Canes on Planes

SAWBONES · December 10, 2001, 10:17 AM

I took my first airline jaunt since 9/11 over this past weekend, between SLC and Chicago, carrying my Canemasters "custom combat cane" with me. I'd brought along "documentation of need", by way of some X-Rays (broken foot, etc.) in anticipation of being possibly questioned, but although I was thoroughly searched, including being patted down and "wanded", no one said a word about the cane at security check points in either airport (SLC or O'Hare).
Fun to see National Guardsmen/MPs wearing cammies and carrying weapons (M4s slung muzzle down, in front carry, at SLC), though I doubt the chambers were loaded
I did have an officious stewardess on the return flight ask me if the cane was a "prop" (since I carried it in my hand at mid-shaft, like a stick, and didn't limp), and insist that if I was to sit in an exit row (as I preferred) that I put it in the overhead luggage compartment (I know, makes no sense), but I was too tired to argue with her, and since the flight had all of 30 people on it, I had no special reason for caution, and submitted to this nonsensical bit of authoritarianism. Next time, I'll not sit in an exit row, I guess.
Anyway, it appears that a crook-head cane remains a viable choice for carry on board a plane even though a fingernail-clipper nail file is verboten, and obviously a stick can be an excellent tool for self defense. Best.

C.R.Sam · December 10, 2001, 10:45 AM

Thanx for the debrief.

Sam

KSFreeman · December 10, 2001, 03:49 PM

Thanks to Sally Soccermommie now no canes on planes?

The airlines cannot go bankrupt fast enough.

Erich · December 11, 2001, 11:28 AM

I bring my Canemaster Gent's cane on planes whenever I fly. I, too, carry the documentation of need (bum hip), but haven't had to show it. Only had to put it in overhead once . . . they were worried about people tripping over it (I was aisle seat and there were two others inside - I'd set it on floor at my feet perpendicular to aisle).

Anyway, like you I haven't been hassled about bringing the cane on planes - which is good because I need it in the endless queues that airlines have always provided.

December 10, 2001, 10:17 AM	#1
SAWBONES Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 1999 Location: The third dimension Posts: 670	Canes on Planes I took my first airline jaunt since 9/11 over this past weekend, between SLC and Chicago, carrying my Canemasters "custom combat cane" with me. I'd brought along "documentation of need", by way of some X-Rays (broken foot, etc.) in anticipation of being possibly questioned, but although I was thoroughly searched, including being patted down and "wanded", no one said a word about the cane at security check points in either airport (SLC or O'Hare). Fun to see National Guardsmen/MPs wearing cammies and carrying weapons (M4s slung muzzle down, in front carry, at SLC), though I doubt the chambers were loaded I did have an officious stewardess on the return flight ask me if the cane was a "prop" (since I carried it in my hand at mid-shaft, like a stick, and didn't limp), and insist that if I was to sit in an exit row (as I preferred) that I put it in the overhead luggage compartment (I know, makes no sense), but I was too tired to argue with her, and since the flight had all of 30 people on it, I had no special reason for caution, and submitted to this nonsensical bit of authoritarianism. Next time, I'll not sit in an exit row, I guess. Anyway, it appears that a crook-head cane remains a viable choice for carry on board a plane even though a fingernail-clipper nail file is verboten, and obviously a stick can be an excellent tool for self defense. Best. __________________ "Humani nihil alienum"

December 10, 2001, 10:45 AM	#2
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	Thanx for the debrief. Sam

December 10, 2001, 03:49 PM	#3
KSFreeman Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2001 Location: Lafayette, Indiana--American-occupied America Posts: 5,418	Thanks to Sally Soccermommie now no canes on planes? The airlines cannot go bankrupt fast enough.

December 11, 2001, 11:28 AM	#4
Erich Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 1999 Location: Albuquerque, NM, USA Posts: 2,543	I bring my Canemaster Gent's cane on planes whenever I fly. I, too, carry the documentation of need (bum hip), but haven't had to show it. Only had to put it in overhead once . . . they were worried about people tripping over it (I was aisle seat and there were two others inside - I'd set it on floor at my feet perpendicular to aisle). Anyway, like you I haven't been hassled about bringing the cane on planes - which is good because I need it in the endless queues that airlines have always provided.