Flying With a Walking Stick: Everything You Need to Know Before You Travel
Flying with a walking stick is generally more straightforward than flying with crutches, but there are still things worth knowing before you get to the airport.
Can you take a walking stick on a plane?
Yes. A walking stick is classed as a mobility aid, and EU Air Passenger Rights regulations (which still apply to UK flights departing from or arriving at EU airports) require airlines to carry mobility aids free of charge, without it counting towards your baggage allowance.
This applies regardless of what airline you're flying with on those routes. For domestic UK flights and flights to non-EU destinations, most major airlines have equivalent policies, but it's worth checking your specific airline's accessibility policy before you travel rather than assuming.
The key distinction is between a fixed walking stick and a folding walking stick, and that distinction matters a lot at the airport.
Fixed (non-folding) walking stick: what to expect
A fixed walking stick can usually be taken through security and to the gate, where it will be tagged and placed in the hold or in the aircraft's special assistance compartment depending on the airline and aircraft type.
You'll typically be without your stick from the gate to your seat if it's placed in the hold, which means relying on the gate staff to assist you boarding. This is manageable if you've pre-booked assistance, considerably less so if you haven't.
Some airlines and aircraft allow a fixed walking stick to be stored on board in a dedicated cabin crew storage area. This varies by aircraft and isn't guaranteed. If having your stick accessible during the flight matters to you, call your airline before you travel and ask specifically.
Folding walking stick: the better option for flying
A folding walking stick that folds down small enough fits in hand luggage and stays with you throughout the entire journey. Security, the gate, the aircraft, the arrival hall. No checking in, no collecting from oversized baggage, no moment where you're without it.
This is the single most practical reason to own a folding stick if you travel at all. The difference in airport experience between having your mobility aid with you at all times and having to rely on staff to retrieve it is significant.
Our folding walking stick collection includes options that pack down to 35cm, compact enough for any carry-on bag. Our complete folding walking stick guide covers how to choose and what to look for if you're not sure whether folding is right for your condition.
Airport security
A walking stick does not need to go through the X-ray machine separately. It can go on the belt in a tray like any other item. If you use your stick to walk through the security arch and it triggers the detector, you'll be asked to step aside for a manual check, which is routine and quick.
If removing your walking stick to place it on the belt means you're without support, tell security staff before you reach the belt. They can assist and will typically allow you to walk through with the stick and be checked manually.
Pre-booked assistance will have someone with you through security, which takes the logistical pressure off considerably.
Pre-booking assistance
Book assistance with your airline at the time of booking, or at least 48 hours before departure. In the UK and EU this is free and is a legal requirement to provide.
What it typically includes: a member of staff to meet you at check-in or the accessible drop-off point, assistance through security and to the gate, priority boarding, and a meet-and-assist on arrival.
What it doesn't always include: guaranteed fast-tracking through long queues (you'll still go through the same security, just with support), or a member of staff who stays with you throughout the entire airport experience. Build in time rather than assuming assistance means instant progress through the airport.
Top tip - if you arrive at the airport without special assistance booked but find you need it, always ask - often the airline staff at check in can arrange it for you.
On board
Most aircraft cabins have narrow aisles that are difficult to navigate with a walking stick. Aisle seats remove the need to pass other passengers to reach your seat and give you more room to stand and brace when getting up.
Exit row seats have more legroom but typically can't be used by passengers with mobility conditions that affect evacuation ability. Standard front cabin or bulkhead seats are usually the most practical choice.
If your stick is in the cabin and you want to keep it accessible during the flight, cabin crew will usually store it in the wardrobe near the front of the aircraft. Ask when you board rather than waiting.
Ferrules and airport surfaces
Airport floors are typically smooth, polished stone or hard floors, which are some of the most demanding surfaces for ferrule grip. If your ferrule is worn, an airport is where you're most likely to notice. Check it before you travel. Our ferrule range has options for every level of use, and a spare in your hand luggage takes up almost no space.
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