Can You Bring Snowshoes And Ski Poles On Planes?

We use affiliate links, and receive a small commission if you make purchases through them. Find out more here.

Carry-on bags

Yes, with conditions

Checked luggage

Yes

Rules for Flights in the USA

Snowshoes are allowed both in carry-on and checked baggage on flights in the United States. However, TSA also states that crampons with sharp spikes might be restricted in hand luggage, so it’s advisable to pack snowshoes with sharp spikes in checked baggage, as the security agent might deem them dangerous.

Rules for Flights in Other Countries

Canada

Snowshoes without spikes are permitted both in hand and checked luggage on Canada’s airplanes. But, snowshoes with crampons or spikes are banned from hand luggage and should travel in checked baggage only.

Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, China, and India

Not specified as a banned item, but snowshoes with crampons or spikes won’t be allowed in carry-on baggage on European, UK, Australian, New Zealand, Chinese, and Indian flights as sharp objects are banned on board. Snowshoes with crampons should travel only in checked luggage. Snowshoes without crampons might be allowed onboard as long as the airport security agent doesn’t deem them as blunt objects that could be used as bludgeons.

Sources: For writing this article, we took information only from official sources, like airline regulators, government websites, and major airlines. If you want to confirm that our information is accurate and up to date, click on any of the links mentioned above. We linked out to where we found this information for each country.

Disclaimer: The final decision of whether you can bring snowshoes onboard airplanes always rests on the security officer. Some airlines also have additional rules that may be different.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Snowshoes and Poles on Planes

Do I need to take out my snowshoes when going through security?

Theoretically, you only need to take large electronics and your liquids bag out of your carry-on when going through airport security in the United States. But since most snowshoes have sharp spikes or crampons, they may be subject to additional inspection, so you might need to take them out anyway, depending on the security officer.

Is it better to pack snowshoes in hand or checked luggage?

Most snowshoes have crampons and spikes, so it’s best to pack them in checked baggage to avoid trouble when going through airport security in the United States. Although snowshoes are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage on flights in the United States, ultimately it’s up to the security agent to decide if they represent a threat.

Are Ice Cleats and Crampons also allowed on planes?

Ice cleats and crampons are allowed on planes in the United States with certain restrictions. Ice cleats are banned from carry-on luggage but allowed on cargo baggage. According to TSA, crampons are permitted in the cabin and cargo luggage, but ultimately it’s the security agent who makes the final call. Overall, it’s wiser to pack both ice cleats and crampons in checked luggage.

Can I bring ski poles on a flight?

Ski poles aren’t allowed inside carry-on baggage on flights in the United States, but passengers can travel with ski poles on cargo baggage. Packing them is easier if you have collapsible ski poles with a travel pouch that prevents them from puncturing your luggage.