The best time and place to knit or crochet is a place free of disturbance, and a plane falls in that category as you are free from family issues or domestic-related work. Nevertheless, when it comes to bringing sharp objects on a plane, there are restrictions.
The Transportation Security Administration(TSA) uses aviation safety and security law which says knitting and crotchet needles are not subject to any security restrictions and are allowed in your checked luggage and carry-on bag. Still, they should be accompanied by yarn when brought on board.
However, only some countries and airlines work with the TSA law, as the rules are different regarding domestic and international flights.
Can I Take Yarn Needles On A Domestic Flight In The United States Of America?
Yes. From the list of sharp objects you are allowed to bring in, Transportation Security Administration within the USA permits you to put your knitting needles and crochet hooks in your checked bag and carry-on bag.
However, this was accompanied by a warning that it should be sheathed or wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
Apart from the crochet hook and a knitting needle, let’s take a quick look into what the TSA permits so as for you to know other tools you can take along with you for the complete success of your knitting or crochet project.
According to the TSA, you can take it along with you;
| Sharp Objects. | Carry On Bags | Checked Bags, | Added Information |
Disposable Razor. |
Yes, | Yes, | It should be wrapped to prevent injury to the baggage handlers and inspectors. |
Scissors |
Yes. However, they must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point when packed in a carry-on bag. | Yes. | It should be wrapped to prevent injury to the baggage handlers and inspectors. |
Sewing Needles |
Yes. | Yes. | It should be covered to avoid damage to the baggage handlers and inspectors.
However, Circular thread cutters or any other cutter or needlepoint tools that contain blades must be placed in checked baggage. |
Safety pin |
Yes | Yes | It should be wrapped to prevent injury to the baggage handlers and inspector. |
Safety Razor With Blades (allowed without blade) |
No | Yes | It should be wrapped to prevent injury to the baggage handlers and inspector. |
| Knives | No | Yes, Except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives. | It should be covered to prevent damage to the baggage handlers and inspectors. |
Can I Take Yarn Needles With Me On An International Flight?
Yes, but It depends on the country you’re traveling to.
The United States of Europe(USE) permits knitting needles and crochet hooks as they are not listed among the prohibited sharp objects. The scissors should be less than 6 cm, and permission depends on the security officer on duty (Europe Law on Yarn Needles).
However, only some Europe countries allow yarn needles on planes.
The Australian home affairs department also permits the carriage of knitting needles and crochet needles on a plane as they are listed among the items allowed on a flight. However, the flight does not allow scissors and other needle-point objects. (America Home Affairs Department ).
Will All Airline Permit Me To Take Yarn Needles On The Plane?
No. Only some airlines permit you to do that as they all have individual Table of Specification(TOS) that tells you what they allow or do not permit.
Turkish Airlines do not allow yarn needles in the plane coupled with other sharp objects, so you will have to keep it in your checked baggage or have to drop your knitting project at home, and if you are moving there, you will have to post it or buy another one over there. (Turkish Airlines).
Ethiopian Airlines will also not permit you to take yarn needles on planes in the carry-on baggage, but they can be kept in the checked baggage. (Ethiopian Airlines(Rules on Carry-On Baggage).
British Airways allows knitting and crochet needles coupled with tweezers on the plane in your checked luggage and carry-on baggage(.British Airways Guidelines on permitted sharp objects).
United Airlines allows the use and carriage of both knitting needles and crochet hooks on planes as they strictly follow the TSA guidelines. (United Airlines Using The TSA Guideline.)
Fly Africa World Airline says you can only put them in your checked baggage and not into your carry-on cabbage (Fly Africa World sharp Object Permission.)
Euro wings do not allow knitting needles in your hand baggage while on the plane (Eurowings Rule on Sharp Objects ).
I will only be able to list some of the airlines here as they are many, so you will have to visit the official website of your airways before you start packing for the journey to prevent your needles from confiscating.
What Rules Am I Follow When I Have My Yarn Needles With Me?
There are ways to avoid unnecessary questions when passing through the security scan or even on the plane when you have your yarn needles. They are;
- Pack your yarn needle with other permitted knitting or crochet tools in a beautiful little project bag that will not draw annoying questions.
- Do not take a metal knitting needle or a metal crochet hook.
- Take with you a small length of knitting needle, such as a 4-inch double-pointed needle or crochet hook, to avoid injuring your neighbor during the process.
- Go for a little project to knit on while on the plane, as it will be easy to work on and prevent you from disturbing your neighbor.
- Go for a simple pattern when working on your little project.
- Pack all other needles and choose only the needles you will need for your project on the plane, which means you have to decide on the project to work on before leaving home.
- Avoid knitting during take-off or landing as the plane tends not to be stable, causing your knitting needle or crochet hook to drop on the floor and slide down the aisle.
- Do not take your yarn needles with you if you know you will not be knitting on the plane.
- Keep your yarn in the bag while knitting or crocheting to prevent it from sliding everywhere.
- Make use of children’s scissors, as scissors above 4 inches are not allowed.
Conclusion.
Taking or using yarn needles on a plane dramatically depends on the country’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and your airline’s Table of Specifications (TOS). You must comply with that to avoid embarrassment or confiscation of your needles.
However, you should not travel with a metal needle or crochet hook and pack it in a secured bag if you need to board a plane with it, as you also need to be conscious of other passengers’ safety.
All knives, sharp objects or cutting implements of any kind and of any length, whether of metal or other material, and some sporting goods must be packed in checked baggage. They cannot be carried in the cabin baggage nor on your person.