Are trekking poles allowed as hand luggage on Ryanair and easyJet?

No – trekking poles are prohibited in hand luggage on both Ryanair and easyJet. They are classified as potential weapons under UK/EU security rules. Always pack them in checked luggage. If you are flying without checked baggage, you must either check them in (which may incur a fee), hire poles at your destination, or buy a cheap pair on arrival. For checked luggage, use a padded pole bag or PVC tube to protect them. Do not risk taking them to security – they will be confiscated.

1. Ryanair's policy

Ryanair's hand luggage policy prohibits items that could be used as weapons, including:

• Walking sticks and hiking poles – Explicitly listed as prohibited in the cabin.
• Any item with a sharp edge or point – Trekking poles fall into this category.

What to do:

• Check them in – You must pack your poles in your checked luggage. Ryanair charges for checked baggage, so factor this into your travel cost.
• If you only have hand luggage – You cannot take poles. Consider hiring poles at your destination or buying a cheap pair on arrival.

Ryanair's advice: The airline recommends checking with the airport security team at your departure airport, but their official policy is clear: poles are not allowed in the cabin.

2. easyJet's policy

easyJet's hand luggage policy is similar:

• Prohibited items – "Walking sticks, hiking poles, and similar items" are listed as prohibited in the cabin.
• Security regulations – easyJet follows UK Department for Transport and EU security rules, which classify poles as potential weapons.

What to do:

• Check them in – Pack poles in checked luggage. easyJet charges for checked baggage, so check the cost before booking.
• Alternative – Hire poles at your destination. Many outdoor shops in popular hiking areas (e.g., the Alps, the Pyrenees) offer rental.

easyJet's advice: The airline states that the final decision rests with airport security, but their policy is clear – poles are not permitted in the cabin.

3. What about folding poles?

Some walkers think that folding poles (which collapse to a short length) may be allowed. They are not. Security rules apply to the item itself, not its length. A folded pole is still a trekking pole and is prohibited.

4. What about rubber tips?

Rubber tip covers do not change the classification. A pole with rubber tips is still a pole and is prohibited.

5. Can you take poles if you have a medical need?

• Mobility aids – If you have a medical condition and use poles as a mobility aid (e.g., for balance or joint support), you may be allowed to take them in the cabin. However, this is at the discretion of the airline and airport security.
• Documentation – If you have a medical need, carry a doctor's letter and contact the airline in advance.
• Caution – Even with a medical reason, some security staff may still refuse them. It is always safer to check them in.

6. What to do if you have a connecting flight?

If you have a connecting flight, the same rules apply – the poles must be checked for the entire journey. You cannot carry them on one leg of the journey and check them for the next.

7. The cost of checking poles

• Ryanair – Checked baggage fees start at around £10–15 per bag (depending on route and booking time).
• easyJet – Checked baggage fees are similar, starting at around £10–15.
• Sports equipment – Some airlines charge extra for sports equipment if the bag exceeds certain dimensions. Check your airline's policy.

8. Packing poles for checked luggage

To protect your poles in checked luggage:

• Use a padded pole bag – A dedicated bag (e.g., from Leki, Black Diamond, Decathlon) offers some protection.
• Use a PVC tube – A length of PVC pipe cut to the length of your folded poles is the most protective option.
• Wrap with clothing – If you are using a suitcase, wrap the poles in soft clothing to protect them.

9. Alternatives to checking poles

• Hire at your destination – Many outdoor shops rent poles for a few pounds per day.
• Buy on arrival – If you are hiking in a popular area (e.g., the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Lake District), you can buy a cheap pair at a local sports shop.
• Ship poles – You can ship your poles to your first accommodation (e.g., via DHL or Royal Mail), but this is often more expensive than checking them.

10. Final verdict

Trekking poles are not allowed as hand luggage on Ryanair or easyJet. They must be packed in checked luggage. If you are flying with hand luggage only, you cannot take them – consider hiring or buying at your destination. For medical use, contact the airline in advance, but be prepared to check them in. The safest and simplest approach is to check them in and use a padded bag or PVC tube for protection. Do not risk taking them to security – they will be confiscated. Always check your airline's policy before you travel, as rules can change. Happy hiking.