Stitches

Are knitting needles allowed on planes?

I have to go on a long plane trip. To pass the time, I like to knit but I am not sure if knitting needles considered dangerous weapons. I would hate to lose my knitting needles as I had these for over 60 years.

Public Comments

1. Yes, knitting needles are allowed on airplanes. Some individual security workers just don't seem to be aware of that fact. To minimize hassle, it's a good idea to bring non-metal needles (plastic, wood, bamboo). Out of courtesy to your fellow passengers, it's also nice to keep the needles short and your knitting project small
2. NO - they are long pointed sticks that could be used as a dangerous weapon - you will not be allowed to have them in your carry-on, they can be in your 'checked-in' luggage though if you want to knit when you get to your destination. I'm afraid it will have to be a book or a 'DS' brain training session. ..
3. It depends. Many countries and airlines permit them nowadays, but some don't. (Air Canada is definitely fine with them in Canada and in the USA.) In Cuba, for example, I had to put them in my checked bag. To be safe, ask your airline ahead of time, and then ask again when you check in, last thing before they take your checked bags away. And go through security with lots of time to spare, and if for some reason they tell you no, ask about storing them or shipping them to yourself. What you can't carry is any kind of scissors for cutting yarn. Edited: If you have a sentimental attachment to a particular set of needles, maybe put those ones in your checked bag and work on cheaper needles while you are en route?
4. no they (i guess you can stab people) . but any thing that can hurt people arnt alloweed even nail clippers
5. It can very much depend on which Country, which State and which Airport you are in. There are different rules everywhere and you should go onto the website for the airport that you are going to use and there should be somewhere on that site that you can get the information on restricted/prohibited items. I'm Australian and they are totally prohibited at all airports and will be seized if you try and go through security with them, however there are a number of airports in the US where you can take them on board. If you print out the list of the airports restrictions (make sure you do it for both airports - assuming you are making a return trip) and you do get pulled up for carrying the knitting needles, then you can show them the printout saying they are not in the excluded list and it may save you. Hope this helps. Good luck.