Can You Take Hiking Poles On A Plane?  We Did Some Research

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This post was crafted with care and occasional typos by Colleen (and not AI)

Every day on Camino groups and forums the same question is asked : Can you bring hiking poles on a plane? 

This is a perpetual problem for folks like me, who train for their Camino using their own hiking poles, but when travelling to the Camino, prefer to use carry-on luggage.

I decided to do some research and see if there was some clear guidance. 

Can You Take Your Hiking Poles In Carry On Luggage?

Many people (myself included) wonder why it’s ok to take an umbrella or a walking aid through airport security but hiking poles in your carry-on luggage are considered a no-no.   I’m not sure I found a clear answer why, but it’s consistently written that hiking poles could be used as a weapon so I don’t think the policy is about to change.  Here are the most common reasons :

Airline Regulations

Many airlines have strict rules about what can be carried on their planes. Hiking poles can be considered a potential weapon or a sharp object. To be fair, if your pole doesn’t collapse or you don’t have rubber hiking tips, then they have a point (literally).

Space and Size

My Black Diamond hiking poles collapse and easily fit inside my carry-on rucksack but my old Pacer Poles would have been way more problematic.  Hiking poles can be bulky or an awkward size to fit into the overhead storage lockers; unfolded they certainly wouldn’t fit under the seat. 

Security Screening

During security checks in some airports, hiking poles could raise concerns and require additional scrutiny. This can lead to unwanted delays if they are subject to extra inspection.  And don’t you just hate it when you have to unpack everything and wait whilst your bag checked and rescreened?

Potential for Damage

I’m not sure airlines concern themselves too much about property damage but this is something to consider.  Even if you were allowed to bring hiking poles on the plane, they could get damaged in compartments that are often cramped and where bags are jostled for extra space.  I’ve seen many folks push their suitcases in and slam the doors shut in the hope that it all fits.

Country Specific Regulations: Can You Fly With Trekking Poles?

The biggest issue travellers face is that regulations on what is allowed in the cabin are three-fold.  Airline Policy, National Aviation Guidance and individual airport security rules all play a part.  An added complication is that Camino passengers arrive from all corners of the globe; so messages can be mixed.

USA Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Generally, hiking poles and walking sticks are not allowed in carry-on luggage. They are considered potential weapons or could be used inappropriately, which is why they must be packed in checked luggage.

Anecdotally many people report that folded, collapsible poles have been allowed.  However, this is at the discretion of the individual officer on any day, so whilst one may allow hiking poles, the next officer may not.  The general advice is don’t take the risk.

Spanish Airports and Air Navigation(AENA)

AENA follows guidelines similar to those of the US. Generally, hiking poles and walking sticks are considered prohibited in carry-on luggage due to their potential use as a weapon or their design. They are typically required to be packed in checked luggage.

There are of course exceptions, where travellers report they had no issues but personally, I’m not going to risk having to leave an expensive pair of Black Diamond Poles behind.

United Kingdom Department for Transport

The UK Department for Transport states that items like hiking poles or walking sticks should be placed in checked baggage.

They go on to say that they can be carried in hand luggage if they meet the specific criteria of the airport and the airline.  But, many airports take a much more conservative approach and may not allow them in the cabin.

Australian Government’s Aviation Security

Australian regulations typically align with those of the US and Europe. Hiking poles are generally allowed only in checked luggage. Carrying them in the cabin is often prohibited due to safety concerns and the potential for them to be used as weapons.

Airline Specific Rules : Do They Allow Hiking Poles In The Cabin?

As I’ve mentioned, rules about hiking poles are multi-layered.  There are national rules that airport security will often follow, but in addition there are specific rules that each airline can issue.  When making your choice about hiking poles, you’ll need both to align.  

Delta Air Lines

Delta have different rules for Sporting Goods and a separate section for Hiking Poles.  But, whilst they do allow the poles on the plane, some airport security officials may opt to follow the national regulation.  And if you’re travelling to the Camino and taking more than one flight, you may find you have problems later in your journey.

Iberia

Air France

Qantas

Ryanair

EasyJet

Vueling

Individual Airports : Do They Allow Hiking Poles Through Airport Security?

The third layer of rules lies at the conveyor belt as you go through airport security.  We travel a great deal and I really hate this part of any journey.  We read the rules carefully and yet so many times I’ve lost things from my bag because the official has interpreted the rules differently; or the airport has their own rules which differ from those we’ve read.

The bottom line is that airport security screening is where you need to pass the carry-on test.

Charles de Gaulle Airport (Paris, France)

Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (Madrid, Spain)

Santiago de Compostela Airport (Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

Practical Tips for Travelling with Hiking Poles on a Plane

From reading many different websites we came to the conclusion that if you wish to fly with your hiking poles then you need to check them. 

It’s a dilemma faced by so many pilgrims en route to the Camino, because no-one really wants to check their rucksack. But equally I like walking with my hiking poles.  Here are a few things you can do but for every solution there is a problem :

Put Collapsible Poles in Your Rucksack

If you have any hope of bringing your hiking poles on the plane they will need then to be collapsible. My Black Diamond poles are light and easily fit inside my pack but with expensive poles I wouldn’t risk this; the rules seem pretty clear.

Check The Hiking Poles Only

Check your hiking poles only but take your rucksack in the Cabin. I have done this before; I packed the hiking poles in a box but kept my bag with me.  You need to make sure the box will stand up to some rough treatment and also check the cost for checking. Alternatively buy a sturdy luggage bag for them in the hold.

Post Your Hiking Poles

You could post or courier your Hiking Poles to your first hotel, but it’s only really an option if you are already within the EU. I have posted spare shoes from France to Spain but outside of the EU you may meet import and export rules.  And things can and do get lost in transit (like my spare shoes!)

Consider Buying Hiking Poles Locally

Buying when you arrive seems like a great idea but it might also create its own problem.  What do you do with the hiking pole when you finished walking your Camino?  Most people simply abandon them; at the airport, their hotel or along the side of the road.  But imagine if several hundred walking poles are left in Santiago de Compostela every day? It could become a problem.

I spoke to a few people in Santiago de Compostela about potential issues with abandoned hiking poles in Santiago. Currently, the message is that this isn’t a big problem and there are a few small systems in place. Terra Nova Pilgrim House (incidentally a fabulous place to visit when in Santiago) say that they do accept poles but it must be agreed in advance as they do not have a lot of storage space. The poles are offered to pilgrims who are starting their journey so they are recycled.

Use Buses and Trains

One final option that should not be overlooked is to consider using trains or buses. Even if you are flying from overseas, once you arrive in Europe you could consider land transport for the remainder of your journey.

You can stow your poles in your bag and no-one will question you taking them. Certainly if you fly into Madrid you’ll find good transport options. (We use Trainline to check for buses and trains).

What’s the Best Way To Bring Hiking Poles To The Camino?

Ask yourself how much you need your own hiking poles.  In recent years we have purchased hiking poles locally and this is an easy option, I hate the waste but if you need poles then it’s the best option.

If you are flying long-haul I would suggest you pack your poles securely in your bag and check them both. Once you arrive in Spain (or France) use buses and trains to move around.  Both are plentiful, cheap and efficient and it means that you can safely carry your poles with you. 

Top Tip : Donate your poles to your albergue or to Pilgrim House in Santiago (or to another pilgrim) when you finish.  But do ask first and don’t use them as a hiking pole bin!  Also check with your albergue first before buying as they sometimes have spare.

Bottom Line : Can You Take Hiking Poles On A Plane?

Many airlines and airports have strict policies against bringing hiking poles on a plane in carry-on luggage.  They are classed as a potential weapon and I don’t see that classification changing soon. Research suggests that this is particularly true for budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet, which have strict rules and a low tolerance for exceptions.

Some of the major airlines may allow hiking poles in carry-on if they are collapsible but this is not guaranteed and can vary with the discretion of security personnel. 

Ask this question in any Camino group and you will absolutely hear many people say that they brought their hiking poles through security without problem.  But equally, I guarantee that you will also hear from many others who had to check them or face confiscation.

Travellers across Camino Forums express frustration with the inconsistent enforcement and stress of dealing with hiking poles at airports.  Even though you may celebrate arriving successfully with your hiking poles on one leg, you run the risk of losing them on the next journey.  

My advice :  If you really love and need your own poles then pack them securely in your rucksack and check them (or maybe buy a sturdy bag and check that).   If you need to bring hiking poles then they must go in the hold.