Camino Travel - Trekking Poles on the Plane

[@robscamino]

Have you carried poles onto a plane? Or tried to? What happened?

[@auzzygirl8175]

Hi. The digeridoo was the nearest thing to hiking poles that I've ever travelled with on a plane. I've travelled with 4 kids before. In my opinion much more dangerous than a digeridoo or hiking poles. :-)~ My husband and I are hoping to do the Camino in the next 18 months or so. Loving your channel and all the great tips. Keep up the great work.

[@robscamino]

@@auzzygirl8175 Yep. 4 kids way more trouble! LOL (also have 4) Glad you enjoy the channel. 18 months or so? Cool. Hopefully I'll get out there again in 10-12 months.

[@DavidHRyall]

I travelled with them, but I had checked luggage so was all fine. I wouldn't even try put them in to carry on, too much risk of them being taken away like you experienced

[@buridanjwh]

I have traveled in planes with them, i don't know whether I will continue to do so or get a lightweight cane, as different airlines are different about it.

[@vinniesdayoff3968]

We have done a few stretches of various Caminos. We travelled from Dublin and saw many people taking poles in carry on luggage, however on the return flight from Santiago the security staff were stopping poles going on board. I took a blackthorn stick and limped around the airport. They couldn't stop a poor disabled chap from carrying his walking stick 🙂. My wife uses a walking pole and you need at least one spare rubber. They wear really fast on the Camino. You can be charged up to forty euros to check in your pole in luggage.

[@pamcrane5239]

Thank you. Very informative’

[@robscamino]

Glad it helped.

[@_..____]

Useful information.

[@robscamino]

Glad it was helpful!

[@auzzygirl8175]

Perth Western Australia here. I once travelled from Perth to Florida USA with a didgeridoo. No sharp bits. No metal or straps, just the wooden, hollowed out branch and it was taken off me to be put in the hold as it was considered to be a weapon. It arrived safely. Thank you for this video. As you say, there is no straightforward answer about tracking poles as carry on but you have highlighted the 3 agencies who will ultimately have the deciding say so that we can now make an informed decision. Love your videos. Very informative. Thank you

[@robscamino]

Glad to hear the Didge made it OK! 🙂

[@arthurd6495]

excellent video. thank you.

[@robscamino]

Glad it helped

[@kdboyle7673]

I was planning to travel without a checked bag, but like you I like my own poles. The the idea of breaking them down and checking them with the liquids and small knife is great. Best case I don't have to think about buying items shortly after arrival. Worse case it goes missing, no big deal I can buy the stuff there. I'll include an Air Tag to help track it if necessary. If I use a small lightweight duffle it can double as a grocery bag and pack down into a pocket on my backpack. Thank you!

[@robscamino]

Sounds like a plan! 🙂

[@backpackingJas]

I was wqiting for this video, thank you so much, in planing my camino so love your videos

[@robscamino]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@FrScottHikes]

The telescoping poles like you’re holding our viewed as a weapon, however, there are folding poles that are excellent that are not viewed as a weapon. I’ve always carry these in my pack on the airlines. Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ-Z Trekking Poles

[@robscamino]

It might be the pointed tungsten tips that are the real problem Scott. But as I said, people have had different experiences trying to carry them on a plane. Some were able to, some not.

[@francismccabe3265]

@@robscamino Fully agree with Fr. Scott. Santiago airport has never questioned my Black Diamond carbon Zs, carbide tips unscrewed and in toiletry bag, poles collapsed and rolled in my sleep sack with all spare clothes inside 8 liter drybag inside my carry-on backpack. Drybag has my name and address on it just in case I need to check it at last minute, but never happened in Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Scotland, Canada or USA. Never Check Bags!!!! I have seen too many pilgrims with their Caminos delayed due to lost/delayed baggage.

[@robscamino]

@@francismccabe3265 Those poles sound great.

[@justgivemethetruth]

Mmmm, pricey.

[@francismccabe3265]

@@justgivemethetruth I got them on sale from REI for $100. Worth every penny. Walked thousands of miles with them. Wore out straps 2x and Black diamond replaced them free, well after 3 year warranty was done. Lost 2 carbide tips and wore out the rubber tips. Again, Black Diamond replaced them free. Saved dozens of hours not checking luggage or recovering it from baggage, plus no lost luggage. What is that worth?

[@roberth5767]

Bought new suitcases for this year's Camino, but even collapsed, the poles are too long. Digging out the old suitcases from 2019. (As older walkers, we use a luggage transfer service to transport our bags.) Once in Santiago, we mailed the poles back to the US with our boots and other stuff we didn't want to carry back. The price of postage was reasonable and we got our boxes in about a week.

[@robscamino]

Sounds like a good plan.

[@marjoriebaldwin6577]

Thanks so much for the advice

[@robscamino]

It's a bit of a lottery sadly. Different countries, airlines and airports will have varying security measures. So always best to check directly with them.

[@pipe2devnull]

A fellow peligrino told me that he was able to travel from Germany to the Camino with his poles. He had pulled the tips off his poles. The rubber pole tips still worked.

[@robscamino]

Fair enough. But rubber tips aren't great on all surfaces.

[@nataschajudson7509]

Thanks Rob 👍🏼

[@robscamino]

Always a pleasure

[@dawns7980]

This has always puzzled me as the answers are all o ver the place. Love the options you mentioned, thanks for the clarification.

[@robscamino]

Maybe it's safer to plan ahead for these things, rather than get upset at the Airport over something that could have been avoided.

[@stephenreid_66]

I carried them on my last camino from Dublin to Porto no problem but I didn't bring them back with me because I knew there was no chance in Santiago, they were cheap ones that I bought in Decathlon so I got my monies worth from them, you are right Rob, it's a bit of a lottery 😁

[@robscamino]

Last couple of times coming back I had check in luggage. Not sure what I’ll do next time. Maybe buy a mailing tube in SdC and check them in

[@FrScottHikes]

Also, about using Poles all the time, they keep your hands moving and your hands won’t fall asleep and swell up as easy while walking long distances.

[@robscamino]

Never thought of that.

[@justgivemethetruth]

You know, that is a good point that probably not too many people think about ... I sure didn't. With the wooden poles, do people get one or two?

[@Yonner666]

I use a walking pole on a daily basis due to having arthritis in both hips and the bottom of my back. I’m due to go to Kos in October and have been thinking of taking it on the plane with me, however with a tungsten carbine tip it could be classed as a weapon and would have to go in my suitcase. I am however thinking of investing in a walking staff without a metal tip, instead have one with a rubber foot.

[@robscamino]

Or buy some poles when you get there?

[@colinallen861]

Why not just try to get them through security and if they say no, just put them in your pack and put the whole pack into checked baggage, then you don’t need tubes. Likely I’ve missed something though!?

[@robscamino]

Good question. That's certainly one approach. Some people just check in all their gear. Many people though, want to hang on to their pack, as carry-on, just in case it gets lost or delayed. Poles are easy to replace. But in my case, gear I have collected over 10 years and that is no longer available, would be a loss I would not want.

[@PaulNelson392]

I like the idea of using a mailing tube for the poles and other things. I always carry a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman multi tool. I know those won’t make it through security, but by using the tube I could bring one of those as well. What do you do with the mailing tube once you get there? Do you toss it and buy another one at the end for the trip home? Or do you carry it with you?

[@robscamino]

I normally toss it and buy another in Santiago. Or if I have items I have used pre Camino (like a stopover for another purpose) I might use it to mail stuff to Santiago before I start walking.

[@BiancaCDE]

I bought my pole in St. Jean and walked, we took a bus back to Madrid and I was allowed on the plane with it back to the US.

[@robscamino]

Well done. You got lucky.

[@justgivemethetruth]

Cool. The mailing tube idea makes the most sense. Do you really need poles? I have some hiking poles that I've never used, but I've never made it out for a real hike or pilgrimage. My favorite hiking stick is a 4' hickory walking stick. I don't need it, but I feel better walking with it, here in the US, in case I run into an unfriendly beast. Totally enjoying your videos.

[@robscamino]

If used correctly, poles are great. I 'need' them due to bad joints. Used incorrectly they are really a waste of time.

[@robscamino]

This is a good explanation of correct pole use. I use them all the way. Up, down and on the flat. On the flat I put quick a bit of downward / backward force on them. This has the effect of propelling me up & forward. Keeps my posture upright too. I tested on some scales and I'm putting 10-15 kg of downward force on them. Quite a bit. You'll see most people just using them like stabalisers, with the poles hanging off their wrists. OK for balance but not much else. kzbin.info/www/bejne/baKViqqFepmioaM

[@robscamino]

Good technique on the flat...kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYGVgWmqj8mgfpY

[@frankfurtonfoottours2361]

Carried the extending type poles in 2018 with Iberian airlines in my pack. Flying back from Santiago, checked my pack going home. Flying Ryan Air from Frankfurt to Porto and back again, had the Z-fold poles and was prepared to check them if needed, but they didn't seem to be a problem. That said, I had paid for the premium upgrade on RyanAir so that I was insured a spot for my backpack as a carry-on. So, perhaps that made a difference. Maybe Portugal is not as strict as Spain? The z-fold poles may make a difference to security too?

[@robscamino]

Interesting. I think the message though, is be prepared to 'not' be allowed them inside the cabin. If you can, that's a bonus.

[@dalehively5050]

What about shipping them to your destination. Then when your done, shipping them back. I have a wooden hiking stick I made and would love to do the Canimo with it.

[@robscamino]

Sure, you could do that. But checking in a mailing tube might be cheaper.

[@isabelcastillo2394]

Thanks. Iberia Airline does not allow trekking poles in the cabin. I’ll be packing them into my suitcase and checking in the bag.

[@robscamino]

You're taking a suitcase? Maybe for post Camino travel. You can forward that to Santiago when you arrive in Spain.

[@isabelcastillo2394]

@@robscamino my backpack and everything will be in my suitcase. I’m just traveling with a small backpack with book, phone, food and water for the plane.

[@robscamino]

@@isabelcastillo2394 Ah OK, I get it. If you don't want the hassle of working out what to do with the suitcase once you get there, a lot of people put their backpack, poles etc in an IKEA type bag for checking in. The bag can be carried with you or disposed of before you start walking. Some people might have luggage for post camino activities of course. That can just be forwarded to the post office in Santiago for collection at the end. Great service. Travel light 🙂

[@owenbull9606]

Hi Rob, on my last Camino we bought poles that collapsed and carried them in our backpack on the plane on the way there, lucky I guess. I soon broke these and bought the wooden poles which I love. I placed these in the checked luggage tube and brought them home. I was hoping to buy some more wooden poles in Saint Jean at the start of my next Camino, are you aware if the locally made wooden poles are available at the start of the route? I prefer these and don’t want to buy the aluminium or graphite poles.

[@robscamino]

I'm not sure sorry. I always take poles with me. Perhaps you could contact the main shop in St Jean and ask them. They seem to have the traditional wooden staff type in photos on their website. www.boutique-du-pelerin.com/les-produits/

[@justgivemethetruth]

With the wooden poles, do people use one or two?

[@robscamino]

@@justgivemethetruth Traditionally with the wooden poles (staff) you use one. It is carried more for balance than anything else and is used in a different stride pattern to modern poles. I'm not sure I would bother with one. OK, they look nice. With modern poles, used correctly, you use two. And they have the effect of taking weight off your joints and back as well as propelling you forward. Not that many people seem to use them correctly 😉

[@justgivemethetruth]

@@robscamino One of your commenters mentioned that it keeps your arms and hands active and avoids blood pooling and your hands swelling. That makes good sense to me, but I usually like to feel unencumbered, but I guess you can always stow them on your backpack.

[@williamgiovinazzo8523]

I can understand trekking poles. What about umbrellas? I have seen videos where you say you carry an umbrella. Can you carry those onto a plane?

[@robscamino]

Great question. I have only carried an umbrella in my checked in luggage, with my poles. One would expect an umbrella would be safe to carry on, but perhaps someone else has direct experience of it? The difficulty with these kinds of issues, is that you have to consider (1) The airline policy (2) The policy at each airport you pass through and (3) The overall 'government' safety policy. So if ever I'm in doubt, I use another bag or mailing tube and check stuff in. I guess it's only an issue if checked in luggage costs extra on your chosen flight.

[@williamgiovinazzo8523]

@@robscamino Thank you

[@walkingthrulife2296]

No problem with my airline of choice, but TSA won’t let them pass.

[@robscamino]

Yes, it’s a challenge to know sometimes!

[@judisikarskie9644]

I am wondering if you purchase a mailing tube once you arrive in Santiago to transport your poles home?

[@robscamino]

Yes, that's what I do. I think the post office has them. (Correos)

[@judisikarskie9644]

Oops - I see that you mentioned below that you were able to purchase mailing tubes at a post office in Santiago. Good to know - thanks!

[@robscamino]

@@judisikarskie9644 ​ All good, happy to answer questions as best I can...

[@jgurney316]

I intend to check in a mailing tube with my trekking poles for my flight from NYC to Paris. I then fly CDG to Biarritz. To get my tube in Paris, do I go to baggage claim and then have to re-enter and go through security again for my second flight?

[@robscamino]

Depends on your ticketing, through ticket or not, and airline/airport practices. You would need to ask the airline.

[@physiotherapistpaulina9340]

HI Rob: I always appreciate your insights, and suggestions. I wonder if things have changed at all for the better or worse in 2022?? anyone care to share their Canadian experience? love from BC, Canada

[@robscamino]

Anyone? Think it's a bit of a dice roll maybe?

[@Varekai0723]

Canadian airlines and CATSA (airport security) allow hiking poles on carry-on as long as the sharp tip is less than 6cm long.

[@saviodsouza2589]

I need to ask about shoes. Can decathlon shoes trekking versions can they be used for camino?

[@robscamino]

No need to ask the same question on 2 videos. Answer is the same. Footwear is a very personal choice. What ever works for you. 🙂

[@tm7215]

My experience has been: Australia to Spain-ok. Spain to Australia no chance. I think mainly because in Spain they are on the lookout for them.

[@robscamino]

Could be right. It's all a bit hit and miss so I'd rather not take any chances, and check them in using a mailing tube.

[@MontyDeane]

Have you or anyone here tried to dismantle the poles? If I can shorten the poles, I can fit in my smaller suitcase or in my carry on bag. Im assuming I can get them down to 18 inches, if I can simply remove the telescoping parts. Any help is appreciated. :)

[@robscamino]

Haven't tried it myself. Depends on pole type/structure really. But......I think the bigger issue is the Airport/Airline security measures. These can vary greatly. And some may deem a pole with a tungsten tip, as dangerous cabin luggage, regardless of length. Sadly in issues of what can be carried on board, I'm not sure we can ever be 100% certain of some items.

[@MontyDeane]

@@robscamino UPDATE: You can dismantle most trekking poles, saving about 2 inches in length. Not sure if thats worth it for most.

[@robscamino]

@@MontyDeane That might help, though I think it's the tungsten tips that cause the issue.

[@MontyDeane]

@@robscamino Thats the one that was longer. yes

[@richiegbl]

Thank you, Rob, useful hints there. I have a couple of questions: Firstly, I have paid for a checked in bag, and had actually intended to check in my rucksack, but I'm not sure how wise that is, given what one hears about how airport baggage handlers treat baggage. Then there would be the question of how to stow the poles, as they won't actually fit inside the rucksack. Is taping them together and then tying them to the side of the rucksack going to be safe enough? Third question: the packing tube - presumably you discard it on arrival at your starting point, and hopefully there issomewhere in Santiago where you can buy one for the return flight? Grateful for any tips/advice...

[@robscamino]

Hi Richard. Common concerns and questions. I can only share an opinion of course, and others may disagree. (1) I have never, in over 50 years of frequent domestic and international air travel , ever had a bag misplaced, delayed, or not arrive. But I am told that is unusual. So maybe let's err on the side of caution here. (2) With that in mind, I always carry my backpack as hand luggage. my 34L Osprey is about the limit of carry on size though for many airlines (so check your airline). (3) Why carry on my pack? Well, unlike 'regular travel' if I was to lose my pack I would be really screwed. Many of the items would be hard if not impossible to replace. So I would 'at least', travel in your hiking gear and footwear, if you plan to send your pack as hold luggage. (4) I know some people strap or tape the poles to their pack and check them in. My first job as a teen was a baggage handler. I wouldn't risk it! The chance of something getting snagged, ripped off, damaged in certainly there. (5) So I carry on my pack, and use a mailing tube. Not just for my poles, liquids and small knife. But it allows me to throw in a few other items to reduce the weight / bulk of my pack as a carry on item. (6) Yes, the tube I discard on arrival. It's easy to get a new one at the end of your Camino (post office) and a roll of tape and marker pen. I hope that helps. Maybe others could share their experiences ?

[@richiegbl]

@@robscamino Thank you so much for the swift and comprehensive reply. I think I'll be getting myself a mailing tube!

[@robscamino]

👇 TIMESTAMPS (in case you want to skip) 👇 00:00 - Intro 00:30 - Camino Travel - Trekking Poles on the Plane 01:54 - Who can get involved in security 03:55 - How to get around it 06:55 - Outro