You have finally made up your mind to go on vacation. The thought of it alone makes you happy and excited. You bring out your traveling bag to pack your belongings. Then you remember that weather conditions in the location you are jetting off to may vary, and you need to be prepared for it. You dash for your umbrella, thanking your stars you didn’t forget it, then something stops you on your track, and you consider if umbrellas are allowed on the plane.
Will the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows you to carry an umbrella on a plane? What kind of umbrella do they allow on a plane?
ARDECO is here to provide you with all the answers you seek. So without wasting much time, let’s dig in.
Can You Bring an Umbrella on a Plane? An Umbrella in Your Cabin Luggage?
You can bring an umbrella on the plane, especially if it’s a small foldable umbrella. TSA permits small umbrella sizes 20 inches and below to fit into the overhead section to be recommended. But long umbrellas with pointed tips are prohibited, so the best thing to do is to avoid carrying them.
Another problem with airlines and airports is when you take an umbrella slightly damaged in your carry-on bag. If the bars are uncovered or sticking out, you will not be permitted to take such an umbrella on board the plane.
So you know it’s time to buy a new one. It’s not about buying any umbrella but one with quality. That’s why ARDECO is the preferred choice for all umbrellas, whether looking for a promotion, to give away to clients, or for use on your premises; our name is synonymous with quality. Any umbrella you get from us is durable and made of the highest quality.
Most airlines have guidelines for bringing an umbrella to the plane. Once you mention umbrellas as part of your luggage, the security personnel will properly scrutinize them. Some of them allow passengers to carry umbrellas free of charge, which are not included as personal items, while others don’t. So it’s essential to get that information before your trip to know what you are allowed to bring.
So let’s look at the types of umbrellas people bring to the airport.
What Type of Umbrella Can You Take In Your Cabin Luggage, Carry On, or Hand Luggage?
1. Umbrella With Pointed Ends
This type of umbrella, a ferrule, won’t get past airport security. Ferrule umbrellas are prohibited because they can be used as a weapon. Therefore it’s recommended you avoid this type of umbrella.
2. Long Straight Umbrella
That airlines allow some umbrellas doesn’t mean you should bring a long umbrella. Umbrellas that are 21-24 inches are preferable to those that are longer.
So don’t create issues where there is none by bringing long umbrellas that will not pass security checks. So when packing for that trip, skipping it is important.
3. Short Foldable Umbrellas
Short foldable umbrellas without any pointed ends are the only umbrella 100% allowed on board the plane. You can buy it if you don’t already have one.
But if you are thinking of where to get it, then we at ARDECOare your best plug for it. We manufacture umbrellas of different sizes for various purposes, that can enter your suitcase, etc. We can also custom-design them just for you.
Can You Bring an Umbrella in Checked Luggage?
Of course, you can bring an umbrella in your checked luggage without any hassles. Unlike hand luggage which may restrict you, check luggage will not place such restrictions on you.
A sun umbrella or a golf umbrella will not go past airport security as a carry-on bag, but it can comfortably be put in the checked bag if the bag is big enough. You can carry your favorite sun umbrella and golf umbrella in checked luggage.
Just ensure that the size of the umbrella in your checked luggage doesn’t exceed the stipulated measurement. Generally, umbrellas shouldn’t be more than 32 inches long. So you are good to go once it’s under the requirement. But if you need to go with a large one of more than 32 inches, then you need to use the postal services.
Popular Airlines and Their Restrictions on Traveling with Umbrellas
Here is a list of popular airlines and their restrictions on umbrella sizes.
American Airlines
i. The Size Allowed
Their umbrella size is 21 inches. So they expect that your umbrella shouldn’t exceed it.
ii. Personal Item
Umbrellas are not counted as hand-held luggage.
United Airlines
i. The Size Allowed
The allowed umbrella size for this airline is 22 inches. So anything that exceeds this will not be checked in.
ii. Personal Item
In this airline, umbrellas are not counted as a hand-held bag.
Southwest Airlines
i. Size Allowed
The Southwest airline does not accept umbrellas of more than 24 inches.
ii. Personal Item
No, umbrellas are not counted as personal items in this airline.
Alaska Airlines
i. The Size Allowed
Alaska Airlines prefers that the umbrella be small enough to enter your suitcase or under your seat. So the size of your umbrella should be less than 22 inches if its a hand luggage.
ii. Personal Item
Here, umbrellas are not counted as personal items.
Spirit Airlines
i. Size Allowed
Umbrella specification in Spirit Airlines is that it shouldn’t exceed 22 inches or the length of your hand luggage.
ii. Personal Item
Umbrellas are not counted as carry-ons.
British Airways
i. The Size Allowed
British airways do not accept umbrella sizes of more than 22 inches.
ii. Personal Items
If your umbrella doesn’t enter into your hand luggage, British Airways considers it a piece of carry-on luggage. Umbrellas between 10-16 inches are considered personal items, while larger umbrellas are extra carry-ons.
Turkish Airlines
i. Size Allowed
The regulation on umbrellas for Turkish airlines is that they shouldn’t be more than 21.6 inches.
ii. Personal Items
In Turkish Airlines, umbrellas are not considered personal items but strictly prohibit pointed umbrellas.
Air France
i. Size Allowed
Air France allows umbrellas of not more than 21.7 inches. So if you intend to fly Air France, you must be aware of this umbrella policy.
ii. Personal Item
In Air France, umbrellas are not considered hand luggage.
Air Canada
i. The Size Allowed
Air Canada allows only umbrellas of not more than 21.5 inches.
ii. Personal Item
The Air Canada umbrella policy is like that of British Airways. If the length of your umbrella is between 10-17 inches, it is not considered carry-on, but once it exceeds, it is counted as a personal item.
There is no problem if you bring a beach umbrella on a plane. But it must follow the umbrella guideline. The beach umbrella should be foldable and small, like a regular umbrella. As long as the beach umbrella is not long and pointed, you are good to go.
Final Thoughts When Taking an Umbrella On a Plane
From all we have said in this blog post, it is evident that you are allowed to bring your umbrella on board, but you have to be careful in considering the kind of umbrella you take along.
You can always contact the airline you are traveling with when in doubt. ARDECOis the go-to for anything umbrella related. We will guide you in making the correct choice and picking the right umbrella for your trip, or you can verify with the airline about restrictions.
We hope this is helpful in your packing. Have a fun-filled trip.
