Knitting and needlepoint are allowed on planes, but security officials can confiscate any items they deem dangerous. Circular needles with short needles, plastic or bamboo needles, blunt scissors, and clear plastic bags are recommended. It’s best to do small projects and alert security officers to the knitting needles in a tote bag. Carry a self-addressed envelope in case supplies are not allowed on the plane. Stay calm and courteous with security officials.
While it is physically possible to weave on a plane, there are sometimes a few bumps in the road in terms of airport security. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which oversees airport security in the United States, people are allowed to do knitting and needlepoint projects on planes, but there are some caveats. Security officials also reserve the right to confiscate any items they deem dangerous, which means that needles and knitting tools may be confiscated, even if they are technically permitted.
For people wanting to knit on a plane, circular needles should be used, ideally circular needles with needles that are very short, to underscore the lack of danger involved. Metal needles should be avoided, plastic and bamboo are preferred, and blunt scissors or custom aircraft scissors should be carried. It is also recommended to keep the weaving tools in a clear plastic bag so they are easy to examine.
From a practical standpoint, it’s a good idea to do small knitting projects on a plane for the convenience and comfort of other passengers. It may also be a good idea to have a partially completed project on the needles, to demonstrate to airport security that the intent is indeed to weave, not to carry out some sort of attack on the aircraft or cabin crew. It’s also a good idea to alert security officers to the fact that there are knitting needles in a tote bag, so they won’t be alarmed when the bag is X-rayed.
The TSA recommends that knitters carry a self-addressed envelope in their luggage so that if an officer determines that knitting supplies are not safe to take on an airplane, needles and other supplies can be mailed, rather than delivered to security officials. People can choose to mail their projects in with the needles, or bring a crochet hook so the project can be taken off the needles and transported on the plane while the needles are mailed home.
Since airport security officials can use their own judgment when assessing potential threats, people who want to weave on a plane should remember to remain calm in conversations with officials. Getting agitated or angry will accomplish nothing, and could result in exclusion from a flight, if the officer is concerned about safety. Most security officers are happy to allow weaving on a plane, especially when it’s in the hands of someone friendly, relaxed, and courteous.
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