Can You Bring Scissors On a Plane? (It Depends)

Many passengers are aware that there are limits when bringing liquids on a plane, but what about sharp objects like scissors?

Can you bring scissors on a plane?

After all, scissors have the potential to be used as a weapon, so surely they aren’t allowed?

Actually, scissors just as long as they are less than 4 inches from the pivot point are allowed in carry on bags.

Scissors are also allowed in checked bags.

However, there is some additional information you should know, so you won’t run into issues at the airport.

Bringing Scissors in Your Checked Luggage

If the scissors you are planning to travel with are more than or equal to 4 inches from the pivot point, they must be packed in your checked baggage.

TSA also state that “any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.”

Bringing Scissors in Your Carry On

Any pair of scissors that have blades that are shorter than 4 inches from the pivot point are allowed in your carry on bags.

This means that you should have no problem taking cuticle trimmers, brow tweezers, small thread cutting scissors, child safety scissors, and similarly sized scissors on a plane.

Domestic and International Flights

When flying domestically in the USA, the rule is that blades that are longer than 4 inches from the pivot point are allowed in your carry on bags.

When flying domestically in the USA and from the USA to international destinations, the rule is that blades that are longer than 4 inches from the pivot point are allowed in your carry on bags.

Internationally, though, this changes to 6 cm (2.36 inches).

In other words, scissors with a blade longer than 6 centimeters (or 2.36 inches) must be packed in your checked baggage if traveling from international airports in the UK, EU, Canada, and other countries.

Airline Regulations for Bringing Scissors

When it comes to bringing scissors on a plane, the good news is that every airline follows TSA regulations.

So whether you’re flying with Southwest, Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue or any other airline, just as long as your scissors are less than 4 inches from the pivot point, you can pack them in your carry on bags.

If the scissors are larger than this, they will have to go in your checked baggage.

You Can Bring Beauty Scissors on a Plane

If you want to bring beauty scissors on a plane, the same rules apply.

So, scissors with blades that are longer than 4 inches from the pivot point are allowed in your carry on bags when flying domestically, and this changes to blades longer than 6 centimeters (or 2.36 inches) when flying internationally.

Make Sure Your Scissors Are “TSA-Approved”

As you now know, when flying domestically in the USA and from the USA to international destinations, any scissors with a blade shorter than 4 inches from the pivot point means that you are allowed to pack them in your carry on bags.

What this means, is that TSA-approved scissors are simply those that meet this criteria.

While some manufacturers advertise their scissors as “travel-sized” or “travel-friendly”, just get your tape measure or ruler out to see if your scissors will make the cut.

Ella Dunham

Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.

Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.

Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).