gregs317

Hi, I'm planning my first trip to Europe in May 2012. I'd like to bring a waking stick along. Assuming it's a non-folding one (haven't bought it yet), would it be considered a checked-baggage item? The flight will probably be with TAP Air Portugal. Thanks, Greg

traveler318

If it has sharp ends (which most do, I think), it must be checked. I was looking at the collapsable ones at REI and they said they cannot be carried on. Said it was like a weapon.

Nelson

I often travel with collapsible trekking poles. I have two brands: Leki Makalu and the Komperdell Titanal.

For both models the sections can be screwed apart and then put into your suitcase / duffel bag. Or in collapsed mode they might fit, depending on your bag. If you are not checking a bag then you might have an issue ...

Consider these for your purchase. Both are great brands, lightweight yet supportive. In fact, I used the Leki Makalus on a 4-week trek from their namesake Makalu to the Everest region.

qwovadis

Yes telescoping ones can be carried on usually do that

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for hikers gorp.com for great routes in Europe...

cwra

You'll want to buy collapsible walking sticks. They will need to be checked but should fit in either your suitcase or back pack.

clevelandbrown

I like to bring something back to remind me of each trip. My impression is that walking sticks are more popular in Europe than in the US, so why not buy one there? If you can't fit it into your checked bag, or don't have one, buy a cardboard tube and check it in that.

I agree that even a foldable one would very likely cause problems at security; they even banned knitting needles for a while.

PalenQ

Well you are asking the wrong folks - just call TAP Portugal airlines and ask that question - the only definitive answer IMO.

janisj

"<i>I agree that even a foldable one would very likely cause problems at security; they even banned knitting needles for a while.</i>"

Knitting needles have been allowed for years. I take a folding stick on many overseas trips -- and I travel w/ just carry on. Almost never check a bag.

Sometimes security looks it over and other times it just goes through the scanner inside the bag. I do mention it to the TSA agent and sometimes they want it out to look at -- other times not . . .

kayd

"just call TAP Portugal airlines and ask that question"

They can tell you what might fit in their overhead bins but TSA is the authoritative source on what will get past airport security and to the door of the plane.

cwra

I was surprised to see that people could carry on walking sticks as I've always been told by TSA that hiking poles are not allowed as carryon.

After a bit of research I've found that we're talking about 2 different types of sticks. There are folding walking sticks that act more like canes than ski poles that can be carried on. Trekking poles that are pretty much ski poles can not be carried on.

Of course with TSA, you can never be sure what they might do in any one particular case.