Selfie Sticks: Travel-Friendly Or Not?

Selfie sticks are a popular accessory for travellers, allowing them to capture more of the scenery and atmosphere without having to ask strangers to take photos. While they are generally allowed on flights, there are some restrictions and guidelines to follow. For example, it's recommended to pack them in carry-on luggage and ensure compliance with size limits and security measures. Additionally, certain features like Bluetooth or batteries may pose a fire hazard and require separate packing, while sharp edges may be restricted due to safety concerns. Aside from air travel, there are also many tourist destinations that ban selfie sticks, including Disney parks, the Colosseum, the Vatican museums, and the Eiffel Tower.

Are selfie sticks allowed on planes?

United States

In the United States, selfie sticks are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage without any restrictions. However, the final decision on whether an item is permitted rests with the TSA officer. If a selfie stick is deemed to be a potential bludgeoning weapon due to its size or weight, it may be confiscated at the security checkpoint. Selfie sticks with lithium batteries are allowed, but must be under 100 watt-hours if rechargeable, and under 2 grams of lithium per battery if not.

Canada and New Zealand

Canadian and New Zealand authorities don't specifically mention selfie sticks, but they generally follow similar rules to the United States, allowing them in carry-on and checked baggage.

Europe and the United Kingdom

In Europe and the UK, selfie sticks are typically accepted in both carry-on and checked baggage. However, certain locations within these regions, such as Westminster Abbey and the Eiffel Tower, do not permit them.

China

In China, similar items like tripods are only allowed in checked baggage, so it is recommended to pack longer or heavier selfie sticks in cargo luggage.

India

In India, the rules vary by airline and airport. IndiGo, one of the country's largest airlines, does not permit selfie sticks in cabin baggage, so passengers should contact their airline or pack their selfie sticks in checked baggage.

Australia

Australian authorities ban selfie sticks from carry-on luggage, considering them potential bludgeoning weapons. They can, however, be packed in checked baggage.

What are the size restrictions for selfie sticks?

The size restrictions for selfie sticks depend on whether you want to carry them on a plane or not. If you want to carry a selfie stick on a plane, it must comply with the airline's carry-on size restrictions. Most airlines have a carry-on size limit of 22 inches (56 centimeters) in length, 14 inches (36 centimeters) in width, and 9 inches (23 centimeters) in height. This means that your selfie stick must be able to fit within these dimensions when collapsed or folded. If your selfie stick is longer than 22 inches, you will need to check it as baggage. There are no size restrictions for checked baggage, so you can bring a larger selfie stick if necessary.

When choosing a selfie stick that meets airline size restrictions, look for one that is collapsible or foldable. Additionally, check the length of the selfie stick when it is fully extended to ensure it falls within the allowed range. It is also important to select a selfie stick made from durable material that will not break easily.

Can I use a selfie stick on a plane?

Selfie sticks have a bad reputation and are banned in many places. However, there are no laws against using a selfie stick on a plane. In fact, a selfie stick can be a great way to capture memories of your trip. That being said, it is important to be considerate of other passengers and not obstruct the aisle or use the selfie stick during critical times such as takeoff and landing.

Banned Destinations

Selfie sticks are banned in many tourist destinations, especially in museums and galleries. For example, in London, you'll need to check in your selfie stick at Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, the National Gallery, Buckingham Palace, the Roundhouse, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Royal Opera House. Outside of London, the same rule applies to the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, the Sydney Opera House, and the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra.

In the United States, selfie sticks are banned at several Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., the Art Institute of Chicago, the Getty Center in Los Angeles, and the Cleveland Museum of Art, to name a few.

Safety and Security Concerns

Some places cite safety and security concerns as the reason for banning selfie sticks. For example, the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, bans selfie sticks because they could be used as recording devices during the event. Similarly, soccer stadiums in Brazil ban selfie sticks for fear they will be used as weapons.

Nuisance Concerns

Other places ban selfie sticks because they are considered a nuisance. For example, Wimbledon banned selfie sticks in 2015 due to their "nuisance value," according to a spokesperson.

So, while you can use a selfie stick on a plane, be sure to check the rules and regulations of your destination before you arrive, as you may be asked to check your selfie stick or leave it behind.

Are there places that ban selfie sticks?

Yes, there are many places that ban selfie sticks.

Museums

Selfie sticks are banned in several museums around the world, including:

• The Art Institute of Chicago
• The Detroit Institute of Arts
• The Albertina museum in Vienna, Austria
• The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
• The Museum of Modern Art, New York
• The Guggenheim Museum, New York
• The Louvre, Paris
• The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
• The Getty Center, Los Angeles
• The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
• The Blanton Museum of Art, Austin, Texas
• The National Gallery of Victoria, Australia
• The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra
• The Hermitage in Amsterdam
• The Palace of Versailles, Versailles
• The Smithsonian, Washington DC

Amusement Parks

Selfie sticks are also prohibited at many amusement parks, including:

• Disney parks worldwide, including Disneyland in California, Paris, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, as well as Disney World, Disney Quest, Disney Sea, and all Disney water parks
• Six Flags parks
• Universal Studios, Japan

Music Festivals and Concerts

Music festivals and concerts often ban selfie sticks, including:

• Lollapalooza in Chicago
• Coachella
• Comic-Con in San Diego
• The Soundwave Music Festival, Australia
• The Ultra Music Festival, Miami, Florida

Sporting Events and Stadiums

Selfie sticks are banned at various sporting events and stadiums, such as:

• The Kentucky Derby
• Wembley Stadium, London
• Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal Football Club, London
• Old Trafford Stadium, home of Manchester United Football Club, England
• Wimbledon
• Brazilian soccer stadiums
• Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia

Other Notable Locations

Additionally, some other notable locations that ban selfie sticks include:

• The Colosseum, Rome
• The Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
• The Sacré-Cœur basilica, Paris
• The Pompidou art museum, Paris
• The Tower of London
• The National Portrait Gallery, Australia
• Mecca, Saudi Arabia
• The National Museum of Iran

What type of selfie stick is best for travel?

When choosing a selfie stick to take on your travels, you'll want something compact, lightweight, and durable. It should be able to fold down into a small profile that will fit easily into your luggage, purse, or hiking bag. You'll also want to consider the extension length, with the "sweet spot" being somewhere between 30 and 40 inches.

• ATUMTEK Bluetooth Extendable: This is a lightweight, durable, and compact option. It folds down to a small size, has a 31.3-inch extension, and features a tripod and a shutter remote. However, it is only compatible with cell phones.
• Vproof Bluetooth Selfie: The Vproof is the lightest and most compact option when stowed. It has a 26-inch extension and a built-in remote shutter. It lacks a tripod, and its device holding security is only moderate.
• BZE 40-Inch Extendable: The BZE offers a versatile and secure option. It has a 40-inch extension, a screw-tightened mount, and a tripod. It can also accommodate other cameras, such as a GoPro, with a mount adapter. However, the tripod legs are less stable on uneven ground, and there is a slight wiggle in the telescoping extension.
• Erligpowht Phone Tripod: This option stands out for its unique and flexible tripod legs, which can attach to objects like handrails or tree branches. It is compatible with a variety of cameras, depending on the camera's screw diameter. However, it has no extension, which limits its functionality as a handheld model.
• Lifelimit Phone Tripod: The Lifelimit is a lightweight tripod-focused design that extends up to 54 inches. It features a secure screw-tightening mount for cell phones and is compatible with Apple and Android operating systems. However, it is bulky and not ideal for transport or handheld photos.

When travelling with a selfie stick, it's important to be aware of local restrictions. Selfie sticks are banned in many tourist hotspots, including museums, sports stadiums, and amusement parks, due to safety concerns, security risks, or their extension of existing photography rules. Be sure to check the regulations of your destination before bringing a selfie stick.

Frequently asked questions