Flying with poles

imported
#1

What are the airline rules for flying with hiking poles. I found info on lighters, stoves, guns and fuel. No info on poles. Thanks.

Louie

#2

I think you’ll get better lift if you use something more wing shaped…sorry, could resist :tongue Just them in your checked baggage. No problem. We do stick some thick sox or mittens over the pointy ends to prevent punctures and put them and the pack into another zip up nylon travel duffle. The stove is ok if its a gas powered one; just tie it to the outside of the pack so the inspectors can look easily. No fuel of course. White gas stoves were another matter. They don’t like the possible fuel residue and definately no fuel bottles, empty or otherwise, as we were told. We’ve packed both butane stoves and pepsi can jobs without issue.

BW

#3

I did not have any problem with the airlines with my poles. I attached my poles to the pack on one occasion. The airline put the pack and poles in a large plastic bag. The bag was ripped up but the poles were still attached. Make sure to tie down all of the straps so they don’t get caught in the airline baggage equipment. The second time, the airline boxed up my poles and there wasno problem that time and the box came through just fine. I send my stove and fuel ahead as I have had an airline take my fuel which had my pump. I tried to send it through another carrier after I got to the airport, but everything was closed and this was an unexpected exit from the trail. Even though I declared my equipment, requested and went through a thorough search of my bag. I got on one airline watch list. I hope it has been deleted by now. This time I am thinking of sending my entire pack ahead to avoid all of the airline hassles.

Margaret

#4

You might consider sending you poles in a USPS tube as well as you other gear in boxes to a general delivery address at your destination. Just remember to call ahead to the post office in question and clear things with the postmaster. Happy trails…

stealthblew

#5

I took two plane trips with poles last year. First trip they let me carry them on the plane, no problem. Second trip, they made me check them. Then when I was boarding, I got in line behind two people who had poles sticking out of their packs. So it all depends on the TSA agent you get.

Garlic

#6

Coming back from Portland, Maine in 05 I carried my poles onto the plane with no problem; however, my connection through Dulles was a different story. TSA went bananas and told the airline to pack them. The airline told TSA to pack them since I had gone through the line once. TSA finally said take them on the plane. Go! They didn’t care that I was retired FBI. Go figure. TSA people are totally worthless. Hey Garlic. You spend some time on the AZT?

Ned

#7

Actually, flying with Poles isn’t much different than flying with Fins. Oh, never mind.

I’m with Stealthblew. Checking bags can be a recipe for disaster, baggage-handler style. A USPS mailing tube will hold a pair of 3-section telescoping poles, with enough room to spare for other TSA-troubling items like tent stakes, knife, first aid/repair kit sharp and liquid things, Aqua Mira, alcohol stove, etc. Just make sure to insure it so it definitely gets there.

Never mind the stated TSA or airline policies. If the item looks capable of exploding, producing flame, leaking, or causing bodily harm, then it’s a crapshoot what will actually happen during security screening.

blisterfree

#8

Many thanks to all for your words of wisdom. I think I’ll mail the sticks down and not take any chances. As for the advise on flying, I’ll stick to the trail. The last time I tried to fly I crashed and broke my elbow. Damn, the barn owls make it look so easy.

Louie