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arguments regarding poles on planes.
I have purchased poles at Decathlon a couple of times upon arrival, but not always gotten them back home if not checked. I have limited bus service after my flight gets back to ORD, so often prefer to avoid checking them at the end.Check them or buy poles when you arrive. It is really easy. Why screw around and stress out. I know this is shocking but I have heard there are 1 or 2 TSA agents that aren't the nicest people in the world and have a touch of a power trip.
As usual, Tom, you provide practical advice.I recommend people buy the CHEAPEST aluminum poles Decathlon carries. They are €4,99 each, use spring-button length adjusters, and are suitable to purpose.
These poles come in one color, turquoise. You need only obtain rubber tips for them to avoid the dreaded click-clack noise
At that price point, just abandoning them at the Pilgrim Office is reasonable. They are recycled. Those not used by other pilgrims are sent to aluminum recycling. This is why I recommend these particular poles as low cost, but effective solution.
Hope this helps.
Please share the exact location of the Decathlon you are recommending. Would be helpful for those considering this option to know where you are referring to. Thank you !I recommend people buy the CHEAPEST aluminum poles Decathlon carries. They are €4,99 each, use spring-button length adjusters, and are suitable to purpose.
These poles come in one color, turquoise. You need only obtain rubber tips for them to avoid the dreaded click-clack noise
At that price point, just abandoning them at the Pilgrim Office is reasonable. They are recycled. Those not used by other pilgrims are sent to aluminum recycling. This is why I recommend these particular poles as low cost, but effective solution.
Hope this helps.
I fully appreciate the topic has been discussed ad nauseam and usually ends in arguments regarding poles on planes. Some will claim they never had an issue putting their poles into their packs and walking onto the airplane with them for the overhead, others have had them confiscated at the airport, some forced to check their bag because of the poles. Opinions will vary greatly based on experiences at the airports.
Please share the exact location of the Decathlon you are recommending. Would be helpful for those considering this option to know where you are referring to. Thank you !
Thank you for that info @t2andreo , but online mail order would bring me back to having poles in my possession that need to get to Spain somehow. I thought your suggestion to buy these cheap poles indicated there was a physical store upon arriving in Spain/France where one would walk to and purchase.Here is the direct URL to specific product page at www.decathlon.com (the US site). You can mail order.
Forclaz MT100 Hiking Pole (Single Pole)
DescriptionHighlights: Adjustable: Very simple and reliable push-pin system (push button). Size: 41”/43”/45”/47” (105/110/115/120 cm). Collapsed length: 21.6” (55 cm). Weight: 7 oz (200 g) / pole Durability: Aluminium tubes 6061-T6. Large tube diameter 20/18/16 mm. Steel Tip.www.decathlon.com
The price difference from USD 6.99 for each pole is approximately the same as the €4,99 price I mentioned above.
To find these same sticks on other countries Decathlon web sites, search using the model... 8493063. I believe this is actually the UPC code assigned to this item. If correct, this number is the same worldwide.
Alternatively, search using this product code: 8110360264815
Hope this helps.
I recommend people buy the CHEAPEST aluminum poles Decathlon carries. They are €4,99 each, use spring-button length adjusters, and are suitable to purpose.
These poles come in one color, turquoise. You need only obtain rubber tips for them to avoid the dreaded click-clack noise
At that price point, just abandoning them at the Pilgrim Office is reasonable. They are recycled. Those not used by other pilgrims are sent to aluminum recycling. This is why I recommend these particular poles as low cost, but effective solution.
Hope this helps.
Check them or buy poles when you arrive. It is really easy. Why screw around and stress out. I know this is shocking but I have heard there are 1 or 2 TSA agents that aren't the nicest people in the world and have a touch of a power trip.
Since there is no need to carry much food and no tent, the Decathlon poles are totally sufficient for Caminos, even though they are not the awesome lightweight Leki's. You and Jill will be just fine with them! Enjoy the Ingles!This time I'm leaving my Leki trekking poles at home, and then purchasing a set at the Decathlon in Ferrol. I would rather use my Leki poles, but even though TSA has always allowed me to carry them onboard from the US, I have to pay to ship them back home if I want to avoid checking a bag.
So this time I'll give it a try with a Decathlon set. . . although I will look at the 'pricier' models for an extra 10 Euro
This time I'm leaving my Leki trekking poles at home, and then purchasing a set at the Decathlon in Ferrol. I would rather use my Leki poles, but even though TSA has always allowed me to carry them onboard from the US, I have to pay to ship them back home if I want to avoid checking a bag.
So this time I'll give it a try with a Decathlon set. . . although I will look at the 'pricier' models for an extra 10 Euro
When are you heading out on the Ingles?
I hope to bump into you along the way...we walk out of Ferrol on 9/16 but are doing very very short days as my companion is older and a newbie. I'm sure you'll blow right by us! Buen Camino to you @davebugg and company !We'll arrive in Ferrol early on the 17th, and start the 18th.
I hope to bump into you along the way...we walk out of Ferrol on 9/16 but are doing very very short days as my companion is older and a newbie. I'm sure you'll blow right by us! Buen Camino to you @davebugg and company !
Hi - as a strictly hand baggage only pilgrim this year – within size limits and under 8 kg for some my flights – putting the polls in may have been a problem.I fully appreciate the topic has been discussed ad nauseam and usually ends in arguments regarding poles on planes. Some will claim they never had an issue putting their poles into their packs and walking onto the airplane with them for the overhead, others have had them confiscated at the airport, some forced to check their bag because of the poles. Opinions will vary greatly based on experiences at the airports.
Here are a few things to consider:
I was told by a friend who works for the TSA in the US that it is largely the call of the screening agent. His/her opinion to allow or not will be based on whether or not the poles pose a threat in any way. If they are deep inside your bag rather than strapped to the outside, they become less of a threat. If they are broken down as small as possible ( preferably z-poles )and have no sharp point ( hard tips removed and capped with rubber ) they become less of a threat. If you take the time to wrap them tightly in 'cling' wrap / Saran / plastic wrap, they become less of a threat because they would not be readily accessible.
I take a large mailer envelope and length of bubble wrap to the airport in my tote bag. The envelope has my identification info on it already and is self sealing with a tape strip. Should the poles be refused at the TSA check, I can simply place the poles only in the envelope and check them in without having to check my entire pack. It will be easier to replace poles than an entire lost pack. It will be easier to collect them at the airport also as small or very large odd shaped checked items go to a different collection spot at most airports and not off of the carousel.
( if you don't end up needing your mailer envelop and plastic bubble wrap you can discard it or simply place it flat in your pack for the trip home. It makes a nice waterproof cushion to sit on along the way too...lol )
*** EDIT posting not meant to incite another riot of " pole or not to pole "...just some things to consider if one is leaning towards trying to bring onboard.
I fully appreciate the topic has been discussed ad nauseam and usually ends in arguments regarding poles on planes. Some will claim they never had an issue putting their poles into their packs and walking onto the airplane with them for the overhead, others have had them confiscated at the airport, some forced to check their bag because of the poles. Opinions will vary greatly based on experiences at the airports.
Here are a few things to consider:
I was told by a friend who works for the TSA in the US that it is largely the call of the screening agent. His/her opinion to allow or not will be based on whether or not the poles pose a threat in any way. If they are deep inside your bag rather than strapped to the outside, they become less of a threat. If they are broken down as small as possible ( preferably z-poles )and have no sharp point ( hard tips removed and capped with rubber ) they become less of a threat. If you take the time to wrap them tightly in 'cling' wrap / Saran / plastic wrap, they become less of a threat because they would not be readily accessible.
I take a large mailer envelope and length of bubble wrap to the airport in my tote bag. The envelope has my identification info on it already and is self sealing with a tape strip. Should the poles be refused at the TSA check, I can simply place the poles only in the envelope and check them in without having to check my entire pack. It will be easier to replace poles than an entire lost pack. It will be easier to collect them at the airport also as small or very large odd shaped checked items go to a different collection spot at most airports and not off of the carousel.
( if you don't end up needing your mailer envelop and plastic bubble wrap you can discard it or simply place it flat in your pack for the trip home. It makes a nice waterproof cushion to sit on along the way too...lol )
*** EDIT posting not meant to incite another riot of " pole or not to pole "...just some things to consider if one is leaning towards trying to bring onboard.
I fully appreciate the topic has been discussed ad nauseam and usually ends in arguments regarding poles on planes. Some will claim they never had an issue putting their poles into their packs and walking onto the airplane with them for the overhead, others have had them confiscated at the airport, some forced to check their bag because of the poles. Opinions will vary greatly based on experiences at the airports.
Here are a few things to consider:
I was told by a friend who works for the TSA in the US that it is largely the call of the screening agent. His/her opinion to allow or not will be based on whether or not the poles pose a threat in any way. If they are deep inside your bag rather than strapped to the outside, they become less of a threat. If they are broken down as small as possible ( preferably z-poles )and have no sharp point ( hard tips removed and capped with rubber ) they become less of a threat. If you take the time to wrap them tightly in 'cling' wrap / Saran / plastic wrap, they become less of a threat because they would not be readily accessible.
I take a large mailer envelope and length of bubble wrap to the airport in my tote bag. The envelope has my identification info on it already and is self sealing with a tape strip. Should the poles be refused at the TSA check, I can simply place the poles only in the envelope and check them in without having to check my entire pack. It will be easier to replace poles than an entire lost pack. It will be easier to collect them at the airport also as small or very large odd shaped checked items go to a different collection spot at most airports and not off of the carousel.
( if you don't end up needing your mailer envelop and plastic bubble wrap you can discard it or simply place it flat in your pack for the trip home. It makes a nice waterproof cushion to sit on along the way too...lol )
*** EDIT posting not meant to incite another riot of " pole or not to pole "...just some things to consider if one is leaning towards trying to bring onboard.
Decathlon now has a small in-city store right next door to the Corte Inglés. They had poles last year when I was there.I located a Decathlon in Lisbon, Portugal, but it was quite far out on the north side of the city, so I took a taxi. There was no outdoor shop in the historical area in my research that carried poles and I stopped in at a couple of them to check first.
Exactly, and in reality they are actually less expensive than buying them in the states. I have seen them on the Frances as cheap as 5 euros each.Oh, for crying out loud ... just forget the poles and avoid the anxiety. Buy a pair in Europe and give them up before you leave. The Camino provides, right?
They are not that expensive.
Hey Dave! I'm leaving for the Ingles in about ten days, flying into Santiago before taking the bus to Ferrol. I've arranged with Faith to meet at Pilgrim House to look over the collection of donated poles they have there. If nothing suits I'll check out the Decathlon, there is a small one in the town centre, it might be possible to order a pair in advance and pick up there, rather than the one on the outskirts of town.This time I'm leaving my Leki trekking poles at home, and then purchasing a set at the Decathlon in Ferrol. I would rather use my Leki poles, but even though TSA has always allowed me to carry them onboard from the US, I have to pay to ship them back home if I want to avoid checking a bag.
So this time I'll give it a try with a Decathlon set. . . although I will look at the 'pricier' models for an extra 10 Euro
Hey Dave! I'm leaving for the Ingles in about ten days, flying into Santiago before taking the bus to Ferrol. I've arranged with Faith to meet at Pilgrim House to look over the collection of donated poles they have there. If nothing suits I'll check out the Decathlon, there is a small one in the town centre, it might be possible to order a pair in advance and pick up there, rather than the one on the outskirts of town.
The Lisbon metro goes to near there. (If you're taking a day and visiting the Tile Museum, for example.) Bus might also. Don't put the metro/bus pass into your front pocket and sit down, it fries the little electronic gizmo inside when the cardboard bends.I located a Decathlon in Lisbon, Portugal, but it was quite far out on the north side of the city, so I took a taxi. There was no outdoor shop in the historical area in my research that carried poles and I stopped in at a couple of them to check first.
There was no anxiety on my end... and I walked right thru TSA three times with poles tucked inside of my pack with not one issue . I’ll check bag with poles in it to return home .Oh, for crying out loud ... just forget the poles and avoid the anxiety. Buy a pair in Europe and give them up before you leave. The Camino provides, right?
They are not that expensive.
Checking anything on to a single, direct flight is simple. Checking anything on to a journey that requires several transfers, layovers, and change of airlines is a guarantee you will never see your property again . Big difference and not a blunt , clear cut answer when coming from a great distance away .CHECK THEM...PERIOD!!!!!
(emphasis added)Checking anything on to a single, direct flight is simple. Checking anything on to a journey that requires several transfers, layovers, and change of airlines is a guarantee you will never see your property again . Big difference and not a blunt , clear cut answer when coming from a great distance away .
Yes, you have been fortunate indeed. I’ve had bags lost in Europe ( and other countries) that never made it back to the US. ( Mostly non US carriers ) Not sure where the disconnect is or the blame lies. I’ve also received boxes mailed home from Spanish post office that had been emptied ... still appearing sealed by Spanish post, in the box purchased at post office... arriving completely empty at my address and bearing no weight upon its arrival at the US postal service, then forwarded to my home .Empty. Still... I have hope.(emphasis added)
This has not been my experience. I cannot say it doesn't happen, but I do know that it hasn't happened to me in just on 40 years of international air travel. Any travel my wife and I have done overseas for the last 20 years has involved at least one transfer to get out onto an international leg, and any travel to Europe involves at least one more transfer.
This response is a bit skewed as the title of the article listing this report is called “The US Airlines Most Likely to Lose Your Luggage”.... let’s try to play fair.
This response is a bit skewed as the title of the article listing this report is called “The US Airlines Most Likely to Lose Your Luggage”.... let’s try to play fair.
I don't mean to say that checked luggage doesn't get lost on routine flights every day, but from my experience, the problem lies not simply with multiple fights or mixed airlines, but with changes to one's original itinerary; i.e., cancellations or delays which cause deviations from the original sequence of flights. It doesn't matter if the need for re-booking is caused by mechanical problems, weather delays, or customer-initiated changes. The only times I've had lost or delayed luggage have been due to one of the above, and in both cases, my luggage was delivered to me within 36 hours. If this happens, file a lost luggage claim IMMEDIATELY after reaching your destination and discovering your baggage is missing. Be sure to keep your baggage claim ticket(s). Having photos of your bags on your smartphone showing any "personalization" such as colored straps, ribbons, etc. will help the agent understand your baggage color, type, and size for the description that is entered on the report. Also, knowing the brand name of your luggage is helpful, although for most pilgrims this is easy because we all know the brand and color of our most common item of luggage -- our backpacks.Checking anything on to a single, direct flight is simple. Checking anything on to a journey that requires several transfers, layovers, and change of airlines is a guarantee you will never see your property again . Big difference and not a blunt , clear cut answer when coming from a great distance away .
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