knitting on an airplane

[K-Mom3]

Can I take knitting supplies through airport security? I would like to knit on an overseas flight but have never tried this before. Will they let through mini scissors? Yarn needles? Knitting needles?

[St. Margaret]

They don't even let you carry on nail clippers, so I'm guessing no... no specific knowledge of that, though, I've just seen people having to leave their clippers at the security check.

[leighi123]

my 80yr old, super tiny grandma got hers confinscated! (Guy with the GIANT marble bowling trophy with a metal eagle on top walked on through security)

I would call your airline and ask. They might allow it if you use non-metal needles.

As for sissors, they used have a # of inches the blade is allowed to be, but I think a lot of airlines just dont allow them. You might get away with some kid sissors - the kind with a round blade and mostly plastic except for the cutting edge, if you get new ones they should cut yarn. OR get a TINY pair from a sewing kit, the ones that the whole sissors is like 2" big. Those are no problem (although a pain to use, better than nothing)

[tinuviel_k]

I didn't have any problems with getting my yarn and wood knitting needles on the plane. I had a pair of dull tipped kid's scissors and that seemed to be okay, too.

[Adallae]

Ditto the above. My metal needles are a no-no, but wood or plastic and round-ended kids scissors are ok.

[Jaxinator]

The official rules vary depending on where your flight originates. Flights from the UK into the US allow non-metal needles, I believe that flights from the US do not. Your best bet is to call the airline, then call again and ask someone else, and if they both say yes, still bring a self addressed envelope to mail them to yourself just in case they don't let you. It's one of those things where there are actual rules, but a lot of people in charge don't know them, and there's nothing you can do, unless you want to cause a scene and miss your flight.

[expatmommy]

It is really dependent on the security screener you get. They have some discretion over what they let thru & if they aren't feeling the knitting needle love then they will confiscate it.

I'd recommend wooden needles, because those don't show up on the x-ray machines.

I wouldn't take anything more then kid's blunt scissors & I'd pack them in a separate carry on from the knitting needles.

[cristeen]

TSA says yes http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...rial_1252.shtm

Last time I flew was with metal needles and nobody looked twice, but I had printed out the TSA approved list and had it ready just in case.

[JamieCatheryn]

The joke I heard several years back was "Why did the grandma get her knitting needles confiscated at the airport? They were afraid she'd knit an Afghan" *groan* I know...

[AFWife]

A friend of mine flew recently and had no problem getting her needles on the plane...they took her water though. :P

[momo7]

Actually, yes you can.

I just got back from an airplane trip/ with knitting in tow. BUT....no scissors. I also took wooden needles and steel needles and got through security with both kinds. Take your knitting and have fun.

[K-Mom3]

Thanks everyone!

Thanks to cristeen for the TSA link--I think I'll copy you and print out the policy to bring with me.

[jrabbit]

tip: put your safety scissors in ziplock with your allowed liquidsand anything questionable.

bring a SAS envelope to mail your needles back to yourself

dpn's or circulars are less scary than long straights

if you are told to leave your needles, don't leave the yarn!

[mom2snugbugs]

Flew last october from portland or to San diego. Brought bamboo circulars on carry-on. Was ok. I think I brought folding scissors, but can't remember


Good idea about an SASE and taking the yarn just in case!!