Can I bring hiking poles or sticks on plane? is a common question asked by beginners looking to hike far from home.

Hiking is easy; all you have to do is fill a backpack and go. But what if you want to hike in a different city. Knowing the rules and regulations is important to help keep you safe from breaking the law and penalties.

You can bring hiking poles or sticks on a plane through your checked baggage since the TSA does not allow hiking poles and sticks in carry-on baggage. That’s because any item that can be used as a potential weapon on a plane is strictly prohibited.

Airlines are constantly updating their rules and regulations, so you need to know the rules before you board a plane along with your hiking pole or sticks. Here we will look at how you can bring your hiking poles or sticks on a plane.

As hiking enthusiasts who have traveled and hiked on multiple trails both within the country and abroad, we can provide you with all of the information you need when it comes to taking your hiking sticks or poles on a plane.

Can I Bring Hiking Poles or Sticks on Plane?

Hikers have it relatively simple. We simply pack our packs and head out if we want to go hiking. Besides proper footwear and some basic apparel, we don't require a lot of items. In fact, if we're efficient, we can pack everything we need for a hiking holiday into a single suitcase or backpack and carry it on the aircraft. Trying to bring hiking poles on a plane might be challenging.

Traveling with trekking poles on an airline has proven difficult for hikers since 9/11. In some circumstances, trekking poles might fall into a gray area with the TSA (Transportation Security Administration of the United States).

While the TSA prohibits trekking poles from carrying carry-on luggage, we have some ideas from experience on how to travel with them. Ski and hiking poles are not permitted as a carry-on.

Hiking poles and trekking poles aren’t allowed in carry-on luggage. Hiking poles that are retractable or extensible are prohibited. TSA employees on the ground have the ultimate word on what equipment is allowed or not allowed past security checkpoints. However, all trekking sticks are forbidden from being carried in hand baggage.

Your trekking poles can be checked in as baggage. Simply be aware that checked luggage may be lost or delayed. There is also the possibility of theft. Given the cost of checked luggage, you might consider having your trekking poles sent to your location. Collapsible walking poles might be packed into a tiny container and sent directly to your hotel before you arrive at your destination. This is not only considered to be more efficient, safer, but is also cheaper.

Dismantle the Hiking Pole

Hiking sticks are not permitted in carry-on luggage, save at the discretion of a TSA agent, according to the TSA's rules and regulations. Walking sticks and canes, on the other hand, are permitted. TSA officials have been known to let hiking poles in carry-on luggage at select airports, mainly in outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that they may be disallowed at any time.

If this occurs, you may always return to ticketing and check your luggage; otherwise, it will be confiscated. To increase the chances of a TSA inspector turning a blind eye, don't keep them on the exterior of your bag; instead, break them down into smaller pieces.

To increase the chances of a TSA agent turning a blind eye, do not place them on the outside of your bag; instead, totally break them down within your carry-on. Remove the pole sections, remove the tips, and cover any pointy ends with tip protectors. Make your trekking poles as inconspicuous as possible.

Why are Hiking Poles Not Allowed on Planes?

Baseball bats, ski poles, hockey sticks, and other similar equipment are forbidden and will be seized if taken through on carry-on if they are not medically essential due to their capacity to be used to assault someone onboard the plane.

There have been suggestions that certain goods be allowed back into carry-on luggage. These proposals were intended to allow many previously prohibited items (pocket knives, ski poles, and hockey sticks) to go through security before going onto domestic flights, but they were never passed.

The official TSA listing for hiking poles may be found here. The reason for this is that they might be deemed a weapon because they are the standard size and form for a baton, and may include a sharp metal tip under the plastic cap, making them a stabbing weapon as well.

While TSA problems are well-known in the United States because of the large number of thru-hikers and people coming in to conduct longer walks, it’s crucial to highlight that the problem exists internationally. Like the TSA, Spain and England have similar limits on what may be brought aboard the plane within the cabin. It is courteous to phone the airline and clarify these rules.

The TSA has a blog that goes through a lot of the popular backpacking gear and if it is TSA-restricted or whether you need to check with your airline for their unique limitations. While this post is from 2015, it is still featured and the only one that addresses backpacking equipment; thus, it is still necessary, in our opinion, to ensure you are fully covered for the trip.

So, are there any exceptions to this rule? According to the TSA, trekking poles that are used as mobility aids are allowed past the checkpoint and onboard the airline. Make sure your trekking poles are placed on the X-ray belt for screening. Allow TSA personnel to do the examination and inform them if you want assistance throughout the screening procedure or need to be reunited with your trekking poles right away.

On a side note, if you just want to bring carry-on luggage and the shipping cost is cheaper than the cost of buying or renting a pair at your location, sending your hiking poles may be the best option for you.

Finding an appropriate-sized box and the time and money required to package and transport the poles are all disadvantages of this strategy. On the other hand, your trekking poles will almost certainly arrive safely at your destination.