When it rains, nothing can prevent you from getting wet like an umbrella, so it is a handy item to have even when you travel. But can you really bring an umbrella on a plane?
You can bring an umbrellas through the security checkpoint and in both carry-on and checked baggage without any issues. Your umbrella still has to fit within your airline’s luggage size limits for carry-on bags. If you are taking a beach umbrella with a long stick, 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, in addition to some packing tips.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
You can bring an umbrellas on planes in both carry-on and checked bags.
TSA permits umbrellas through security without special restrictions.
To avoid any inconvenience at the security checkpoint go with a compact, foldable umbrella without sharp, pointy tips.
Folding umbrellas are easy to take in carry-on bags.
Most Airlines will count small umbrellas as a free additional item.
Large umbrellas (beach, patio) may need to be 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 that the Transportation Security Administration TSA is in charge of deciding what items you can bring through the airport acuity checkpoint.
According to the TSA, you are allowed to bring umbrellas in either carry-on or checked baggage.
The TSA agent you encounter at the airport may inspect manually your umbrella, especially if it doesn’t fit easily through the X ray scanner.
Some passengers ask about pointed umbrellas (which is one of the main concerns for most travelers).
The TSA always answered with the same answer like in the screenshot bellow “umbrella are allowed through the security checkpoint, just check with your airline size and weight restrictions”
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 small umbrellas in your carry-on baggage free of charge, but you should consider your airline’s carry-on size limits.
If you are traveling with a large umbrella like a beach umbrella, a parasol, golf umbrella or patio umbrella you should be careful with its size.
The size might cause your umbrella to be gate-checked and even pay some 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 small umbrellas, like compact travel umbrellas, as a small additional item that you can bring for free.
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?
You can pack an umbrella in your checked bag without any issues, but as stated above, make sure to check your airline’s checked baggage size and weight limits.
Frankly, I have 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:
Carry-on bag: 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm)
Personal item: 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm), which should fit underneath the seat in front of you
In addition to the two items above, you are also allowed to bring:
A jacket
An umbrella
Reading material
Food or merchandise purchased at the airport
Assistive devices (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 larger than the airline’s personal item allowance (United example: 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?
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.
How To Protect Your Umbrella When Traveling?
When bringing a an umbrella in checked luggage, do not forget to keep it safe from getting damaged.
Baggage handlers can be a bit rough, and your suitcase will probably get tossed around.
A little planning can really help your umbrella make it to your destination in great shape.
So to protect your umbrella pack it in the middle of your suitcase, surrounded by soft clothes.
This will make a natural cushion that absorbs shocks and keeps the umbrella’s frame from bending or breaking.
Try not to put it near the edges of the bag, where it’s more likely to get hit.
You can also wrap the umbrella in a towel or a thick sweater.
If your umbrella has a sleeve or cover, make sure to use it.
For delicate or expensive umbrellas consider taking them in carry-on, or you can go with a hard-sided case to keep it safe from damage.
Final Thoughts on Taking Umbrellas on Planes
You can bring an umbrella through the security checkpoint and on a plane without any issues.
Small collapsible umbrellas are good to go as a free additional item; however, sometimes they might be subject to available space.
The essential here is not to bring a large umbrella on board the airplane, as it will not fit within the airline luggage carry-on size restrictions.
Also, remember to take your umbrella with you when you leave the plane.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels
FAQs About Bringing Umbrellas on a Plane
Can I bring any type of umbrella on a plane?
Of course, you can bring any type of umbrellas on a plane, take a collapsible umbrella that will rarely cause issues with security staff, and sure will fit within your airline size limits.
Can I bring a sharp or pointed umbrella through TSA?
The TSA does not have restrictions on pointed umbrella tips, but remember that final decision always rest with the TSA agent at the airport.
Do umbrellas count as a personal item or carry-on?
Most airlines will consider a small umbrella as a free additional item.
Can I take an umbrella on both domestic and international flights?
Yes, you can bring an umbrella on both domestic and international flights. The rules are pretty much the same for domestic flights, when you’re flying internationally, the screening process is similar, but remember that a local security officer will always have the final say.
Does the handle material (metal, wood, or plastic) make a difference?
No the TSA generally allows umbrellas with metal, wooden, or plastic handles. But the TSA will take closer look to bulky metal parts.
What if I forget my umbrella a plane?
If you forget your umbrella on a plane, an you still at the airport you can head to the airline check in counter they will help you retrieve your umbrella.
Are there extra fees for oversized umbrellas?
Some airlines may charge for large umbrellas that exceed carry-on dimensions, especially beach or patio umbrellas.
Can umbrellas be damaged in checked luggage?
Yes. Long or collapsible umbrellas can bend or break if packed loosely. It is bets if you use a protective sleeve or wrap them in a soft item.
Can I bring a broken or snapped umbrella on a plane?
Technically, yes, but TSA may inspect damaged umbrellas more carefully. It’s safer to pack broken umbrellas in checked baggage to avoid delays.
Are there international rules for umbrellas on flights?
While TSA rules cover U.S. airports, most international airlines also allow umbrellas in carry-on or checked baggage.
What should I do if TSA denies my umbrella?
If TSA do no allow your umbrella to pass the security, you can ask them to pack it in your checked bag or modify it for security. But this will rarely happen, only a sharp or unusually large umbrella can be flagged.
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.
