If you rely on a walking cane or stick for mobility and assistance, you may be wondering if you can bring it with you when you travel by plane.
The good news is, that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to bring walking canes on a plane as they are considered essential mobility devices and not prohibited items.
So, whether your cane is made of wood or metal, you can bring it along when you fly.
It’s important to note that during take-off and landing, federal regulations may require you to stow your cane in an approved storage compartment for safety reasons.
However, for the rest of the flight, you are allowed to keep your cane with you. The TSA regulations permit walking canes through security without any issues.
To ensure compliance with the TSA guidelines, it’s always a good idea to check with the officer on duty before you fly. They can provide any specific instructions or clarify any doubts you may have about bringing a walking cane on a plane.
Can You Bring Hiking Sticks and Trekking Poles on a Plane
While walking canes and sticks are allowed on planes as essential mobility devices, the same does not apply to hiking sticks and trekking poles unless they are required assistive devices.
The TSA only allows canes and walking sticks that are necessary for mobility and assistance. Hiking poles and trekking poles, on the other hand, are not considered assistive devices and are not allowed on planes.
However, there are folding hiking poles collapsible canes, and walking sticks available that can be broken down and fit inside carry-on bags. These can be brought on a plane if they meet the size limitations imposed by the specific airline.
Tips for Traveling with Walking Sticks on a Plane
When traveling with a walking stick on a plane, it’s important to know how to navigate airport security and safely transport your stick. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth journey:
If your walking stick doesn’t have spikes or a removable tip, you should be able to pass through airport security without any issues. However, it’s possible that the security officer may need to inspect it separately or send it through the X-ray machine for screening.
To make travel easier, consider using a collapsible walking stick that can be stored under a seat or in the overhead luggage bin.
These types of walking sticks are considered mobility aids and do not count towards your hand luggage allowance.
If you don’t require your walking stick during the flight, it’s a good idea to pack it in your checked luggage. To protect it from damage, make sure to pack it in a protective tube or shipping container before placing it inside your bag.
