Archive for July, 2007

3 July, 2007 | No comments

Knitting in the air

We knitters and crocheters regard travel time as a golden opportunity to work on our projects. If you’re traveling by car, train, or bus—no problem. But what about airplanes? Many people are under the impression that scissors and knitting needles, particularly, are prohibited in carry-on baggage. This is not necessarily so. If you’re flying within the United States or flying abroad on a U.S. airline, the Transportation Security Administration’s Web site says you can take your knitting needles (and crochet hooks) with you. In fact, the “What Can I Bring?” section of the site (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#4) indicates that knitting needles, crochet hooks, blunt-ended scissors of any length made of metal or plastic, and sharp-pointed metal scissors with blades less than 4 inches in length are permitted in carry-on luggage.

However, individual TSA personnel have the final word, and they are apparently not obligated to follow these guidelines. While I have not encountered any trouble flying with my Addi turbos and my small sharp scissors, it would be prudent to follow the hints in another section of the TSA site, “Transporting Knitting Needles and Needlepoint” (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1252.shtm), and carry bamboo or plastic needles, circular needles no longer than 31 inches, blunt-ended scissors, a stitch holder to save your work and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for sending your supplies home if all else fails.

And do pack an extra project and needles in your checked baggage. It would be a shame to miss knitting for the entirety of your vacation!