One of the most frequently asked questions I see in Facebook knitting groups and on Ravelry is, “Can you bring knitting needles on a plane?”
Short answer YES to some destinations.
If you’re like me, you look forward to passing the time while waiting to board a flight by working on a project or find knitting helpful to reduce your anxiety while in the air. Or maybe you’re flying to a knitting event like Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool. Or perhaps you’re headed to a winter destination like Norway and need to finish your project so that you can wear it.
A bag with a knitting project also makes for a comfortable pillow.
I’ve been a knitter for over ten years and have traveled worldwide with my knitting needles, including domestically in the United States and abroad. I’ve gone through airport security overseas in multiple countries, including Kenya, Morocco, Norway, Vietnam, Portugal, and Amsterdam.
Can you bring knitting needles on a plane in the US?
Yes, you can fly with knitting needles in the United States. According to TSA’s website, you can carry knitting needles in carry-on and checked bags. They request that you cover or wrap sharp ends to protect baggage handlers and inspectors from danger.
You could always wrap the ends of knitting needles in a piece of clothing or use needle stoppers.
At the bottom of the TSA website is a disclosure stating, “ The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.”
Can you bring knitting needles on an international flight?
This is where things get a little tricky. Each country has its own rule regarding knitting needles in a carry-on. I searched the most visited countries by Americans and their rulings on knitting needles in carry-on luggage. Here are my findings:
- Mexico- Unclear, only states “needles are prohibited” AeroMexico
- Canada- Yes Canadian Air Transport Security
- UK- Yes UK government
- EU countries- Yes ADR Airport Security
- Dominican Republic- Specifically says no knitting needles in carry-on bag Punta Cana carryon rules
- Japan- Yes Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation, and Tourism
- Australia- Yes Australia Government: Can I pack that?
- Iceland- Unclear, states objects with a sharp point should be less than 6 cm long or wooden/ plastic needles Icelandic Transport Authority
The Dominican Republic was the only country I searched that states that knitting needles are prohibited in a carry-on. However, one of my good knitting friends visited the DR this year and flew with knitting needles. She even knit on board her flight with no problem.
As you see above, a few countries were unclear regarding knitting needles. If I were flying to a country that didn’t clearly state yes or no to flying with knitting needles in carry-on luggage and I wanted to limit my chances of being stopped by security, I would fly with knitting needles less than 6 cm long or as close to 6 cm as possible.
However, I have always flown with the 13 cm long ChiaoGoo interchangeable metal needles and never had a problem.
Don’t see your next destination on the list, try googling “prohibited items flying in xxx” or “carry-on restrictions in xxx.”
Best knitting needles for flying
Circular needles are less likely to be seen as threatening or harmful because the length of the needles is shorter than straight knitting needles. Also, circular needles don’t require moving your arms away from your body as much as straight needles, which can be cumbersome when sitting in tight spaces like airplanes. Don’t be that seat mate.
Circular needles are also better for your body ergonomically.
My favorite circular knitting needles are the metal Chiaogoo interchangeable needles. Years ago, I invested in the interchangeable set and have not had any problems.
Also, if security does make you ditch your needles, the cord on interchangeable needles is the perfect way not to drop stitches.
Some recommend flying with wooden or plastic knitting needles to lessen your chances of being stopped by airport security. I prefer metal needles, but when I first started knitting, I did knit with Knit Picks wooden interchangeable needles, which are also more cost-effective if you are forced to toss your needles.
Can you fly with scissors?
I always fly with small scissors when flying with a knitting project. To be on the safe side, I fly with these scissors. The blade is less than 2 inches long, and they came with a blade cover.
Don’t have small scissors or scared to fly with scissors? The grooves on a key are good for cutting yarn. Can I bring scissors on a plane?
Things to consider when picking a knitting project to fly with
Not all knitting is the same, and there are a couple of factors that you should consider when picking a project to knit while flying.
The perfect project to knit while flying
Stockinette is the easiest and most mindless knitting to pack for flying. Garter stitch would also be good. Lace takes more attention to detail and requires you to keep the pattern nearby which requires even more room in such a small space.
Projects with one or two colors are best for traveling, so you don’t have to worry about managing multiple balls of yarn.
Ideal patterns to knit while flying
Simple patterns are best for knitting while flying, and small projects like socks or accessories are great. Hats, socks, cowls, and shawls are the perfect size to knit on a plane. Also, you’ll see more progress since these are such small projects.
When I first started knitting, the Honey Cowl was my go-to knitting project while traveling because of the pattern’s simplicity. The Musselburgh is a popular and simple-to-knit hat pattern that would also be great to knit while flying.
As a sweater knitter, I often fly with sweater projects. I try my best to be at the body or arm sleeve of the project before flying since these are usually just stockinette stitch. There are so many great simple sweater patterns, but my favorites are the Cozy Classic Raglan and the Mousseux.
Be realistic when packing knitting projects for flying
Don’t overpack projects! Are you really going to have time to work on multiple projects?
Lighting
The lighting on airplanes sucks, if we’re being honest. And if you’re flying overnight, the plane will be even more dark. This is another reason I prefer to pack a stockinette or garter stitch project, as it can be hard to see and identify a mistake.
Things to make sure you have in your project bag for knitting on a plane
I like to carry my knitting notions in a separate small bag with a zipper like a makeup pouch.
- Knitting pattern- either electronic or paper. Looking at a screen while flying can cause motion sickness. Always have a copy of the pattern digitally in case you lose the printed copy.
- Stich markers- pack extra stitch markers because if you’re like me, you will lose one or two. I like the lockable ones because they can be used as stitch markers or to hold dropped stitches.
- Scissors
- Retractable measuring tape
- Ink pen or pencil and a highlighter
- Project bag to keep your project safe from other items in your bag and to keep needed tools easily accessible. Preferably a bag with a drawstring or zipper so things don’t fall out.
- LED neck reading light because, again, the lighting sucks on airplanes. Don’t forget to charge the light before traveling.
- If not traveling with interchangeable circular needles pack an extra piece of yarn to use as a lifeline in case you have to toss your knitting needles.
- If traveling domestically within the US, pack a self-dressed stamped envelope to mail your needles home if TSA won’t allow them.
- Screenshot or print the country’s statement regarding flying with knitting needles in case security does stop you. You could show them the statement in black and white, but the security office will have the final say.
Conclusion
Within the United States, TSA allows travelers to bring knitting needles on airplanes in carry-on and checked luggage. UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan also allow travelers to fly with knitting needles. However, outside of these countries, it varies.
If unsure whether or not your destination allows knitting needles while flying, try Googling “prohibited items flying in xxx” or “carry-on restrictions in xxx.”
In my experience and speaking with friends, security is usually not concerned about knitting needles.
Flying with needles short in length (ideally 6 cm or less), scissors with a blade of 2cm or less, and circular needles may reduce your likelihood of being stopped by security.
Happy knitting and travels!
FAQs about flying with knitting needles
Can I bring scissors on a plane?
Depending on the country, yes. It’s best to travel with scissors with a blade 6 cm or shorter to avoid being viewed as dangerous? Like knitting needles, I have carried miniature scissors worldwide throughout airports and have yet to be stopped by security.
What size knitting needles can you bring through TSA?
TSA allows knitting needles according to their website. I wouldn’t worry about the diameter of the knitting needle but more so the length of the needle. I’ve flown with needles ranging from 8 to 13 cm long and never had any problems with TSA.