Knitting & Crocheting on Airplanes
Knit or Crochet While Flying By Keeping a Few Things in Mind
It's possible to craft, knit, and crochet while flying by knowing the rules and making sure fellow passengers are comfortable.
Whether or not knitting and crochet items are lallowed onto a plane depends on a few things: where the flight occurs, who is doing the inspection, what items are or are not listed on the prohibited lists, and the comfort of fellow passengers.
Destinations
Larger cities tend to have tougher rules than small cities do. However, city airports are so busy that they can miss things. Some passengers may get by with certain items, but don’t count on it.
Regional attitudes also define what is acceptable or not. For example, Europe is very averse to allowing sharp objects on flights. International flights, especially those to and from the Middle East, are inspected very carefully.
Inspectors
Although airlines state that knit and crochet tools are allowed, there is some room allocated to the inspectors. There is a possibility that needles can be perceived as a possible weapon by security officers. They have the authority to determine if an item could be used as a weapon and they may not allow said item to pass through security.
Security officers have the right to confiscate anything that could be construed as dangerous. In particular, anything sharp, like scissors or knitting needles, or anything that can be used for choking someone, like thick cables, can appear suspicious.
Prohibited Items
Very sharp needles or hooks that resemble knives or weapons will not be allowed in most cases. Likewise, long and strong cables that could be construed as choking devices are also prohibited. Sharp scissors are not allowed, nor are thread cutters.
Permitted Items
According to the Transportation Security Administration, the following guidelines are recommended when bringing knitting onto an airplane.
Blunt tip scissors with lengths of five inches (about 12 centimeters) or less are allowed. Needles made of bamboo or plastic are preferred, and usually cause no problems. Circular knitting needles should be less than 31 inches in total length.
Fellow Passengers
Once on the plane, other people’s comfort becomes important. If fellow passengers are uncomfortable, they can influence the people in charge to remove the offending items. Large metal needles and thick circular cords can make other nervous if they are non-knitters.
Although it may not be politically correct, appearances do matter. Sloppily dressed or dirty individuals will draw attention to themselves, and not always in a positive way. It’s a simple fact that a little old lady with small needles is not as intimidating as a large, burly man with sharp, steely needles.
Be Prepared
Crafters should carry stamped, self-addressed envelopes with them to checkpoints so that they can mail tools back to themselves instead of surrendering them. Carry a plastic crochet hook so that any work can be saved if tools must be surrendered.
No matter what, check with the airline before bringing anything to the checkpoint. It’s always better to be safe that to be sorry to lose nice knitting items. Things change from day to day. Check with the authorities before packing.
