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British Airways has reminded passengers with a popular hobby that they are not permitted to carry a certain item in their cabin luggage. The travel firm confirmed safety guidelines after a passenger shared a question on social media.

On X, a customer asked British Airways if they could pack a foldable hiking pole in their cabin bag. Hiking poles, or trekking poles, are often popular with passengers planning summer walking holidays. The accessory is popular with hikers because it helps reduce strain on the knees during steep climbs while also improving balance and stability.

For anyone flying abroad this summer, it's important to take care when packing hiking equipment. As British Airways has pointed out, restrictions apply to hiking poles. The airline clarified the rules for passengers on social media after a customer contacted its page.

Tagging @British_Airways, the passenger wrote: "So it seems I can take sharp pointy knitting needles in my cabin luggage (should my hobby be knitting! Which it isn't) but not my foldable hiking pole (which fits inside my cabin bag) with a tiny metal tip, when my hobby is walking in the mountains! Please explain."

British Airways replied: "Hi there. Hiking poles are not permitted in cabin baggage due to security and safety guidelines. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Claire M."

According to the airline website, any item with a sharp point or cutting edge that could cause serious injury must be packed in checked baggage to be stored in the hold. It says: "You can take small foldable umbrellas and walking sticks (excluding hiking poles and other items with sharp ends) in your hand baggage. Items with sharp ends, such as hiking poles, must be packed in your checked baggage."

British Airways says knitting needles and crochet hooks are allowed. These items can be packed in hand luggage or checked luggage, reports the Mirror.

Full information about restricted and prohibited items can be found on the British Airways website. The airline says: "To ensure the safety and security of our customers and our crew, we won't allow you to carry any other article that the airport manager or aircraft operator has reason to believe might be used or adapted for causing injury or incapacitation of a person, or endanger an aircraft."

British Airways explains that many items are restricted, controlled or prohibited on its aircraft due to international law and safety regulations. In the UK, restrictions are implemented by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

British Airways isn't the only airline to not allow passengers to bring hiking poles onboard. Ryanair says objects with a sharp point or sharp edge, such as ski poles and walking or hiking poles, must not be carried on board, but may be carried as part of your checked baggage.

On Gov.uk, it lists several hand luggage restrictions at UK airports. It lists walking and hiking poles as not allowed in hand luggage, but they can be packed in hold luggage.

Restrictions may apply to other sporting items. For example, darts, golf clubs, and cricket bats are not allowed in hand luggage at UK airports. However, they can be carried in hold luggage.