Knitting and Crochet Forum banner
1 - 20 of 47 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm going to be flying across country soon and can't even think of not being able to knit while in the air.

I sent a question to Southwest Airlines about TSA's take on knitting needles and was told they recommend plastic or bamboo circulars NOT over 31 inches in total length. They do have to pass inspection.

My question is this: what do you use to cut yarn? your teeth? Here is another regulation that Southwest referred me to.

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.

For those of you who have knitted in the air, are nail clippers permitted? I'm not sure I quite understand what the above statement is saying. I don't even know what "circular thread cutters" are..... but I can't use them anyway.

Please help me to avoid being stranded for hours without my knitting!

Thanks!
Virginia
 
I carry a box of dental floss, which has always been allowed in my purse. The floss cutter works just fine for yarn. I've never had a problem carrying a small dental floss along with the toothbrush and tiny tube of toothpaste. Seems that since they go together, no one questions it. I flew to SD and back and had no knitting needle problems, including my 32 inch Knitpicks circular knitting needles Hope this helps.
 
The circular cutters that they are referring to are those made by Clover and others that are a decorative round disk with notches and a blade inside... Many say they have no problem with children's blunt scissors... though I haven't tried that. I use the dental floss case as well, without the toothbrush or toothpaste along.... I have never had a problem with any knitting needle as I have traveled in the US. I think that nail clippers would be acceptable, tough I don't think they cut yarn well..... Besides,,,,, do you really have to cut anything while in the air? If I am working on a sock, I probabably would be well entertained from coast to coast without any cutting needed. I could even start a second one from the same ball and let the first one stay attached and in my lap!!! the same goes for the back or sleeeve of a sweater...... or a top down baby item..... A lot of knitting to be done before any cutting is needed...... Relax, enjoy your trip and knit.....
 
I think Airlines generally get worried about any implement that can be used to shave off the insulation of wires, I guess people making bombs is more of a threat than actually stabbing someone,

I agree with Dreamweaver try not to cut.......in a pinch I've used my teeth, it's really not that bad except for the fuzzy mouth that follows !! LOL
 
I have used finger nail clippers, which are allowed according to the TSA. They say scissors that are not more than 4" long and have a rounded blade are allowed, but I have not tried to see if I could get through security with these.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
I want to thank you all for your answers to my knitting while flying question. You have given me some very good ideas! Thank you!!

You know? I can understand why they might not want sharp pointed steel needles and why circulars would be preferred. I CAN'T figure, though, why the total length of the circular would be questioned. Uh oh, maybe I DO know..... I suppose you could strangle someone with the cord?

It's a different world than the one I grew up in!

Flyty1n, I'm guessing that your KnitPicks needles are the Harmony wood ones? My KnitPicks are steel, so they might be confiscated. I wonder if I have time to order the Harmony..............I don't like the bamboo that I have.

Thank you, everybody!
Virginia
 
when l taken my knitting on a plane l just asked the flight attendant if she had a pair of scissors l could my wool with she came back l cut my wool she she any time l needed them give her a call she would come back with them.
 
I fly with my knitting everywhere I go.

To avoid being stranded without your knitting I recommend you use a Dental floss container. The little metal bit that cuts the floss works wonders in place of a pair of scissors.

Hope that helps.

V/r,
Doogie
 
Yes, they were wood Harmony needles, but I printed off and carried with me the TSA guide online and would have shown it to them had I been questioned. On the guide it makes no reference to the kind of needle.
 
there is also the tiny steel hang nail or cuticle cutting scissors you find in the finger nail section of the stores the blade is less than an inch and takes up little space. good luck!
 
I have a "portable" snipper, about the size of a ball point pen - when you take the cap off the scissors open. It's about a half inch set of blades, but they cut yarn OK. I like the idea of the dental floss, though - never thought of that.
 
1 - 20 of 47 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top Bottom