As a general rule, metal knives are not allowed in carry-on baggage on aeroplanes. This includes both sharp and blunt knives, regardless of size. However, metal knives may be packed in checked baggage, provided that they are securely wrapped or placed in a sheath to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
In general, you are prohibited from traveling with sharp objects in your carry-on baggage; please pack these items in your checked baggage. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page.
What is a TSA approved knife? There are no TSA approved knives except for “plastic or round-bladed butter knives.” What is the fine for bringing a knife through airport security? You could be charged a fine of over $2,000 if you are caught with a knife.
Can I Bring a Pocket Knife on a Plane? According to the TSA and all current laws, travelers may not bring any knife, bladed weapon, or any other sharp object inside the cabin of any commercial aircraft, including carry-on baggage, except for plastic butter knives or round-bladed butter knives.
Can you get your stuff back? Your intentions are pure when leaving for the airport, only to find the pocket knife you recently bought in your carry-on bag instead of your checked luggage. Once the TSA agent discovers that knife, frying pan, brass knuckle, or whatever prohibited item, expect them to confiscate it.
Checked Bags: Yes
Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
The TSA requires you to declare firearms, large quantities of medications, and other items, but not sharp objects. However, we would advise that you voluntarily declare knives at the check-in desk, especially if you're flying internationally.
In general, you are prohibited from traveling with sharp objects in your carry-on bags. Multi-tools (multipurpose tools) with knives of any length are prohibited. Please pack these items in your checked bags. Multi-tools (multipurpose tools) with scissors less than 4 inches may be placed in carry-on bags.
To play it safe, always fly with your Leatherman in checked baggage. Your Leatherman multi-tool has been by your side through lots of adventures and has helped you save the day. But for your upcoming plane trip, the best thing to do is to plan on putting it inside your checked baggage.
No, you cannot bring a Swiss Army Knife on a plane. A Swiss Army Knife, pocket knife, firearms, or any weapon must be placed in your checked baggage, and you must follow TSA guidelines for transporting weapons on a plane. As an EDC nut, I hate to travel without a knife.
However, there are some restrictions on the types of knives that are allowed in checked baggage. For example, pocket knives are allowed as long as the blade is less than 2.36 inches long. However, larger knives and other sharp objects may be confiscated by TSA officials.
Any building that has metal detectors at their doors isn't going to allow you to enter with a knife of any kind. Your best bet is to leave the knife at home or in your car.
Some detectors are known to be pretty sensitive in detecting everything from a pocket knife to a body piercing. For the most part, if you don't normally carry something that may alarm the general public, you may have nothing to worry about.
Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.
Items subject to the 3-1-1 rule include liquid and aerosol deodorant, cologne, perfume, shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, lotion, sunscreen and toothpaste. Outside of your clear quart-sized bag, you can pack your solid deodorant, toothbrush (manual and electronic), tweezers and mirrors.
Knives, except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives, are not allowed in carry-on bags. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page. The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
In summary, if you're wondering whether or not you can bring scissors in your carry-on, the answer is yes, as long as the blades are less than 4 inches in length.
Tools 7 inches or shorter (measured from end to end when assembled) are allowed in carry-on baggage. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page.
Checked Bags: Yes
One 4 fl. oz. (118 ml) container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Self-defense sprays containing more than 2 percent by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in checked baggage.
Nail clippers are also allowed on planes, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can pack them in both your carry-on and checked luggage. Similar to tweezers, it's a good idea to wrap your nail clippers or place them securely in a bag to avoid injury to others handling your luggage.
Other TSA-confiscated items that agents see on the regular include pocketknives, multitools and keychain knives. The agency also confiscates a large number of legitimate weapons, including guns and large knives—more than 5,000 in 2021 alone.
As long as it's cutlery it's allowed in the checked in luggage. In case of some more weapon-type knives you would need to check them in with the firearms.
Checked Bags: Yes
One 4 fl. oz. (118 ml) container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Self-defense sprays containing more than 2 percent by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in checked baggage.