Taking hiking gear on a plane: What’s not allowed

Going to Mt. Apo for your first out-of-Luzon hike? Packing your bags for a hike that involves air travel? What’s allowed – and not allowed – on planes – as checked or carry-on luggage – is a common concern for hikers, and for the benefit of everyone, here are some guidelines on what (not) to bring on a plane when carrying hiking gear.

Note: Most of the rules apply internationally, but take note that these rules keep changing all the time so it’s best to confirm with your airline’s website or customer service to confirm if there’s something you’re not sure about. Also, maraming makakasulot dito – a lot of people can get away with not complying with these – but that’s your risk.

NOT ALLOWED IN THE CABIN AS CARRY-ON “HAND CARRY”

• Trekking poles
• Ice axes
• Canned goods, raw meat and fish, cooked food with sauces
• Long umbrellas
• Knives and bolos, including Swiss knives
• Fluids such as insect repellant, sun block exceeding 100 mL*
• Fuel including butane canisters and lighters ^
• Matches ^
• Firearms ^
• Pepper sprays ^

NOT ALLOWED AS CHECKED LUGGAGE “CHECK-IN”

• Spare lithium batteries (this is a relatively new rule, but better just bring them as carry-on luggage to be safe)
• Fuel including butane canisters and lighters ^
• Matches ^
• Firearms ^
• Pepper sprays ^

^ items that are not allowed at all in planes

NOTES ON CERTAIN ITEMS

• Tents – Mixed feedback. It depends on the inspector. Better check-in to be safe.
• Crampons – Allowed in the US but not in some European countries. In other jurisdictions the metal spikes might unsettle some inspectors especially those who aren’t used to seeing them. Again, better check-in especially in the Philippines they’re not very familiar.
• Rock climbing gear (i.e. carabiners) – Should be allowed either as carry-on or checked luggage.
• Stoves and cooksets – Should be allowed either as carry-on or checked luggage.

The United States TSA Blog has some useful information for backpackers in this post, but take note that these rules do not necessarily apply in the Philippines.

For specific questions for airlines in the Philippines try tweeting them: @CebuPacificAir, @PhilippineAirlines, @AirAsiaPH or contacting them through their customer service hotlines – you can easily google these.