China, Egypt, and the Middle East (Jordan, Irac, etc.) and possibly Cambodia are in front of them, historically.

After all, they also "discovered" and "populated" America. Or at least, it was an Italian, of Norw. descent, according to some research, who did it: Christopher Columbus.

It never ceases to amaze me that many pilgrims do not understand that Spain is a highly civilized, ancient and proud country, with everything you need, at a fraction of the cost in your own country.

 

[henrythedog]

Hello,

I would like to ask if any of you has a recent experience when travelling with Iberia to Spain (within Europe) - if it is possible to take the walking sticks (folded) in the cabin as I dont have any checked baggage purchased.
If I shall risk it?

Many thanks for your comments!

Check them in or buy them on arrival. Innumerable previous threads generally arrived at that conclusion.

Of course, some people have managed to take their poles as cabin luggage; but they are very much the exception.

The airline doesn’t matter, the staff on the security station make the decision.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

The airline doesn’t matter, the staff on the security station make the decision.

Yes, and they can be either in a good mood or a bad mood; I've encountered both.

 

[alexwalker]

It is actually very interesting to indulge in history: Here are some (hopefully) interesting aspects for you:

The Egyptian Empire

The Chinese Empire

The Greek Empire

The Roman Empire

The Jordan wonder

The Cambodian Empire

The links are in chronological time order (I hope). Life & advanced culture existed intelligently for milleniums in the rest of the World while the Western countries used wooden clubs banging at the heads of "enemies" in order to solve internal problems, and indigneous peolpe in America were stoneage people, while people on the South Americas were developed albeight ot a very bloody attitude.

Some things never change, do they?

Spain is truly a rich cultural country beyond your imagination.

Buen Camino in a fantastic land.!

 

[alexwalker]

I should also mention that (most) all the Empires I have mentioned, fell in a matter of a few years. It is surprisingly easy how empires fall down and break, in a short time. We must learn from history, or else we will repeat it. Reflection time...

 

[Albertagirl]

Last week, I bought a new walking stick, wooden. I plan on taking it with me to Spain next week, on the plane. I shall limp my way through security and look a little startled when my new knee sets off the alarm (the surgeon's nurse assures me that this will happen). I am a little better than 50% sure that I shall be allowed to take the stick onboard with me. Which is just as well, as the pain is not wholly finished with me yet and I have a lot of walking to do.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Last week, I bought a new walking stick, wooden. I plan on taking it with me to Spain next week, on the plane. I shall limp my way through security and look a little startled when my new knee sets off the alarm (the surgeon's nurse assures me that this will happen). I am a little better than 50% sure that I shall be allowed to take the stick onboard with me. Which is just as well, as the pain is not wholly finished with me yet and I have a lot of walking to do.

All the best to you next week, @Albertagirl, as you head out on your Camino! Let us know if you are allowed that wooden walking stick in the cabin; are you bringing a note from your doctor?

 

[witsendwv]

This topic has been thrashed so often it is beginning to enjoy it.

My son has a pirate tee shirt that says: "The beatings will continue until the morale improves." I don't think that this is the last time the question will be asked!

 

[Zordmot]

Hello,

I would like to ask if any of you has a recent experience when travelling with Iberia to Spain (within Europe) - if it is possible to take the walking sticks (folded) in the cabin as I dont have any checked baggage purchased.
If I shall risk it?

Many thanks for your comments!

Oh my, here we go again!

 

[Binka33]

Dear all,
thanks for your comments
See that it amused many of you

Of course Spain is a very civilized and beautiful country that is why we all come and return there.

Buen camino!

 

[Karen Cap]

It depends who is on security. LOTS of stories on this forum. You might be allowed through, you might not. I would never risk taking my expensive foldup Black Diamond poles in cabin baggage. I would leave them at home and pick up a cheap stick once I started walking.

I really like my black diamond walking poles. Very light. They were expensive. The last time I walked the Camino, I bought some cheap walking poles. They were very heavy. I check my backpack. It got to Madrid ok.

 

[ukjohn99]

Hello,

I would like to ask if any of you has a recent experience when travelling with Iberia to Spain (within Europe) - if it is possible to take the walking sticks (folded) in the cabin as I dont have any checked baggage purchased.
If I shall risk it?

Many thanks for your comments!

Walking poles - even folding or telescopic ones - are not allowed as personal luggage but can go in the hold with checked baggage. I was worried about my backpack straps causing a problem on the conveyor belts so bought a bag from https://www.pro-tector.co.uk. That maybe overkill but it kept all the straps inside the bag for transit. I also bought a a pair of telescopic walking poles that went inside the backpack. I found the poles indispensable on my Camino because many paths are quite rough and rocky as well as being steep in places. I highly recommend taking some with you. Buen Camino!

 

[Binka33]

Walking poles - even folding or telescopic ones - are not allowed as personal luggage but can go in the hold with checked baggage. I was worried about my backpack straps causing a problem on the conveyor belts so bought a bag from https://www.pro-tector.co.uk. That maybe overkill but it kept all the straps inside the bag for transit. I also bought a a pair of telescopic walking poles that went inside the backpack. I found the poles indispensable on my Camino because many paths are quite rough and rocky as well as being steep in places. I highly recommend taking some with you. Buen Camino!

Thanks for your comment!

 

[Linda Fantillo]

I have always put my pack in the hold with my Pacer Poles folded down to fit. I would NEVER want to lose them. Any old pair would never do for me - been there, done that.

 

[lt56ny]

As soon as you start your Camino, you will find abandoned sticks in most albergues/can buy cheap ones in many stores. Do not buy sticks at home: You will only delay the line in security control, and you will have it confiscated in customs anyway.

The same goes for Swiss/Other knives etc. Buy a cheap knife for bread/sausages etc. when in Spain, and give it to your last albergue before you leave for home. Problem solved.

Remember, you can buy almost anything in Spain, for a fraction of the cost in your own country: Spain is a VERY civilized, ancient country/culture. I guess only Ancient Rome, Greece, China, Egypt, and the Middle East (Jordan, Irac, etc.) and possibly Cambodia are in front of them, historically.

After all, they also "discovered" and "populated" America. Or at least, it was an Italian, of Norw. descent, according to some research, who did it: Christopher Columbus.

It never ceases to amaze me that many pilgrims do not understand that Spain is a highly civilized, ancient and proud country, with everything you need, at a fraction of the cost in your own country.

When I arrive in any city pre camino I do three things. Buy a sim card at either Orange or Vodafone, buy a cheap pocket knife to cut my cheese, bread, tomatoes, kiwis etc and buy some cheap walking poles. I can always get some pretty good ones that do me just fine for sometimes under 20 euros. At the end I leave them at an albergue.

 

[C clearly]

Walking poles - even folding or telescopic ones - are not allowed as personal luggage

Except when they are!

 

[Philtration]

I went through security with walking sticks twice in early July on my way to Spain. First time in Boise ID, and again the next day in Portland OR. I returned via Barcelona a couple of weeks ago with my sticks in the cabin also. The sticks were in an outside pocket and clearly visible. I also had a $10 kids backpack with me in case they weren't allowed and I needed to go back to the counter and check them. Just get there early enough that if you have to check them you can.

 

[henrythedog]

Except when they are!

And therein lies the problem! I’ve never seen any official guidance which would explicitly permit them, many examples of where they’re explicitly not permitted; but the ‘decision’ is down to the attention of the x-ray operator and the mood of the security staff; most working a long shift on minimum wage.

Would anyone care to stick their head above the parapet and recommend to the next enquirer (there’ll be one next week) that they pack their poles in carry-on?

The electricity consumed in discussing this on a (very) regular basis could well be contributing to climate change.

 

[cbacino]

Hello,

I would like to ask if any of you has a recent experience when travelling with Iberia to Spain (within Europe) - if it is possible to take the walking sticks (folded) in the cabin as I dont have any checked baggage purchased.
If I shall risk it?

Many thanks for your comments!

There seems to be no consistent policy among airports about trekking poles. Airport security, not airlines, decides what gets into the airplane cabin. I have seen poles pass through security once, but It is the rare exception. You can always try to slip them through security at the almost certain risk of having them confiscated. Trekking poles are effective weapons; I have used them to fend off packs of aggressive dogs on the Via Francigena. I dismantle poles and put them in my checked backpack.

 

[henrythedog]

I went through security with walking sticks twice in early July on my way to Spain. First time in Boise ID, and again the next day in Portland OR. I returned via Barcelona a couple of weeks ago with my sticks in the cabin also. The sticks were in an outside pocket and clearly visible. I also had a $10 kids backpack with me in case they weren't allowed and I needed to go back to the counter and check them. Just get there early enough that if you have to check them you can.

Not everyone really thinks through what will pass security …

The Gun Seizure Rate At Airports Doubled In 2020

Since the pandemic started, there's been a significant spike in passengers packing firearms in their carry-on luggage. And the vast majority of those guns are loaded.

www.forbes.com

 

[Xali1970]

I check my backpack in the hold, with everything that Airport Security may find offensive (swiss army knife, walking poles, etc.) To limit theft I have wrapped at the airport.
I carry a tiny little bag as cabin luggage with the stuff I cannot easily replace (CPAP machine and medical supplies).
Trying anything else will leave you at the mercy of check in staff and security.

 

[C clearly]

The electricity consumed in discussing this on a (very) regular basis could well be contributing to climate change.

Don't forget the contribution from the "buy-a-new-set-of-poles-and-discard-them-every-year" crowd.

I check my backpack in the hold, with everything that Airport Security may find offensive (swiss army knife, walking poles, etc.) To limit theft I have wrapped at the airport.
I carry a tiny little bag as cabin luggage

I suggest that you do the reverse - check a tiny bag/package with the offensive stuff, and carry all the rest into the cabin. That is the lowest risk solution.

 

[henrythedog]

Touché!

I agree.

 

[J F Gregory]

I have always been able to break down my walking sticks and put them inside my luggage I've never had a problem with carry on

 

[trecile]

I suggest that you do the reverse - check a tiny bag/package with the offensive stuff, and carry all the rest into the cabin. That is the lowest risk solution.

Agreed! I carefully choose what goes in my pack - not to mention the pack itself! I wouldn't want to have to purchase everything anew if my bag went missing!

I normally do some touristy traveling before/after my Camino, so I check a bag with my pre/post Camino clothes and also my poles. I then send the suitcase to Santiago.

The only time I didn't do this was on a short Camino trip. That time I checked in an old duffel bag with my poles in it, and then donated the duffel at my first albergue. On the way home I checked my pack with poles.

 

[jsalt]

For a slight change of topic, try taking an umbrella into the cabin with you.

They ARE actually allowed as cabin baggage . . . look it up! . . . but getting it through security is hilarious.

I have brought FOUR back with me now. They cost 5 euros or so on the camino, so no big deal if they get taken off me. The last time involved three flights.

I got it on the first one, a long haul overnight flight, but I had a bit of a tussle in Angola when the head honcho wouldn't let me through to the connecting flight to Johannesburg.

However, he got sidetracked, and his sidekick motioned me to leg it through the door double-quick.

At Johannesburg, though, I was well and truly stopped.

Had to leave my trusty companion on a chair at the check-in desk.

On arrival at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (there really is such a place), my final destination, a staff member approached me with a huge smile and my faithful umbrella .

 

[vjpdx]

Remember, you can buy almost anything in Spain, for a fraction of the cost in your own country.

To further beat a very sick horse...

I have it on good authority (you guys) that you can buy poles and really anything else you need along the popular routes. To give you an idea of prices, check out Decathlon, which has shops almost everywhere now. To a USian, these prices are crazy cheap. The small non-chain shops are probably a smidge more expensive.

 

[trecile]

To further beat a very sick horse...

I have it on good authority (you guys) that you can buy poles and really anything else you need along the popular routes. To give you an idea of prices, check out Decathlon, which has shops almost everywhere now. To a USian, these prices are crazy cheap. The small non-chain shops are probably a smidge more expensive.

Just FYI - you can enjoy those crazy cheap prices in the US now. Decathlon has had two stores in the San Francisco area for a few years now, and you can order their products online. They offer free shipping for purchases $35 and over.

Decathlon | Best Gear, Clothing and Footwear For All Sports

World leader in sports equipment now in the USA. Shop Decathlon for 10,000+ products across 80+ sports. Free shipping over $35. Free pickup. Free returns.

www.decathlon.com

 

[vjpdx]

Just FYI - you can enjoy those crazy cheap prices in the US now. Decathlon has had two stores in the San Francisco area for a few years now, and you can order their products online. They offer free shipping for purchases $35 and over.

Decathlon | Best Gear, Clothing and Footwear For All Sports

World leader in sports equipment now in the USA. Shop Decathlon for 10,000+ products across 80+ sports. Free shipping over $35. Free pickup. Free returns.

www.decathlon.com

I know - I see a field trip to SF at some point soon. For science, you know?

I discovered the other day that you can also order Decathlon products online... via Walmart. Will wonders never cease? (free shipping with no order minimum, too)

(I have no affiliation with Decathlon or Walmart, honest.)

 

[trecile]

I know - I see a field trip to SF at some point soon. For science, you know?

A pilgrimage of sorts?

 

[Mycroft]

Agreed! I carefully choose what goes in my pack - not to mention the pack itself! I wouldn't want to have to purchase everything anew if my bag went missing!

I normally do some touristy traveling before/after my Camino, so I check a bag with my pre/post Camino clothes and also my poles. I then send the suitcase to Santiago.

The only time I didn't do this was on a short Camino trip. That time I checked in an old duffel bag with my poles in it, and then donated the duffel at my first albergue. On the way home I checked my pack with poles.

Clever, as always, Trecile!

 

[Chris from Michigan]

Hello,

I would like to ask if any of you has a recent experience when travelling with Iberia to Spain (within Europe) - if it is possible to take the walking sticks (folded) in the cabin as I dont have any checked baggage purchased.
If I shall risk it?

Many thanks for your comments!

Iberia's website specifically says "no" - https://www.iberia.com/us/faqs/hand...idlbmaSrjgTalA8gR9SBithuryeoGULcLdrD3sR4-TF4E

"Blunt objects that can cause injury, such as selfie sticks, bats and mountaineering accessories like trekking and hiking poles, must also be checked in."