Last month, I departed from Zaragoza Airport for a vacation in Mallorca with a selfie stick in my carry-on, and encountered some minor issues at security. Today, I’d like to share my experience and the regulations I learned about afterward, hoping to help fellow travelers departing from Zaragoza Airport.
Actual Security Checkpoint Experience
I had a standard Bluetooth selfie stick, approximately 70 centimeters long. When I placed it in my backpack to go through security, I was asked to take it out separately for inspection. The security officer explained that selfie sticks, being extendable metal poles, need to pass through the X-ray machine separately. The entire process took about 5 extra minutes, and although I eventually passed through smoothly, it did make me a bit nervous.
Afterward, I specifically researched Zaragoza Airport’s regulations. According to the Spanish Civil Aviation Authority’s unified standards, selfie sticks are permitted as carry-on luggage, but with several important considerations: the fully retracted pole must not exceed 60 centimeters in length, weight must be within reasonable limits, and it must be completely retracted before boarding. If your selfie stick at Zaragoza Airport is particularly long or heavy, checking it in is the safer option.
Differences Among Airlines
I’ve compiled the specific requirements of several common airlines operating at Zaragoza Airport:
| Airline | Carry-On | Checked | Notes |
|---|
| Iberia | Allowed | Allowed | Must be retracted |
| Ryanair | Allowed | Allowed | Counts toward hand luggage |
| Vueling | Allowed | Allowed | 60cm length limit |
| Air Europa | Allowed | Allowed | No special restrictions |
While airlines permit carrying selfie sticks, the final decision rests with airport security personnel. I’ve heard of friends whose selfie sticks were too long and had to be checked in at the last minute, so advance preparation is always wise.
Practical Tips
Based on my experience and feedback from other travelers, here are some practical suggestions: First, opt for a lightweight carbon fiber selfie stick—they’re not only lighter but also more compact when retracted; Second, don’t hide your selfie stick at the bottom of your bag, keep it in an easily accessible position so you can quickly cooperate during security checks; Third, if uncertain, call the airline in advance to confirm—Zaragoza Airport’s customer service number is +34 976 712 300.
Additionally, Zaragoza Airport isn’t particularly large, and security screening is usually quite fast. As long as you’re well-prepared, carrying a selfie stick really isn’t a major issue. I now bring mine on every trip—it’s incredibly convenient for photography, especially in scenic locations like beaches or mountains.
Zaragoza Airport’s management of selfie sticks is quite reasonable. As long as you comply with regulations, you’ll generally pass through smoothly. If you have similar experiences or questions, feel free to leave comments below!
