When it rains nothing can prevent you from getting wet like an umbrella, so it is a handy item to have eve when you travel, but can you really bring an umbrella on a plane?
Umbrellas are allowed through the security checkpoint and in both carry-on and checked baggage without any issues. Your umbrella still has to fit within the airline’s luggage size limits for carry-on bags. If you are taking a beach umbrella, for example, you may need to consider transporting it as checked baggage.
This post covers everything you need to know about taking umbrellas on airplanes in both carry-on and checked bags.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
Umbrellas are allowed on planes in both carry-on and checked bags.
TSA permits umbrellas through security without special restrictions.
folding umbrella are easy to take in carry-on bags.
Small umbrellas usually count as a free additional item.
Large umbrellas (beach, patio) may need to be to transported in checked baggage.
Always check your airline’s size and weight limits before traveling.
Can You Bring an Umbrella Through the TSA Security Checkpoint?
If you are flying within the United States, you already know the TSA is in charge of deciding what items you can bring on board the airplane.
And according to the TSA, you are allowed to bring umbrellas in either carry-on or checked baggage.
However, you will need to stay within your airline size and weight restrictions the TSA added.
Some passengers are asking about pointed umbrellas, but the TSA or other major airlines do not have any restrictions on them.
Umbrellas
Carry-on Baggage
Checked Baggage
Rain umbrellas
Allowed
Allowed
Beach umbrellas
Ensure it is within the airline size
Allowed
Umbrellas for patio
Ensure it is within the airline size
Allowed
Stroller umbrellas
Allowed
Allowed
Golf umbrellas
Allowed
Allowed
Is Umbrella Allowed In Carry-on?
You can bring almost any type of umbrella: rain umbrella, golf umbrella, patio umbrella on your carry-on baggage free of charge, but you should consider your airline carry-on size.
If you are traveling with a large umbrella like a beach umbrella or a parasol, you should be careful with its size.
The size might cause your umbrella to be gate checked and even pay additional fees.
If your umbrella is small and can fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, you should be good to go.
Most airlines will count an umbrella as a small additional item.
American Airlines customer service sums it up: “As long as it doesn’t exceed their dimensions, you can bring it on board.”
Can You Bring An Umbrella In Checked Luggage?
There are no restrictions against packing an umbrella in your checked bag, but as stated above, make sure to check your airline’s checked baggage size and weight.
Frankly, I never had any issues taking an umbrella in checked baggage, even a beach umbrella.
What Size Umbrella Can You Take on a Plane?
You can bring almost all types of umbrellas on airplanes, and most airlines allow small-size umbrellas on board. For example, here is what United Airlines’ carry-on size is:
The carry-on bag is 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters).
And the personal item should fit underneath the seat in front of you, with a size of 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 centimeters x 25 centimeters x 43 centimeters).
In addition to the two items above, you are also allowed to bring the following:
A jacket
An umbrella
Reading material
Food or merchandise that you buy in the airport
Assistive devices (such as a collapsible wheelchair, cane, crutches, medical device for prescription medications, or portable oxygen concentrator)
FAA-approved child restraint system or safety seat
A diaper bag
A breast pump
A camera
A pet carrier (service charges apply for in-cabin pets)
So the size of your umbrella should not exceed the airline carry-on or personal item size.
For example, if you bring a long umbrella inside with a large size of more than the airline you are flying (United as example here): 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches, the umbrella will be counted as your personal item.
Keep foldable travel umbrellas inside your personal item to avoid gate checking, especially on budget airlines.
Airlines Regulations About Traveling With Umbrellas
Can I Take an Umbrella on American Airlines Plane?
A jacket, umbrella, diaper bag, duty-free items, and assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, strollers, child restraint seats, etc.) do not count towards your carry-on allowance.
Can I Carry an Umbrella on a Plane United Airlines?
According to United Airlines, you can bring a small umbrella in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item free of charge.
Can I Take an Umbrella in My Carry-On Spirit Airlines?
According to Spirit Airlines, you can bring one personal item and bring items like an umbrella, camera, infant diaper bag, assistive devices, outer garments (e.g., coats, hats and wraps), reading material, and food for the flight for no additional charge.
Can I Take an Umbrella in My Carry-On JetBlue?
According to JetBlue, umbrellas are permitted in carry-on luggage. One of Delta crew members may ask you to stow it in one of your bags. Umbrellas don’t count toward your baggage allowance, but it’s subject to available space.
Can You Take an Umbrella on a Delta Flight?
In addition to your carry-on bag and personal item, you are also allowed to bring on Delta a jacket, an umbrella, diaper bag, duty-free items, and assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, strollers, child restraint seats, etc.). These do not count towards your carry-on allowance.
Does Southwest Airlines Allow Umbrellas?
Yes, when traveling on Southwest, you can bring assistive/mobility devices, walking canes, and umbrellas on board the airplane and they won’t count toward your carry-on baggage.
Can I Take an Umbrella on a Plane British Airways?
According to British Airways, you can take umbrellas and walking sticks (excluding hiking poles) in either your hand or checked baggage.
Can I Take an Umbrella on an EasyJet Flight?
Since EasyJet does not mention umbrellas on its website, I checked X and found this answer from EasyJet responding to a passenger about taking a black umbrella with a wooden handle: “Yes, you are good to bring some extra things into the cabin, e.g., umbrella, overcoat, crutches, walking stick, one standard bag of goods bought at the airport.”
Can I Take an Umbrella on a Plane Ryanair?
I checked if Ryanair allows umbrellas on board and found this answer on X : “May I know if the foldable umbrella is allowed in hand carry baggage?” “Hi Oscar, yes it should not be a problem at all. Just pass by our desk for our crew to tag it.
Final Thoughts on Taking Umbrellas on Planes
You can bring an umbrella through the security checkpoint and on a plane without any issues.
Small umbrellas are good to go on airplanes as a free additional item; however, sometimes they might be subject to available space.
Ensure that you always review your airline luggage carry-on size and weight restrictions.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.
