Question re: Tent in Carry On Luggage

[annnewjerz]

Hi

I've also posted this question on the Transportation board but wanted to get some input from fellow campers!

We are going on (basically) our dream trip to WDW in December, but wanted to make a quick trip down in October for MNSSHP. We are just planning to stay 2 nights and since we want to do it on the cheap---I was thinking about camping.

Right now, the plan is to drive, but I have seen airfare periodically that is just as low as gas for driving would cost---so if we can find a cheap enough flight, we'll be flying.

If we fly, will we be able to pack the tent as carry-on luggage? I know they fold up small, but I was wondering if the flexible tent poles would be a problem.

Would love to get some feedback from anyone who has experience with this.

Thanks!
Ann

 

[medic9016]

Your tent poles and stakes are going to be the problem as a carry-on.

 

[annnewjerz]

Your tent poles and stakes are going to be the problem as a carry-on.

Have you had an experience where the poles and stakes had to be checked? On the Transportation board, I was given the advice that if they size is right for a carry-on, I can take them. I also Googled the question and on a lot of camping websites/forums, they said that hiking poles would be a problem in your carry-on, but tent/poles/stakes shouldn't be.

 

[clkelley]

Have you had an experience where the poles and stakes had to be checked? On the Transportation board, I was given the advice that if they size is right for a carry-on, I can take them. I also Googled the question and on a lot of camping websites/forums, they said that hiking poles would be a problem in your carry-on, but tent/poles/stakes shouldn't be.

I've had tent poles and stakes in my carryon, not a problem!!

 

[medic9016]

I called a friend who is an Air Marshall. He told me to look at the TSA website. He said it may be up to the TSA agent that runs the tent through the X-ray if the are allowed or not. It may depend on the length and plastic or metal. He said the mallet or hammer to put them in the ground will have to be checked and not carry-on.

 

[coccinelle]

We did tent camping in april but the tent was in our checked luggages because it is to big to be in a carry on.