Can you bring knitting needles in hand carry luggage?

Answer 1

It depends on the country that you are flying to and fro. I know that the UK do not allow any sharp equipment whatsoever, so that includes needles. (BAA).

The US have increased their security, so it may now depend on the airline, but usuallly, they allow minor things like that.

From the TSA site:

Traveling with Special Items

Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage.

Items needed to pursue a Needlepoint project are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage with the exception of circular thread cutters or any cutter with a blade contained inside which cannot go through the checkpoint and must go in your checked baggage.

It might not be a bad idea to print out the page from TSA to let the security people know that you are allowed to have knitting needles.

Other contributors have said:

• Per the TSA agent I just spoke with (9/20/09), plastic or bamboo knitting needles less than 31" long are permitted - just declare them to the screener as you pass through security.
• *Australian flights (to, from and internal) are notoriously strict about this, and you will most likely not be allowed needles of any kind.*
• Yes, I knit on flights all the time without issues. I tend not to use metal needles though.
• I would double-check with the airline as I've heard of knitters having their needles taken away. Most airlines list it on their website or you can call customer service. Best not to bring metal needles as I've also been allowed to bring on my bamboo needles in the past.
• Even if you are allowed to bring your knitting needles with you when your board the plane you may not be able to board with them on the return flight. I have flown internationally on the same airline and the "permitted items" on the return flight were different even though it was the same exact airline and the rules being applied were US Transportation Security Administration rules.
• In the US, yes. However, anything is always subject to the screener's discretion. In other countries you need to check with the airline or the airport. Many European countries do not allow knitting needles through security.
• As a general rule, yes. It is recommended, though, that the needles be wooden
• I have heard of people having no problem with knitting needles when they headed out of the country--but upon attempting to leave the other country, were denied having the knitting needles--even though they were traveling the same airline.
• YES. I have carried my knitting with me on a plane several times. I did mention that I had knitting needles in my bag (because some of them were metal circular and double pointed and I knew they'd show up on the screen). However, I took stub-nosed children's scissors to snip my ends and to avoid having my embroidery scissors confiscated.

Answer 2

I would not recommend it, but the instructions on the TSA website are conflicting. In one place they say you can, and in another they say you can't. Don't take any chances, just put them in your checked luggage.

Answer 3

I flew from the east coast of the US to Okinawa in March, 2010. I took two circular needles and two sets of double points in my carry on or in my (large) purse both ways. All needles were wood as I prefer them, and I also had a small pair of scissors (less than 4" per the TSA notice). I had no problem with Japanese or American customs people or screeners on any flights.

Answer 4

Yes, knitting needles are allowed in carry-on. TSA used to have it listed as an allowed item right after 9/11. I always have straight and circular needles in my carry-on, and have always gone through security without problems. Occasionally, they do look -- but then let me go. Note that I only fly domestically (U.S.).

Answer 5

Wooden knitting needles will turn fewer heads, and I have brought them on a plane.

Answer 6

Depends on the airline. Some allow wooden, but not metal needles. Others will not allow any. I would call the specific airline you wish to use and ask for their policy.

Answer 7

I was allowed to bring very pointy metal 16" needles with me on a plane, along with my crazy-sharp yarn scissors. This was flying from PDX to DEN and back again.

Answer 8

You will need to contact the airline you are flying with, or search their website for up to date information.