Can you take a walking stick on a plane?

Walking sticks are essential mobility aids that many people rely on day-to-day. But if you’re planning a holiday or trip abroad, you may wonder: can you take a walking stick on a plane? How do you store it? Are there any specific rules to follow? And is there anything else you need to know before you travel?

In this guide, we’ll answer all your questions about flying with a walking stick and offer practical tips to help make your journey as smooth as possible.

Airline policies on walking sticks

According to GOV.UK, walking sticks (and other walking aids) are generally allowed on planes. This is because they are essential medical equipment – many people can’t get around without mobility aids, and it would be a safety issue if they had to travel without them.

Most major UK airline policies explicitly state that passengers can fly with a cane or walking stick. 

For example:

• British Airways: “You can take small foldable umbrellas and walking sticks (excluding hiking poles and other items with sharp ends) in your hand baggage.”
  
• Easyjet: “Passengers will be permitted to carry medical equipment and/or up to 2 pieces of mobility equipment as either Hand or Hold Baggage…”
  
• Emirates: “You can take a cane, crutches, or a walking stick on board and we’ll make sure it’s safely stowed.”
  

Some airlines don’t specifically mention mobility aids, though passenger reviews generally mention that they were allowed to fly with them. If you’re planning on booking a flight and the airline’s policies are unclear, it may be worth checking directly with them. 

Can you take a walking stick through security?

You can take a walking stick through airport security if you need it with you during the flight. However, bear in mind that your stick will likely have to go through the X-ray machine with the rest of your hand luggage, especially if it's made of metal.

Security staff may also want to manually inspect your walking stick. This could be a random check, or because the machine flagged something unexpected. The process should only take a few moments, but it’s advisable to arrive at the airport in plenty of time.

While your walking stick is being checked, staff should offer you a temporary mobility aid or support aid, like a wheelchair. This is standard procedure, so if one isn’t forthcoming, don’t be afraid to ask.

Can you store a walking stick in the overhead compartment?

Yes, you can. In fact, when bringing a walking stick on a plane, you’re encouraged to pick one that would fit either in the overhead compartment or under your seat. This is so that it can be safely stowed during take-off and landing.

For convenience, you might want to consider a folding walking stick. These fold down to a compact size when not in use, allowing them to fit neatly into an overhead compartment or carry-on bag. 

If you have a non-collapsible stick, these can usually still be stored overhead, but it may be more difficult to access your stick with other people’s luggage in the way.

Can you use a walking stick on a plane?

Yes, once the plane is cruising at a stable altitude and the seatbelt sign is off, you can retrieve your walking stick from the overhead compartment. The cabin crew will be on hand to help if you need assistance.

Keep in mind that turbulence might occur at any time while you walk around the cabin. If this is a concern for you, the aeroplane should have something called an aisle chair. This is used to transport passengers to and from their seat during boarding/disembarking, or if they need to use the toilet. Again, ask the cabin crew for help if you think you need it.

Top tips for travelling with a walking stick

Here are a few general tips on travelling with a walking stick:

• Inform the airline in advance:
  Let the airline know ahead of time that you'll be travelling with a walking stick. This gives them the time to arrange accommodations, like letting you board first or pick a more accessible seat.
  
• Ask for help:
  If you need help getting through security, boarding the plane, storing or retrieving your stick, or for any other reason, don’t be afraid to ask airline staff.
  
• Pick a collapsible walking stick:
  A collapsible travel walking stick can be folded and stored more easily in your carry-on luggage. You may find this easier than flying with a solid or non-collapsible stick. 
  

In summary, walking sticks are generally allowed on planes, but being prepared and aware of airline policies can help make your journey smoother and more comfortable.

Before you go, visit Complete Care Shop to explore a huge variety of walking sticks and other daily living aids to assist you on your travels. For more information or advice, don’t hesitate to visit our help and advice hub.