Can I take my knitting on airplanes or would they consider it dangerous?

Question

Plastic knitting needles only, I don't think they are any sharper than the plastic forks and knives they hand out on planes at mealtimes. What do you think?

Answer 1

Depends on the airline and airport

Answer 2

If you can or cannot take knitting needles in the cabin of an airplane depends on if you're flying on a US carrier and whether or not the TSA agent thinks that your needles are a threat. The TSA guidelines say that knitting needles are allowed, but the guidelines can be overridden at any time by a TSA agent.

To be safe, thread a lifeline through your work and pack an extra set of needles in your checked bag. Carry a self addressed stamped padded envelope. If you're not allowed through security with your needles, you can take the knitting off of the needles (thank goodness for that lifeline) and mail them back to yourself. You can resume knitting when you reach your destination with the needles in your checked bag.

I have taken knitting needles on US carriers. Typically I'm knitting socks on wooden DPNs or on metal circular needles. I have not been stopped or questioned about my knitting needles at a security checkpoint.

Answer 3

I've knit in airports and on airplanes with plastic needles. The most recently I've done this was last December 2006. I don't believe the rules have changed since them. I had them in my carry-on and I wasn't stopped at security because of them. No problem at all!

Answer 4

I have never had a problem taking my needles on the plane. Only once was I asked to put them away just for the landind sequence. I have taken both metal and wood needles.

TSA doesn't categorize knitting needles as a prohibited sharp item. See list below.

Answer 5

YES you can, both Knitting and Crochet needles, it is a recent change to the allowed items - check the TSA website to confirm.

This applies in both the US and Canada, however in Europe they are still restricted items.

Have a good trip

Answer 6

Take your knitting onto the aeroplane (not airplane) yes, but don't try and take your knitting needles. They'll be confiscated at security.
Don't try and compare them to the cutlery handed out in-flight. The important thing is what YOU take on board. The airline don't know if your needles are 'safe' or contain other sharp objects or drugs.
It's the same consideration that prohibits you from taking liquids but you can buy them when you're Airside.

Answer 7

I can see your reasoning and I think knitting on-flight would be good for a long-haul flight.

however, will all the recent updating of security I very much doubt you will be allowed to take them in your hand luggage.

Make-up isn't even allowed with some airlines, so I doubt fairly sharp needles will...

However, to make completely sure, you could ring the airline you are flying with or email them??

Happy Flying! x

Answer 8

You can take your knitting, but the needles are not allowed.

Answer 9

Yes they are dangerous, you will have them confiscated if you try to pass though security with them in your hand luggage. You could also be pulled aside and interviewed. Knitting needles can be used as a weapon - your could kill someone instantly my ramming it into the cranium via a nostril, or stab someone in the temple. Metal knitting needles can also puncture the torso if propelled with enough force injuring the heart or lungs.

Answer 10

Are you trying to kill everybody? Those things are weapons of mass destruction. TSA will give you a full cavity search if you try to smuggle those things on a plane. Way too dangerous for airplanes.