Canes and planes

[grover99]

I have found that it depends on what airport and what TSA agent you get. I followed all regs in taking a firearm from KC to Phoenix. At KC they couldn't have been nicer and more helpful. When I got to the Phoenix Airport to return I was treated like a mass murder. The ticket agent gave me a hard time and then passed me on to a TAS agent who dumped every thing out of my suitcase before shoving it all back in. Resulting in some breakage of my stuff when I got home. Once I got to gate I was subjected to every security check know to man. Had all I wanted with flying. Been 20 years sense I last flew and the next time I fly is if someone wants to ship my casket somewhere

 

[old bear]

I have a nice metal cane I'd like to take on my trip next week. It has a stainless golf ball on the head. It's not collapsible but would fit in the overhead. Would TSA let that fly?

I've flown with a wooden cane for years had no problems with TSA. Most TSA folks have morphed in decent people, just doing a necessary job.

 

[RudyN]

Having had both some training in stick fighting as well as a hip injury since I was 16, I have been carrying canes into prisons, courthouses, airplanes, police stations and different countries for decades. I have a doctor's note for it, too - but I've never needed to show it. Of course I never carry a cane that might garner a hairy eyeball on these excursions, because I'm not an idiot.

Now, I own and carry and have carried-on and carried into different countries (and jails and prisons and police stations and secure military bases) a Canemaster Gentleman's cane that has some fighting features built in, but they're not over the top and appear decorative, not aggressive. I've never had an issue with it in these security situations. I have some other canes that would cause a raised eyebrow, and I don't mess around with them - I'm not looking for an argument; I have other business to attend.



When I have carried-on a cane lately, it's been with a collapsible aluminum cane which easily attaches to my carry-on instead of clunking around (and possibly getting forgotten) in the overhead - still a pretty good (fast!) stick given the space in which I'd be using it.

I'd be a little surprised if anyone at the airport made a fuss about the cane you describe here in the USA, although I don't have a crystal ball - but it could happen (as others have noted). Maybe you can argue your way through - I am certain that I could, but I'm a lawyer and I have a doctor's letter as well as more than a passing acquaintance with the ADA.

Here's my question: if you're thinking it might be an issue with that particular cane, why are you messing with it?

You didn't ask for advice so I'll spare you: but if you were my brother asking this question and he needed a cane or simply wanted a stick during the plane ride, I'd advise that he consider something that wouldn't attract a second glance (like the one linked below).

Amazon.com

Just saw your follow-up post: good idea. But if you want a stick, by all means take one - just get one that looks like what a grandma would be issued by a hospital.

I have a cane that is almost the twin of yours and have never had a problem with the cane from TSA. The airlines do ask me to store it in the over head compartment if possible. 

 

[pasound]

Sometimes my left knee decides to not work. In recent years, I've used my dad's cane I bought him 40 years ago, a metal cane for the car, and this one that co-workers bought me for my 71st birthday.

 

[Erich]

I have a cane that is almost the twin of yours and have never had a problem with the cane from TSA. The airlines do ask me to store it in the over head compartment if possible. 

Yes, as I said, I've never had a problem with it anywhere. And I have never been permitted to keep it at my seat without putting it in the overhead.

 

[Walkin Horse]

Yes, as I said, I've never had a problem with it anywhere. And I have never been permitted to keep it at my seat without putting it in the overhead.

TSA says they like them put away because of a tripping hazard.

 

[WR Moore]

Excuse me for being blunt, but what orthopedic medical degree qualifies you or any TSA agent to declare what we need or don't need for support . . . ?

Kinda like saying I don't need an AR-15 . . .

Well, if you ask Cold Steel or most other folks who actually provide the devices, they point out that the scent bottle/golf ball heads don't provide adequate support and hurt the hand. If you want a ball end, it helps if it's larger. How much larger I don't know, the cobra head above looks interesting. I use a crook end myself.

At work, I'd have politely asked to see your medical card for the stick. The way one moves if one actually needs support is different also. We had a surprising number of folks try to get dual use devices-like the Choate "ice scrapers" - past screening. Likely just butt heads, but one never knows. I wasn't screening airline passengers.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I don't need a medical card to carry a cane, and it's really up to the user to decide if the device provides adequate support for the intended user. My plan if my cane is taken is to fall over immediately. Where was that in your policy manual?

Well, if you ask Cold Steel or most other folks who actually provide the devices, they point out that the scent bottle/golf ball heads don't provide adequate support and hurt the hand. If you want a ball end, it helps if it's larger. How much larger I don't know, the cobra head above looks interesting. I use a crook end myself.

At work, I'd have politely asked to see your medical card for the stick. The way one moves if one actually needs support is different also. We had a surprising number of folks try to get dual use devices-like the Choate "ice scrapers" - past screening. Likely just butt heads, but one never knows. I wasn't screening airline passengers.

 

[WR Moore]

We always asked if the person could stand without support. If not, or we had doubts, we provided a seat/wheel chair while the cane went through xray. IIRC, we only found one sword cane and that was a complete shock to the guy who owned it. He'd been to other facilities where they apparently didn't bother. The release was very well concealed. One wonders how sensitive their metal detectors were, but he might not have needed it to walk through that.

You're right, you don't need a medical card to use a cane. But, that doesn't mean that there aren't places where they're required, or the onsite medical department makes that evaluation prior to your entry. Yes, there would be both one or more witnesses to the Q&A about ability plus video.

 

[Golddollar]

I don't need a medical card to carry a cane, and it's really up to the user to decide if the device provides adequate support for the intended user. My plan if my cane is taken is to fall over immediately.

I'll try to remember that the next time I fly.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...-walking-cane-16344284921989.jpg?v=1605130335

My Dad's walking stick that was given to me. Shillelagh root-knobbed walking cane. He flew with it, but couldn't tell you how.

 

[Farmer17]

In Oklahoma sword canes are legal so the day I need a cane for walking, that's what I'm buying. I just think they're cool.

 

[NYlakesider]

In Oklahoma sword canes are legal so the day I need a cane for walking, that's what I'm buying. I just think they're cool.

Yes you would be a very sharp dresser!

 

[grover99]

In Oklahoma sword canes are legal so the day I need a cane for walking, that's what I'm buying. I just think they're cool.

I have a neat sword cane but I can't find out if it is legal in MO. Before MO went to constitutional carry the sword cane was not legal as it was a concealed weapon.
Now I am trying to find out if sword canes are legal. One would think that they would be but the law does not always make sense. Guess I could call the local sheriff's office and ask but I am happier when they do not know I am alive.

 

[T112-4]

I may have missed this if someone already commented. I believe that the National Disabilities Act allows you to have the cane anywhere but I wouldn't be surprised if the airline had you put it in the overhead.

 

[Beemerguy53]

Men started killing each other with sticks a long time before blades or guns, yet they will take a way my little pocket knife and let a 300# man (me) board with a 3' long hardwood stick with a metal tip and some sharp #2 lead pencils.

Why do I find that so hilarious?

Take it up with Congress. Back in 2013, TSA was all set to allow knives with blades no longer than 3" to be carried through checkpoints once again, but the airlines and Congress put a stop to it.

TSA reverses itself: No knives on planes - CBS News

 

[Beemerguy53]

I have a nice metal cane I'd like to take on my trip next week. It has a stainless golf ball on the head. It's not collapsible but would fit in the overhead. Would TSA let that fly?

For several years, before and immediately after my knee replacements, I had to use a cane, and I flew with this one with no problems.

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08C55H27W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/ame]

 

[Erich]

Thanks for that link, Beemerguy53: somehow I was unaware of that company, and it has a lot of products that look neat. (No interest in skull pendants, but happily that's removable.)