Does a walking stick count as a carry-on?

Yes, a walking stick or cane typically counts as a mobility aid and is allowed as a carry-on, but it must go through screening and the final decision rests with the TSA officer (TSA) officer, though sharp-tipped or hiking poles are often restricted to checked bags, so inform the officer if it's for medical assistance to ensure it's allowed in the cabin or stowed.

Can I take a walking stick through TSA?

Blunt-tipped walking sticks are allowed in carry-on or checked bags and must be screened like other property. Sharp-tipped walking sticks are not allowed carry-on items.

Are walking sticks allowed in hand luggage?

Walking sticks are widely recognised as essential mobility aids and are generally permitted both in the cabin and checked luggage on most airlines. However, hiking poles are often classified differently due to their design and intended use as sporting equipment.

Does my cane count as a personal item?

Under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), airlines must allow passengers to bring canes and other assistive devices on board. These items are not subject to size limitations and do not count as carry-on baggage. Airline staff must also assist with boarding, deplaning, and connecting flights if needed.

Can I take my collapsible walking stick on a plane?

Only certain assistive devices can be carried in the aircraft cabin – such as walking canes and crutches. Some assistive devices cannot be carried in the aircraft cabin at all – this includes wheelchairs and non-collapsible walking frames/rollators. These items will need to be checked in.

Can Hiking Sticks Be Carried On Airplanes? - South America Travel Pros

Why are hiking poles not allowed on planes?

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.

Do I need a doctor's note to fly with a cane?

International Travel: Extra Considerations

Documentation: While not commonly required, a simple letter from your medical provider explaining your need for the cane can smooth interactions in countries with more formal screening processes.

What is the 1 2 3 4 5 6 packing rule?

Consider the 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule

One general guideline is to pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops (short or long-sleeve or outer layer), five pairs of socks, six pairs of underwear. This should be enough to last you for two weeks.

What cannot go in a personal item bag?

You can't pack weapons (guns, knives, bats), liquids over 3.4oz (100ml), certain sharp objects (axes, box cutters), explosives, large tools, and some hazardous materials in your personal item (or carry-on) bag, as the TSA prohibits anything that can be used as a weapon or cause harm, plus specific hazardous items like large flammable liquids or certain batteries. Always check the TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool for specific items, as rules can vary and are ultimately up to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent. 

What are the rules for walking sticks?

If using a walking stick for your balance:

• Hold the stick in your most comfortable hand.
• Always move the stick forward first then the opposite leg.
• Do not place your stick too far in-front of you or too far out to the side.
• Do not carry your stick in the air as this is unsafe and you may be at risk of falling.

What items cannot go in hand luggage?

Not allowed in carry-on bags are firearms, ammunition, explosives, sharp objects (knives, large scissors), most tools, large liquids/gels/aerosols (over 3.4oz/100ml), and flammable items, as well as some sports equipment like baseball bats or ski poles, but always check the TSA website for specific rules. Items like power tools, drones, bear spray, and even some toy guns are also prohibited.
 

What are the 5 biggest packing mistakes to avoid?

• Mistake: Not Creating a Capsule Wardrobe.
• Mistake: Not Using Packing Cubes.
• Mistake: Traveling With a Subpar Carry-on Suitcase.
• Mistake: Forgetting About the Power of a Personal Item Bag.
• Mistake: Not Having a Strategy for Toiletries.

What is the 5 outfit rule?

The "5 Outfit Rule" is a smart shopping and styling guideline: before buying a new item, you must be able to envision creating at least five different, distinct outfits using pieces you already own. It prevents impulse buys, promotes versatility, reduces clutter, and ensures you invest in truly useful, long-lasting clothing by focusing on mix-and-match potential for work, casual wear, and different seasons. 

How to pack 20 outfits in one carry-on?

Essential Tips

1. All of the tops should coordinate with all of the bottoms you pack.
2. All outerwear items should match all tops and bottoms. ...
3. Layering is a great way to get lots of combinations from just a few items - make sure your tops are thin enough to layer and have coordinating colors.

Can I bring prescription drugs on a plane?

Yes, you can bring prescription drugs on a plane, but you should always keep them in your carry-on bag in their original labeled containers, especially for liquid meds over 3.4oz (declare them) and controlled substances, carrying a doctor's note/prescription copy for extra security, as they are subject to screening but generally allowed in reasonable quantities for your trip. 

Do seniors have to remove shoes for TSA?

No, seniors (and everyone else!) do not have to remove their shoes for TSA screening anymore, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) ended the mandatory shoes-off policy for all travelers in the U.S. in July 2025, making it a nationwide rule for all ages, says AARP. While you can keep your shoes on, be aware that if an alarm sounds or you opt for pat-down screening, you might still need to remove them, but you can request to be seated for that part, notes FirstLight Home Care. 

What medical condition should you not fly with?

You should not fly with unstable or severe medical conditions, especially those affecting the heart (recent heart attack, severe heart failure, angina), lungs (COPD, severe asthma, recent pneumothorax, significant anemia, needing oxygen), or neurological issues (uncontrolled seizures, recent stroke, severe vertigo). Also avoid flying with recent surgery (especially bypass, 10 days), active infections, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), uncontrolled diabetes, or late-stage pregnancy (after 37 weeks). Always consult your doctor before flying to assess your fitness for travel, as cabin pressure and low oxygen can worsen many conditions. 

Can I take a walking stick on a plane?

Yes, you can generally take a walking stick or cane on a plane as a mobility aid, but it must have a blunt rubber tip, not a sharp one, and while allowed through security, you might need to stow it in the overhead bin or under the seat during takeoff/landing, with the final call resting with the TSA officer. Airlines sometimes prefer collapsible or standard canes, so check with them, and be prepared to check it if it's a hiking pole or unusual, as sharp hiking poles are often prohibited in carry-ons.
 

Does Delta allow hiking poles in carry-on?

No, Delta Air Lines generally follows Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules, which prohibit hiking/trekking poles in carry-on bags, even collapsible ones, as they can be seen as potential weapons, but you can pack them in your checked luggage, according to sources like Hiker Hunger Outfitters, cleveland.com, and the TSA website. While some travelers report success getting them through security with specific agents, it's at the officer's discretion, so checking them is the guaranteed way to avoid confiscation. 

Which side do you carry a walking stick on?

The stick should go on the strong side and move with the weak side. Using the walking stick on the opposite side to your injury allows you to shift your weight more to the stronger side.

Does my cane count as a carry-on?

Yes, a standard cane is a mobility aid that generally does not count towards your airline's carry-on limits, but it must go through TSA screening and be stowed properly in the cabin or gate-checked; it's always best to confirm with your airline, but most allow them as an additional essential item alongside your personal item and carry-on bag. 

Are walking sticks TSA approved?

According to TSA, ski and hiking poles are not allowed as carry-ons, but walking canes are allowed, provided “they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed.”

Why carry a walking stick?

People use walking sticks for support, stability, and to reduce strain on joints, especially seniors or those with injuries, but also hikers use them to improve balance, posture, and endurance by distributing weight across the whole body, even activating upper body muscles for a better workout. They act like extra legs, providing a firm base on uneven terrain, testing depth in water, and helping prevent falls.