Can I take a walking pole on a plane?
When you go on a vacation, the goal of the vacation
is to explore an area that you are unfamiliar with in order to get an
experience that you cannot get if you were still at home. While there are no
doubt various landmarks and restaurants around wherever you travel, there is
no better way to enjoy a new location than to take a hike or trek across its
landscape.
No outdoors is the same. There are different sights
(plants, animals, trees), different smells, different sounds and different
landscapes. Trekking across the outdoors in a new location is easily one of
the best ways to enjoy a trip, as the experiences you have will be the type
that last with you, and when you finally get home you will feel as though
you had a true vacation.
Should you decide that you are going to hike or
trek across the outdoors during your vacation, you will no doubt want to
bring your hiking pole with you. You no doubt purchased the hiking pole for
that specific reason – to hike across tough landscapes as you explore and
envelope yourself in the outdoors. However, before you can bring a walking
or hiking pole to the destination, you need to be able to take it on the
plane with you.
Are Hiking Poles Allowed on Planes?
One of the main benefits of hiking poles are the
sharp points on the bottom that are able to grind themselves in the ground
for traction. Since
Hiking poles, walking poles and trekking poles are
all not allowed to be in the carryon luggage when you go on a plane. The
only exception is if you have a medical reason to carry the pole, and you
need it to walk wherever you go.
How to Take Hiking Poles on Planes
If you want to take your hiking pole with you, you
must check it with your luggage. There is risk to this – as the pole itself
may not be able to withstand the weight of travel. Take apart your pole if
possible, placing each piece in a separate area so that they are not banging
together. Also, try to add protection to the tip so that it neither rips
your luggage nor breaks when slammed against something hard. Make sure your
luggage can fit all the pieces easily as well so that rough travel does not
bend the poles. As long as you are willing to check it with the rest of your
luggage and prepare it for travel, carrying it with you should be simple
provided you do not carry it with you as your carryon luggage.
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