You must be wondering if can you bring an umbrella on a plane with you, if it’s a compact, foldable one. So the answer is yes, if your umbrella is within 20 inches and can easily fit in the overhead compartments or beneath the seat in front of you, there’s no issue.
The permissibility of bring umbrella on plane largely depends on the specific airline you’re flying with. Most U.S. airlines do allow umbrellas to be carried as personal items, which can help you save space in your carry-on bag.
What is the Right Umbrella as carry on a plane?
Selecting the right umbrella on the plane for your journey is crucial to ensure a hassle-free travel experience. Here, we’ll help you make an informed choice.
Pointed umbrella on the plane
- Beware of umbrella on plane with pointed ends, also known as ferrules.
- Ferrules are prohibited on certain airlines and airports.
- Turkish Airlines and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol have explicit bans on pointed-end umbrella on plane.
However, other airports and airlines do not mention them explicitly, it’s best to avoid these to prevent potential delays at security checkpoints.
Long and straight umbrella on the plane
Answering the question ‘Can you bring an umbrella on a plane’, even if your umbrella doesn’t have a pointed end, it might be restricted on certain airlines due to its length.
- If an umbrella exceeds 21-24 inches, it should go as checked baggage for an additional fee.
- Remember that some airlines have a maximum checked baggage length of 32 lengths, in that case, the umbrella on plane may not be accepted at all.
Short and foldable umbrella on the plane
A short, foldable umbrella with no pointed ends. These compact umbrellas are permitted on all airlines, ensuring a seamless clearance at the security checkpoint.
Can you bring an Umbrella on a Plane as checked baggage?
Umbrellas are safe to pack in checked luggage. Regardless of any airline or airport guidelines, you can carry any type of umbrella in checked baggage. If you’re carrying the pointed umbrellas, these items are subject to additional inspection due to their sharp frames but are generally permitted in the checked baggage.
What Umbrella policies to know before flying across major airlines?
Before you embark on your next journey, it’s essential to understand the acceptance of umbrella under baggage policies of different airlines such as Delta Airlines baggage guidelines.
We have compiled a table that helps you navigate the restrictions and allowances when it comes to carrying umbrella in flight.
| Airline | Maximum Umbrella Length | Counted as Umbrella Carry On | No (umbrellas without pointed tips) |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 22 inches | No | No |
| Delta Airlines | 22 inches | Umbrella Counted as a Personal Item | No |
| Southwest Airlines | 24 inches | No | No |
| United Airlines | 22 inches | No | No |
| Air Canada | 21.5 inches | Yes (17-21.5 inches) | Yes (10-17 inches) |
| Alaska Airlines | Up to 22 inches | No | No |
| JetBlue Airlines | 22 inches | No | No |
| Spirit Airlines | 22 inches | No | No |
| Lufthansa | 15 inches (personal item) or 21 inches (Umbrella carry on) | Yes (if not packed inside hand luggage) | No |
| Air France | 21.7 inches | No | No |
| Ryanair | 21.6 inches | Yes | Yes |
| British Airways | Up to 22 inches | Yes (17-22 inches) | Yes (10-16 inches) |
| Wizz Air | 21.6 inches | No | No |
| Turkish Airlines | 21.6 inches | No | No (umbrellas without pointed tip) |
Are there any restrictions for umbrella on the plane by airports?
Airport security isn’t solely governed by airlines; airports play an important role too. Here’s what you need to know –
- Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – Atlanta Airport doesn’t enforce additional rules for umbrella on plane. The umbrellas are allowed as checked as well as carry-on baggage.
- Beijing International Airport (PEK) – Beijing International Airport doesn’t have specific rules against umbrellas. Pointed umbrellas may have extra scrutiny from security agents. Umbrellas may need to be removed from your bag during the security screening process.
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) – Dubai International Airport’s prohibited items list does not mention umbrellas.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Regulated by the TSA, Los Angeles Airport doesn’t have additional rules for umbrella on the plane, making them permissible for travelers.
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) – Umbrellas are allowed without issue at Tokyo Haneda Airport.
- London Heathrow (LHR) – While the umbrella is allowed at London Heathrow, they must fit inside your carry on bag. Heathrow Airport strictly enforces the UK Department of Transport’s rule, allowing passengers only one carry-on bag. With any extra items to be placed inside hand luggage or checked bags.
- Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) – Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport welcomes umbrella as carry on without specific restrictions.
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) – Umbrellas with pointed ends are prohibited at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Only small, foldable ones are accepted as Umbrella carry on as well as personal items.
- Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – Frankfurt Airport welcomes umbrellas without imposing additional restrictions.
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKA) – While umbrellas are permitted at Hong Kong International Airport, passengers carrying them are subject to exclusive screening. This is due to past protests and the so-called Umbrella Movement.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have gone through an overview of the question ‘Can you bring an Umbrella on a plane’. Feel free to pack your umbrella for your trip, even if you’re unsure whether you’ll need it. It’s important to be prepared. Opt for a small, foldable umbrella on the plane which is acceptable in all conditions. It does not require any extra scrutiny at the security screenings. At the same time, it is also crucial to check the specific requirements set by both the airline and the airport regarding umbrellas.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What size umbrella can you take on a plane?
The length of the umbrella must not exceed 22-24 inches. However, this limit may vary with the airlines.
Are umbrellas allowed in flight?
Yes, umbrellas can be safely packed in the checked baggage. Small, foldable umbrellas are allowed in the carry-on baggage, subject to extra scrutiny at the security checkpoints.
What are umbrellas not allowed on planes?
Many umbrellas contain metal parts and could potentially be considered as items that could be misused, similar to how a firearm or a lighter would be prohibited on an aircraft.
Pingback: Seth
Thanks for your kind words