Experiences flying with crochet hooks and knitting needles?

[CheshireSmile]

I've been trying to do some research online about this and am getting mixed results. It seems according to the TSA website that I should be able to fly with my crochet hooks in the cabin with me, and even my small scissors! I'm not risking my scissors because they were a gift and I've seen those small scissors be confiscated before, but I'm more wondering about my hooks. The info I'm finding online seems to state crochet hooks and knitting needles are technically allowed on planes, but that the security agents are allowed to overrule that at the security checkpoint if they deem them to be potential weapons. This makes me very nervous, I don't want to lose my hooks! I was just wondering if any of the crafty people on here have experience with this situation? Were you allowed your hooks and needles on planes without incident or not?

 

[BiancaBernard&Penny]

My understanding is the same as yours... it's up to their discretion. Last I did it was maybe 2005? I put my knitting on bamboo needles (and ended up falling in love with them!) to try to avoid issues.
There were none. Well, there was a moment that the FA approached me and I thought might confront me (since it was my worst fear and on my mind) turned out she just wanted to see what I was making. I did have *something* (but what, I don't remember?? Fast food straws, I think) to put my work on in case I'd had to toss the needles.
I skipped the scissors altogether. If you really want them, I'd buy a cheap set (maybe from the crayon department) that you wouln't mind parting with.
I think attitude makes a difference to with what gets past. And, FWIW, profiling.

 

[Praise2Him]

I've flown with knitting needles and small scissors and had no problems whatsoever.

 

[scarlet_ibis]

I've never had a problem. I take nail clippers to cut my yarn.

 

[hiddenj]

I've flown with knitting needles and small scissors and had no problems whatsoever.

 

[MNdisneymom]

This might be overkill, but the last time I flew, I had printed out the relevant section of information from the TSA website and had it with me in case my needles were challenged. It was never a question, but it made me feel better prepared.

 

[CheshireSmile]

Thanks for the responses, I'm glad to see no one who's answered has ever had a problem. I wasn't planning on bringing all my hooks on board, the rest will be in my checked bag, just need the one or two for projects I'd be working on. Some other hints I've read include bringing a self-addressed stamped envelope with you, so you can mail your hooks or needles home to yourself if they try and take them. They other hints suggest bringing wooden, bamboo, or plastic so that they look less intimidating, and also making sure the hook is on the larger side, which means my lace-making hooks won't be flying in the cabin! I really have a hard time looking at my hooks and seeing them as potential weapons, just don't get it....
But again, thanks for sharing your experiences everyone!

 

[Colinsmom]

I've never had a problem with my crochet hooks. As a scissors substitute, I have this little round pendant thingy that I got at Hobby Lobby that has a sharp edge (it is protected, just wide enough for the yarn) that slices yarn. Hard to describe, but definitely TSA safe vs. scissors, and just as functional as the scissors.

 

[woodkins]

I've never had a problem with my crochet hooks. As a scissors substitute, I have this little round pendant thingy that I got at Hobby Lobby that has a sharp edge (it is protected, just wide enough for the yarn) that slices yarn. Hard to describe, but definitely TSA safe vs. scissors, and just as functional as the scissors.

I have done the same thing, it is a thread cutter. Worked perfectly. I brought a few metal crochet hooks with no issues at all.

 

[CheshireSmile]

Unfortunately the TSA site does state that the thread cutters are not allowed on planes. However, nail clippers are allowed, so I think I'll be safe with those. Also I think I'll print out the pertinent TSA page, just in case. Here it is in case any of you will be in need of it.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1252.shtm

 

[PixiePlanner]

I have to tell you, both yesterday and again today I read this as...

"Experiences with flying crochet hooks and knitting needles?"

Yesterday I opened the thread thinking it must be about some fast needlework. Today I just laughed at myself.

 

[aboveH20]

. . .and this whole scissor stuff is nothing new. Almost 30 years ago I was doing some quilting and had a standard size pair of sewing scissors with me. The scissors were confiscated at the gate and put in a box about 4' long and 8" wide, as I remember, that I was able to claim at the end of the my trip. In retrospect it makes sense, but it surprised me at the time.

 

[CheshireSmile]

I have to tell you, both yesterday and again today I read this as...

"Experiences with flying crochet hooks and knitting needles?"

Yesterday I opened the thread thinking it must be about some fast needlework. Today I just laughed at myself.

Well now I am also laughing (with you, not at you)! I would love a flying crochet hook if it allowed me to keep up with all the projects I always seem to be starting!

 

[KPeterso]

I have had no problem flying with my knitting. I have brought knitting for at least the last 5 years with no issues. I usually will put my knitting project in a clear ziploc bag (similar to the liquids bag), so if security wants to see something, it is easy. My Mom does as well. I do tend to switch my projects to wooden needles just in case, but I know I have had some on metal needles with no issues.

Kristin

 

[MommaB]

My knitting has traveled on 20+ flights in the last two years. No one has ever questioned me but I was nervous the first few times

 

[swmmom]

Anyone ever had any trouble with taking double pointed needles & a yarn needle? I was thinking of taking some knitting on my next trip and thought that one of my smaller project making kids hats would be great. I knit on circular needles, but then have to switch over to double pointed, and then I need the yarn needle to gather the last stitches.

 

[deerhart]

oh the pre 9-11 days when I sat in the first row of a tiny puddle jumper, 4 feet from the pilots (and nothing between me and them) and my 12 inch long (8 inch blade) sewing scissors doing my cross stitch.

after 9-11, I use the small set of scissors that come in the tiny emergency sewing kits. The whole thing are maybe 2-3 inches total. I have flown over 100 flights and never had a problem with them. I do believe that as long as the blades are under 2 inches (think kid scissors) they are allowed in the cabin.

The ONLY thing anyone has ever questioned me about with my sewing stuff was exactly how I could continue cross stitch through a landing without missing a beat!

 

[scarlet_ibis]

Yeah, how do you manage to knit/crochet on a plane with kids? When we fly, it's, "Mommy, can you get my crayons? Mommy, I need a snack. Mommy, I dropped the crayons. Mommy, I'm cold. Mommy, I need to use the potty. Mommy, Mommy, Mommy..."

(The airline we are flying this trip makes you pay for assigning your seats ahead of time. I will admit to considering taking my chances...)

Before kids, when I flew for business, I used to fly with headphones on because I would get so many people next to me who wanted to talk about what I was making...

 

[MNdisneymom]

Anyone ever had any trouble with taking double pointed needles & a yarn needle? I was thinking of taking some knitting on my next trip and thought that one of my smaller project making kids hats would be great. I knit on circular needles, but then have to switch over to double pointed, and then I need the yarn needle to gather the last stitches.

I haven't had a problem, but do have a suggestion: if you're going to be working on circs anyway, do you know how to do it Magic Loop style? (That's where you use a longer circ and kind of split the knitting in half...sorry, don't know how to explain it better.) Then you wouldn't have to use DPNs, which I know still alarm some people, TSA or otherwise.

About the yarn needles--I don't take my good chibis on airplanes. Plastic needles will do for a little bit, and they're easily available at JoAnns.


Not to totally hijack the thread, but are there any other DISers out there on Ravelry? (I'm mnknittermom if you are!)

 

[Nicolepa]

I think it really depends on the airport. My airport they rarely question anything reasonable. Leaving out of any airport in Florida I know they will always try to confiscate something. I was 6 months pregnant and got searched leaving FLL because I had a crochet needle. One needle, no sissors. They searched me, then had a lenghty converstation as to whether they were allowed. Now given, this was a few months after 9/11 but I was still rather upset at being searched over a crochet needle!