Generally speaking, hikers are a pretty self-sufficient bunch. The act of putting one foot in front of the other for extended periods of time doesn’t usually require too much in the way of specialist equipment, compared to some other activities. However, even if you’re a light packer, you still need to be aware of any restrictions on what you can travel with. You don’t want to have to leave your possessions behind at the check in desk. You will be highly unpopular with others in the queue that took the time to do their research beforehand. Checking in on time is stressful enough without any unexpected and avoidable mishaps. One of the items people ask about most is hiking sticks. So, can you bring hiking sticks on a plane?
The short answer is yes, usually. However, you need to be aware of a few caveats to this. If you assume that you can simply rock up to any airport and expect to board with your hiking sticks, you may be disappointed. Fear not, however. This guide tells you all you need to know to pass safely through customs without your possessions being confiscated.
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Check With the Airline Before You Fly
This might sound like the obvious thing to do, but it’s true that you should always check with the airline prior to flying. You need to do this every time you plan to fly, as different airlines have different rules. These rules often change without notice in response to recent security issues. You will also need to check with the arriving airport as if your equipment is on their prohibited items list, you won’t be able to bring them through customs on the other side. You should also remember the return journey too. Whilst you may have got your hiking sticks into the country, getting them home with you might be a different story. Do your research beforehand and you’ll have peace of mind.
Can You Bring Hiking Sticks on a Plane in Your Carry On Bag?
Your carry on bag is big enough to hold most if not all of the equipment you will need on a hiking trip. If you are planning to hike and camp at different points along the way, you won’t want to take a second bag for the hold. Unfortunately, you will have to stow your hiking sticks away in the hold as most airlines don’t allow them in your carry on bag. The good news is that you don’t need to take an additional bag to store them in, as they can usually be stored in the hold as they are.
Which Kind of Hiking Sticks Are Allowed on a Plane?
In recent years, airport security has been significantly ramped up. Even the most innocuous of items is now subject to extreme scrutiny by the authorities. Often, they are able to make on the spot decisions about what can or cannot fly, should they deem them as a threat. Therefore, you should be prepared to demonstrate that your hiking poles are simply that, and not anything untoward. Many modern hiking poles are collapsible which allow you to take them apart and show airport staff that there is nothing hidden within.
You don’t need to have collapsible hiking poles to be able to bring them with you on your trip, but it will help to increase your chances of them being allowed on the plane. Equally, a rubber end would be preferable to a metal spike. Having said that, as the poles will be stowed away in the hold, you shouldn’t have too much of a problem with the authorities. You should still put the tip guards on your poles to prevent them puncturing the side of your suitcase or damaging anything else.
Consider Renting Hiking Sticks at Your Destination
With everything that goes into planning a trip, asking the question of numerous airlines – can you bring hiking sticks on a plane – might be an unnecessary hassle that you would prefer to do without. You may want to consider renting or buying your hiking poles at your destination instead. If you are going to an area popular with hikers, there will be numerous shops where you can pick up your sticks before hitting the trail.
Final Thoughts
Your hiking trip should be as straightforward as possible. You are there to explore and take in the natural beauty of an environment which is new and different to that which you are used to at home. A little research goes a long way to ensuring you get the maximum enjoyment out of your trip, and don’t get stung by the authorities. If you follow the tips within this guide, you will make your trip more stress-free, and leave you more time to do what you came to do – explore.