Tent Poles on Carry-on Luggage on INTERNATIONAL flights

[Konrad .]

Hey guys,

Last minute question…anyone have actual experience flying internationally with tent poles as carryon? Specifically, I'm flying LAN airlines in South America (Chile)

I know I can do it here in the states, but I can't seem to find any info online for South America. I plan on checking in my tent stakes (which I figure can be easily replace if my bag is lost) but the poles I'd prefer to keep with me. Thanks!

[Jennifer Mitol]

But they didn't look all that strict at the airport in Santiago. US seems a lot more picky about what they let thru…and there will be nothing but trekkers on your flight to punts arenas.

I know that doesn't help a ton, but if you can carry on in the states I'd feel ok about carrying on in chile. I'd be more worried about your food :)

[Roger Caffin]

Seems to me that having the poles actually wrapped up inside the tent might be the way to go.

Cheers

[Here There]

A number of years ago I packed a small tent in my carryon to Europe and it was no problem, but I don't have any experience with flights to South America.

Good luck!

-David

[EndoftheTrail]

"Seems to me that having the poles actually wrapped up inside the tent might be the way to go."

+1. I've only flown domestically., but US rules tend to be more tedious than most abroad anyway. As above, wrap your tent poles inside your tent. While hiking poles are a "no no" for carry on — no one has ever hassled me re. tent poles.

[Bob Gross]

I flew on LAN Chile only once, and that was a short hop from Santiago to Mendoza. They didn't even look at my checked bag, and they barely looked at my carry-on bag. The immigration/customs check in Mendoza was tougher, but they were only looking for illegal stuff. If you are dressed like some scumbag backpacker trying to smuggle some weed, they bear down on you.

–B.G.–

[Ian]

First of all…. I'm green with envy. Have fun!

I haven't carried on tent poles but I wanted to add this if you haven't already considered it… Are you flying non stop from the U.S. to Santiago or do you have to transit through another country? If you do, passing through the security of those countries is another opportunity for the tent poles to be confiscated or at least routed towards your checked bag.

The reason I bring this up is that on our way to Cambodia, my co worker nearly lost some gear as we were transiting Thailand.

[Gregory Stein]

Not sure it helps. Anyway, no sharp stuff is allowed in El-Al (Israel air company). Tent stakes could be easily confiscated.

They are really crazy there. Especially when you come back to Israel.

[John S.]

Hiking poles will be allowed by the end of this month as carry on.

[Author]

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