Flying restrictions

[janie1234]

I'm flying to Washington tomorrow but haven't been on a plane since 2000. I know that there are a bunch of rules and restrictions. I've checked out my airlines restrictions on the internet which makes no mention of knitting needles. Does anyone know if I can bring a set of knitting needles for knitting on the plane? I'd hate to bring them and then have them taken away.

 

[TeTe]

I had a friend who knitted all the way from Richmond to Spain two years ago. Still, who knows? It could have changed since then.

ETA: I just found this. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1252.shtm

 

[THARTMAN]

hi I would have to say don't carry them on they could be used as a weapon. I fly all the time and they are really strict. They take nail clippers and things. You can pack them in your checked bag. Hope this helps.
Tracy

 

[janie1234]

Oh my nail clippers???? I've never heard of anyone dying by death of nail clippers!!!

 

[janie1234]

I had a friend who knitted all the way from Richmond to Spain two years ago. Still, who knows? It could have changed since then.

ETA: I just found this. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1252.shtm

Thanks Te Te!!

 

[THARTMAN]

I know really last Christmas I was flying from Tampa to pittsburgh and this guy in front of me had his clippers taken away. They also made me dump out my baby's bottle that had his water in it. Maybe the tsa agent was cranky he had to work on chritmas
Tracy

 

[dorothyrd]

they are pretty strict. The TSA site is good for reviewing what you can take, and you could also call the airline and ask that specific question.

My husband and I amused ourselves on a layover in Chicago watching all the things they threw away that people bring on. Absolutely adhear to the 3 oz, quart size bag for fluids, because that was where most things were dumped.

 

[LaughingWater]

I had to look this up not too long ago. Knitting needles at one time were off limits, but I think they're okay now, especially if they aren't metal.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1252.shtm

 

[Dela]

I think if they find the needles they will take them away. If they are not certain, they will err on the side of caution and take them. You can also try calling the airline or checking their website.

My husband had an adjustable head screw driver taken away.

Liquids: Only bottles less than 3oz (maybe 4) and displayed in a 1 quart ziplock. Buy any bottled water after the security check. Lipglosses and liquid makeup should be in the ziplock too.

They gave my mom a hard time about her glosses, but just let her have them "re-checked" so they didn't take them.

They make you take off your shoes and jacket too.

 

[goldenpath]

Here is my short story:

My family and I were travelling to Florida and I had a pocket knife that I wanted to pack as we were leaving the house. I quickly shoved it in my purse and I thought I would slip it in to my luggage when I got to the airport. I totally forgot about it. As we arrived to our destination in Florida, I discovered the knife still in my purse.

As we were preparing to leave Florida, I gave the pocket knife to my daughter and told her to put in my luggage. While we were on the plane, I looked in my carry on and guess what I seen, yep - the knife. She put the pocket knife into my carry on instead of the other luggage. I was shocked. The knife travelled with me to and from Florida. I was thankful that I did not have to throw it out but was really wondering why they did not find it.

To be sure, I would call the airport. Is there a travel agency that you booked with, maybe they would know. I would think that they would not be allowed and would not take them unless you are willing to risk losing them.

Here is another short story: I had a friend who had a pair of small scissors in her makeup bag and was not allowed to check them. She some how got a hold of a stamp and envelope and mailed it back to herself.

 

[aproudfit]

My girlfriend researched this just last month - YOU CAN take knitting needles - she took hers and had NO issues... She checked the airline and the airport security....

HTH...

ETA - She flew from Portland through seattle and to Alaska... no issues...

 

[janie1234]

Thanks everyone. Heck I'll risk it and if they get taken away then at least I'll be in the mindset that I may or may not have to turn them in.

 

[kathryn]

Oh my nail clippers???? I've never heard of anyone dying by death of nail clippers!!!

Right after 911, they would allow you to take nail clippers if they broke off the file part. I'm sure it's the same now. (Though I've always thought that a long set of fake nails would be more dangerous than a 1-inch-long nail file).

Also, remember that carry-on liquids have to be 3 ounces or less per item, and all have to fit in a zip-top quart bag.

I've found airport security to be somewhat inconsistant. In one airport, I had to open my bags once because they contained a portable CD player--for a presentation--and underwire bras! But I had no problem with the same stuff in other airports.

The strictest airport I've been in is Paris' Charles De Gaulle airport. Very serious-looking military guys (not like the ones at the Eiffel Tower who pose for pictures with a smile) walk around in groups of 4 (with machine guns, and knives easily accessible in a chest holder for hand-to-hand combat). When I went through security there, the zipper on my jeans set off the alarm (but didn't make it peep in the US airport on the way there). I was then scanned by hand by the female security agent, then she patted me down and had me step up to another women to open my already-scanned carry-on.

 

[JeanneMarie]

I fly every month, so I really have it down to a science.

Put anything liquid that you want to carry on in a 3 oz bottle and then all of your bottles have to fit into a quart sized zip lock bag. This bag has to be displayed at security by taking it out of your carry on and putting it in the bin where it can be seen clearly when it goes through x-ray. Things that you can carry on, but don't have to be in the bag, include lipstick, powdered make up/eye shadow, and eye pencils. You can also carry on nail clippers and manicure scissors that have a blade of less than 4 inches long. Tweezers are fine too. Things that have to go in the clear zip lock, in addition to the obvious liquids like shampoo, liquid make up, lotion and conditioner, are mascara and toothpaste. (Truthfully though, by mistake I've left my mascara inside my make up bag, inside the carry on suitcase, and it made it through security just fine without being in the plastic ziploc)

No liquids such as bottled water are allowed before you clear security. You can, of course, buy it after you are at the gate and carry it on the plane. Food will clear security just fine. I always carry trail mix or fruit with me from home.

Honestly, I have never tried to bring knitting needles, but I would guess they will search your carry on when they see them on the x-ray machine. Definitely make sure they are plastic, and then you can probably make it through with them.