🦯 Walking cane / Crutches

Walking canes and crutches are treated as mobility aids and are permitted through the security checkpoint with no restriction. The TSA officer will simply ask you to place the cane on the X-ray belt or pass it through separately, and may do a brief physical inspection. Letting the officer know you use it for mobility at the start of the screening process makes the experience smoother.

Sword canes — walking sticks with a concealed blade inside the shaft — are prohibited in carry-on baggage because the blade counts as a prohibited sharp object. The cane itself would also likely be confiscated at the checkpoint. A standard wooden, aluminium, or folding cane with no hidden components has no restrictions anywhere.

You do not need to declare a standard walking cane in advance, but informing the TSA officer at the checkpoint that you use the cane for mobility means they can assist with screening rather than asking you to balance without it. Crutches and canes may go through the X-ray machine or be hand-inspected — the officer will guide you through the process.

Yes — mobility aids including canes and crutches are permitted in the cabin. Airlines will generally let you keep a folding cane under the seat or in the overhead bin, and cabin crew are trained to assist passengers with mobility equipment. If your cane is too long to fit in the overhead bin, speak to the gate agent before boarding and they can usually arrange a solution.