Weather changes are bound to happen, so it’s nice to pack an umbrella on your trip. You don’t want to be soaked in the rain a few minutes after landing at your destination, after all! Can you bring an umbrella on a plane?
Most airlines allow you to board a plane with your umbrella but with various specifications. Small and foldable umbrellas are allowed by many airlines. Generally, airlines will allow umbrellas with a length of 20 inches that can easily be placed under the seat or in the compartment.
In this article, I’ll look further into the rules governing umbrellas on flights, so make sure you check it out!
Does an umbrella count as a personal item?
Some airlines do not count an umbrella as a carry-on allowance or personal item but as an accessory.This again heavily depends on your airline, so check the rules before you go.
A significant number of US airlines allow one to bring an umbrella in addition to your hand luggage. This is the most significant advantage of using US airlines, as you can save space in your carry-on luggage.
Can an umbrella set off a metal detector?
Most airports worldwide use high-tech security gadgets and metal detectors to scan travelers. These metal detectors go off even at the simplest things.
Keeping that in mind, there is a high possibility that they will set off when you walk with your umbrella through these metal detectors.
To avoid this, you should place your umbrella in the screening bins while going through vigorous security checks.
Are umbrellas allowed on international flights?
International flights will allow you to carry your umbrella on the plane.
However, if you are traveling on a cheap budget airline, they try as much as possible to minimize free luggage as their main aim is to squeeze more passengers in to fly. You can be assured that they will restrict you from carrying an oversized umbrella.
Most international airlines do not treat umbrellas as personal items but as accessories. Contact your airline to get the proper umbrella specifications and avoid disappointment.
Umbrella restrictions between different airports
Before you travel, you must go through the rules of the airports and the airline you intend to use. Some airports either have a complete ban on pointed umbrellas or only allow them after screening.
However, most airports allow passengers to carry umbrellas and leave the airlines to decide on specifications.
Let us cross-check on what the most commonly used airports across the world state regarding umbrellas.
Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Though the Atlanta International Airport is majorly regulated by TSA (Transport Security Administration) rules, it has not enforced any additional rules and regulations on umbrellas. This means you are free to carry your umbrella.
Beijing International Airport (PEK)
There is scarce information about Beijing International Airport and additional umbrella rules, but most passengers confirmed that umbrellas are allowed. However, some passengers reported that they were asked numerous questions that put them off.
Subsequently, they reported that you must take out your umbrella while undergoing security checks.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport is also under TSA regulations and guidelines, and the airport has not enforced any additional umbrella rules. This means you can freely carry your umbrella to the airport.
London Heathrow (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport allows you to carry your umbrella, but it has to fit in your carry-on luggage.
The airport enforces the UK Department of Transport rule very strictly and keenly, which states that each passenger should have one carry-on luggage. If you are planning to cruise through the Heathrow Airport, your items should be stuffed in your checked or hand luggage.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKA)
Hong Kong International Airport allows passengers to carry their umbrellas. However, if you’re cruising through the airport with an umbrella, you will be subjected to an exclusive screening. This is because of the recent umbrella protests and movements.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
If you’re planning to travel through the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, it’s essential to note that pointed-end umbrellas are prohibited. Please invest in a small and foldable umbrella during your travel.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
You should be fine with carrying your umbrella if your flight is set to cruise through Frankfurt Airport.
Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG)
The Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport allows passengers to carry their umbrellas without any hitches.
The types of umbrellas you can’t bring on a plane
Pointed-end umbrellas
Pointed-end umbrellas, commonly referred to as ferrules, are prohibited in a few airlines and airports.
In extensive research, it was noted that if you fly through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and use Turkish Airlines, you should not carry a pointed-end umbrella.
However, though the rest of the airlines and airports have scarce information about pointed-end umbrellas, the decision to bring or not entirely depends on the security agent you encounter.
Many people reported that they encountered zero issues with pointed-end umbrellas. However, if you want to avoid disappointments and hitches during your flight, please avoid the ferrules.
Long and straight umbrellas
Avoid carrying a long, straight umbrella even though it does not have a pointed end. Various airlines and airports might ban it because it is overly long.
Your umbrella should be between 21 and 24 inches long depending on your airline. Otherwise, the airline will check it in at a chargeable fee if it has an additional length.
Nevertheless, you can bring your umbrella if you go through the airline policies, and note that umbrellas are allowed for free besides hand luggage.
Regardless, please try as much as possible to avoid carrying long umbrellas during your travel to avoid unnecessary hitches.
The types of umbrellas to bring on a plane
Short and foldable umbrellas
If it is a must you carry an umbrella with you, then the short and foldable ones are ideal. This is because this umbrella does not have a pointed end, thus being allowed by most airlines and airports.
If you want to buy an umbrella in this style for your travels, I recommend the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella.
Essential tips when bringing an umbrella on a plane
- Ensure your umbrella is small. This makes it possible to fit under the seat or in your carry-on luggage.
- Place the umbrella at the top of your luggage for easy accessibility during security checks.
- Always avoid long pointed umbrellas with dangerous handles and tips.
- When inside the airport, always keep your umbrella closed for safety measures.
- While going through vigorous security checks, put your umbrella flat in the security bin.
- Check with your airline for additional guidelines.
Conclusion
You can carry your umbrella on a plane, but you must adhere to TSA guidelines. The TSA, which governs most of the main airports and airlines, always treats umbrellas as accessories.
I hope the insights and guidelines I’ve shared in this article will help you prepare well for your journey. Happy and safe travels!
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