Thread: Sewing projects on airplanes

I'm flying out for Thanksgiving and I want to bring my sewing. I'm not sure what is allowed...I'm packing up tonight (flight is at 7:15a!) so I need an answer soon.

I'll need my needle, seam ripper and clippers really. I don't think I need straight pins.

Help! Thanks!

I've never had a problem with taking a needle and one of those tiny, folding scissors on board. I've also walked through security packing a scalpel (which part of a dissection it I forgot was in my purse) and no one said anything, while my mother had her glasses-repair kit confiscated. Go figure.

I guess it all depends what mood the screener is in? Probably look on the TSA site, and don't take anything you'd be too upset about having confiscated.

TSA: Prohibited Items

ive had tweezers taken away but its prob cus im middle eastern

It definitely varies from airport to airport (and possibly screener to screener?). I've carried on an item at one airport no problem and then had to ditch it at my connection because security there refused it.

If I were you, I'd print out the TSA guidelines on sharp objects, which indicates that scissors with blades shorter than 4" are allowed, and bring them with you in case you need to show them to security. I've had plastic takeout knives, which are also permitted by the TSA, confiscated, so the guidelines aren't always followed to the letter.

check on the rules for blade length. I believe it's 2", so little folding scissors shouldn't be a problem. My Mom, who embroiders on planes, usually uses toe nail clippers.

{{{HUGS}}}

I've had plastic knitting needles taken away from me. Granted, it was Auckland airport, but I hesitate to bring my projects along with me.

Originally Posted by aasiyah

ive had tweezers taken away but its prob cus im middle eastern

I'm not middle eastern and I have had tweezers and nail clippers taken away. I think it depends on how diligent the checkers are.

On a family trip to the UK my mother, who is a former hair dresser, somehow managed to get haircutting scissors through security. This was 100% by accident as she tends to leave things like that in her purse but those things are super sharp and pointy so it really all just depends how good the security is at a given airport. This was at a major international airport and post 9/11.

i had several containers (1serving) of applesauce in one bag that i had forgotten about. i was WAYYYYYY over the liquid quota of 2oz per container and no one noticed. went through the x-ray deal and all. i think it depends on who is watching. in maine they go through everything but i was returning from a trip in texas and no one really looked. more volume of people makes a difference i suppose.

I had tiny blunt nose baby scissors taken away. Just be careful not to bring anything you don't mind losing.

Originally Posted by ZohraMostafa

Just be careful not to bring anything you don't mind losing.

That's good advice. A classmate I was travelling with had his nail clippers confiscated.

I had a small pair of Fiskars taken when going through the first security check at Hartsfields in Atlanta - I would think you would be ok with the sewing needle though..

Originally Posted by indigostars

I've had plastic knitting needles taken away from me. Granted, it was Auckland airport, but I hesitate to bring my projects along with me.

Yeah for some reason they don't like those knitting needles. I have seen them give women a hard time about them at various airports.

I agree not to bring anything you don't want to lose just in case they do confiscate it. It is all about who is checking you. My daughter had her cream confiscated because they felt it had too much liquid in it, when it was under the limited amount too. She was upset because she had a rash and needed it. Plus she had already traveled from England to Egypt to the US with it in her bag. I have seen people use scissors on planes and nobody said anything. It's a crapshoot as to what they will take. Good-luck!

I've had luck bringing my beadwork, needles and a small pair of scissors with me. I've even had a nice pair of shears (6" or so) come along for the ride. An ex-bf of mine brought a pocketknife through once (by accident).

Much like many have said, give it a shot and be prepared to lose what you bring.

You can always take a self-addressed, stamped envelope and appropriate postage...sometimes they will let you mail them back to yourself. Although often postage costs are more than replacement costs.,r:;

I wouldn't even go there these days.

Really does depend on the airport and the staff. I don't bring things I can't stand to lose. And I pack everything sharp.

Leaving from Australian airports it is a big no-no to have anything like scissors/needles metal nailfiles etc with you, they are very, very strict here. You can carry such things in a checked in suitcases but not with you in handluggage. They are also very strict about liquids.

Maybe the States are different and depends on the airport.

Why don't you phone the airport and tell them what you want to bring and see if there is anyway to get a clearance from them.

Check to see if the airport has a post center. If yes bring your project but also bring a return envelope so you can mail your things back to your house in case you can't bring them on a plane.

I know knitting needles are okay as are crochet hooks (preferably wood over metal) but I'm not sure about sewing impliments. Perhaps you can buy one of those tiny sewing kits and stuff it in your purse. Clippers will probably pose a problem, see if you can get one of those silly seam rippers that are mostly plastic (and cheap so it doesn't break your heart if you have to throw it out.)

Bring a secondary box of supplies in your stow away luggage in case you want to work on your project while away.

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

I'm flying out for Thanksgiving and I want to bring my sewing. I'm not sure what is allowed...I'm packing up tonight (flight is at 7:15a!) so I need an answer soon.

I'll need my needle, seam ripper and clippers really. I don't think I need straight pins.

Help! Thanks!

It will depend on airport example JFK they checked me in no problem. I go to Orlando airport on the way back my hoop earrings set off the metal detector.(same ones I wore at JFK) It also how sensitive they calibrate their screening machines.
Its the temperament and attitude of TSA agent.
You should be fine. Safe Journey.

Alrana

Depends where you are going. In Europe it's generally no sharp objects, no liquids over 100ml. Such a bother. But less of a bother than the alternative.

I had to smuggle a cute swarovski broach through recently, as I forgot about the pin clasp while being dazzled by the shiny.

Well, I bought one of those little sewing kits at the grocery store with the mini scissors (that actually work!) and not a hitch. RDU was swarming with TSA people too. It was no big deal. I got lots of stares for sewing, but no problems.