Ok, another what to pack stupid question

[kimmikayb]

I know you can bring sissors that are 4" and below. But I don't see anything about needles, specifically sewing needles. I want to bring my cross stitch on the plane with me. I haven't flown since 1999.

I also here that some people have problems with things that are allowed. I don't want to have to throw away my good needlepoint sissors. I'm going to call my local airport but what about MCO? Will it be a issue?

 

[disneyldwjr]

I know you can bring sissors that are 4" and below. But I don't see anything about needles, specifically sewing needles. I want to bring my cross stitch on the plane with me. I haven't flown since 1999.

I also here that some people have problems with things that are allowed. I don't want to have to throw away my good needlepoint sissors. I'm going to call my local airport but what about MCO? Will it be a issue?

There should not be a problem, however, you simply never know what the TSA agent inspecting your carry on is going to do. You can call you local airport, but, you need to realize the person you speak to is not going to necessarily be the one saying yes or no.
In this case I would err on the side of caution and bring a book rather than needlepoint. Probably not as good from your point of view, but, it does fill the time.

 

[bavaria]

You were just given excellent advice. Here is why....

I am a prolific knitter. After 9/11, knitting needles were banned on US and Canadian airlines. However, shortly after the anthrax scare I was flying from DC to Canada on a Canadian airline; a passenger in front of me asked the ticket agent if she could bring her bamboo circulars on board to knit, and was cheerfully told 'of course!'. (Having just come from a large knitting show, I had stowed my yarn and needles in my packed luggage)

The passenger cleared security and in fact I saw her knitting in the gate area and later on the plane.

On May 5, 2005, CATSA (canadian version of TSA) lifted the restrictions on knitting needles. Yet Air Canada and Lufthansa still won't allow knitting on the plane. So even if the needles clear security, flight attendants may remove the items (one knitter even reported that the FA gave her knitting to the pilot for safe keeping )

Even prior to 9/11, when CATSA regulations allowed knitting, Air Ontario did not.

I have taken to bringing projects which are just started ie on the cast on row, along with needles I won't mind losing. That way if it becomes an issue, I can offer to toss the needles, and keep the yarn without losing my work.

I wouldn't recommend bringing a project in progress as you may be disappointed.

 

[bavaria]

Also for any Canadian readers, while TSA does indeed allow scissors with blads 4 inches or less, CATSA does not.

 

[kimmikayb]

Thanks everyone for the excellent advice!

Here's another senerio....what if I get one of those very tiny thread cutters...do you know what I mean? They are like an inch in diameter and just have a sharp edge to cut....not a blade. Only cost a few bucks so if I loose it, so what? I'll also only bring one of my cheaper needles. I don't know why they would take the entire project as it has no sharp objects attached to it.

I know my questioning seems silly, but I am on a time limit to finish a project and having my project with me on the plane would be ideal time to work on it.

 

[bavaria]

I think that I know the ones that you mean - I see them as a pendant with a design in some knitting magazines. I think that should be ok- I doubt that they will even look at it. I've actually travelled with my 16 inch or 12 inch Addi Turbo circular knitting needles, which are nickel tipped, in my 21 inch carryon. While they may have showed up during the screening, I doubt that anyone would recognize them as knitting needles. I think that it would be the same case here, especially as TSA allows 4 inch scissor blades.

considering that I've flown 75,000 miles year to date, that would be good knitting opportunities, but I've pretty much given up due to the inconsistent rules.

 

[kimmikayb]

I think that I know the ones that you mean - I see them as a pendant with a design in some knitting magazines. I think that should be ok- I doubt that they will even look at it. I've actually travelled with my 16 inch or 12 inch Addi Turbo circular knitting needles, which are nickel tipped, in my 21 inch carryon. While they may have showed up during the screening, I doubt that anyone would recognize them as knitting needles. I think that it would be the same case here, especially as TSA allows 4 inch scissor blades.

considering that I've flown 75,000 miles year to date, that would be good knitting opportunities, but I've pretty much given up due to the inconsistent rules.

oh wow, 75,000 miles? What great crafting time I think I'll try my most recent plan (and yes, I think we're on the same page with the cutter). If I loose cutter and/or needle...I won't be out anything.

Too bad TSA is so inconsistent with their rules. I found the web site to be very clear about everything (but needles).

I have to say, I'm a little nervous. I haven't flown since 1999 and someone said Northwest has older planes. I have a little flying phobia anyways but have to not show it because I'm with two of my kids and my mom, therefore kind of the leader.

Thanks, you've been very helpful!

 

[bavaria]

If it makes you feel better, I am still a little bit of a nervous flier. The key is to try and research as much as you can before hand (without getting too worked up) ie check out airport maps, seatguru.com for airplane maps, etc. Then go with the flow - if there are weather delays, for instance, you won't be able to do anything about them so take the time to enjoy the airport.