Can I take an umbrella on a plane? Travel Tips from AirAdvisor

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While packing for your trip, at least once you had to ask yourself can I take an umbrella? Will they accept it? In this article, you will find everything you need to know about bringing your umbrella with you in the cabin. 

First things first, you need to know that each airline has its own rules and therefore we always recommend consulting the website of your airline and airport or calling the customer service contact number.

In case you booked your flight ticket with a travel agency, ask the question directly to them. The good news, however, is that umbrellas generally are allowed on board. 

Throughout this article, we will inform you of certain policies that are generally common in most airlines. When it comes to transporting umbrellas, although they seem harmless, it depends on their characteristics.

They can be considered by the airline or airport as an object that threatens security. Usually, umbrellas must not exceed a length of 50-55 cm as a general rule (this length may differ for each airline).

As for the weight of the umbrella, there are usually no specific requirements for its weight. But do not forget that carry-on and checked luggage have maximum permissible weights.

For hand luggage, it is usually 5-10kg, and checked bags - 15 to 20kg. Therefore, when packing your suitcase, consider the weight of the umbrella so that you don’t have to leave it as a gift at the airport.

Before your flight, check our complete list of things that you may or may not bring on board the aircraft to avoid possible airport inconveniences.

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Can I take an umbrella as a checked luggage?

Umbrellas can be safely packed in checked luggage without any worries. But because it means less space for other things in your bag, we recommend bringing it with you to a cabin. Keep on reading to know what restrictions you might encounter in such a case. 

Сan I bring a large umbrella on a plane?

During an airport check, you should have no problem with an umbrella unless it exceeds the expected measurements, it is pointed, made of metal, or sharp at the end. Those are expected to be inspected additionally and can even be taken away.

If you have no other option, and you risk carrying an umbrella that doesn’t comply with the rules, approach the flight attendants and ask them politely if they can keep it for you during the flight.

If you have a place in a handbag and your umbrella fits in it, you will be sure that you will reach your destination with it.

Сan you bring a small umbrella on a plane?

Compact or folding umbrellas are those that are 100% allowed - they’re short and usually pointless. If possible, it is better to stick to these types of umbrellas, which are, after all, the most practical.

But there are exceptions to every rule! If your umbrella has obvious external defects (broken protruding ribs/arms, etc.), then the airline or airport employees may not let you board the plane with it. 

A very good suggestion (even more if you fly often) is that you buy specific umbrellas to be able to travel by plane. If you look for them online, there is a wide range of umbrellas manufactured especially to be transported as hand luggage. These umbrellas are slightly lighter, simpler, and more durable.

Can I bring a beach umbrella on a plane?

Whether you will be allowed to take a beach umbrella on board or whether you have to check it in depends on its design and size.

Generally, you can only carry a regular beach umbrella in your checked luggage. You most likely will have to pay if it is oversized according to the rules of the airline. Some of them have separate tariffs for the transportation of beach umbrellas.

It is convenient to get a compact beach umbrella, which when folded is similar to a regular one and can even be carried in hand luggage. Whichever beach umbrella you choose, make sure that it does not have a sharp end.

So you clear security and everything seems to be going great but suddenly your flight gets delayed. Keep calm and find out more about what's happened from the airport staff or by checking for online updates. Use our free flight delay checker to see what compensation you might be owed for the interruption’s inconvenience.

Airline regulations for passengers with umbrellas

British Airways

BA allows small, foldable umbrellas in hand luggage, but larger ones and any umbrella with a sharp point must be transported in your checked luggage.

easyJet

At easyJet, umbrellas are counted as personal items if they are not carried in hand luggage.

RyanAir

Umbrellas are allowed on board of Ryanair but are counted as a personal item. Umbrellas from 38 cm up to 54 cm in size are considered personal items.

WizzAir

Wizz Air also allows passengers to carry an umbrella as a personal item subject to the size limit and without sharp points.

Air France

If you are flying with them, you may bring your umbrella as an additional item and it will not count toward your hand luggage.

KLM

On board this airline, an umbrella is considered a personal accessory, and as long as it meets the requirements (40 x 30 x 15 cm), you are free to bring it with you.

Is it worth travelling with an umbrella?

Yes, but in most cases you will have to give up your personal item carry-on allowance. 

Folding umbrellas with flat ends are the most recommended. Always double-check your specific airline’s policy regarding umbrellas before arriving at the airport. Follow the rules and you’ll be shaded from the rain on your trip.

At AirAdvisor, we help you make the right travel decisions by equipping you with useful information about tickets, flights, and much more. And if your flight has been cancelled or delayed for any reason, we are here to help you obtain compensation for the inconvenience.

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