winterbadger | Sep. 11th, 2006

Transportation Security Administration rules makes no sense.

I know this is not news to anyone, but I had it borne in upon me during my trip.

I planned to bring a hiking pole with me on my trip. Even the collapsible one C&M have, though, would not fit in my duffel bag, and I was sure I couldn't take it intot he airplane cabin with me, so I left it behind.

Cue me getting off the plane in Halifax, only to see an older couple (white-haired, but not feeble, by any means) getting off my flight, both carrying pairs of hiking poles! I then saw them again on the flight back (same couple, go figure), carrying their poles through security and onto the plane.

Folks, hiking poles are 3'-4' rods with sharp metal tips! What better weapon is there?

Today I check the TSA website. Ski poles (essentially the same thing: specifically prohibited from being called in the cabin; must be packed in checked luggage. Pool cues (not nearly as pointy, though heavier): same-same. Umbrellas and "walking canes": no problem, as long as they've been checked to make sure nothing is concealed inside them. Carry them right onto the plane.

WHAT? Huh? Bullshit!

But, sadly, typical TSA. I note the Canadian transport system has the same regulation, as did the UK system pre-the recent events (the UK regs even specifically mentioned hiking poles as int eh same category as ski poles).