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.
Bringing Scissors on 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.
Bringing Other Nail Care and Sewing Supplies On a Plane
Nail Care Tools
- Nail Clippers: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
- Tweezers: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
- Nail File: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
- Cuticle Pusher: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
- Nail Brush: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
- Nail Buffer: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
- Nail Polish: Yes in both your carry on (if less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml) and checked bags
- Nail Polish Remover: Yes in both your carry on (if less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml) and checked bags
Sewing Tools
- Sewing Machines: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
- Crochet Hooks: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
- Sewing Needles: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
- Knitting Needles: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
- Spray Starch: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
- Staplers: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
- Tape Measures: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
- Rotary Cutters: Yes, in your checked bags but not your carry on
- Safety Pins: Yes, in both your carry on and checked bags
As you can see, you can travel with virtually all of your nail care and sewing tools and supplies in both your carry on and checked bags.
The only thing to be aware of is that if traveling with liquids in your carry on bags, the container should be no greater than 3.4oz/100 ml.
You Can Also Bring a Pocket Knife
Like scissors, a pocket knife is another sharp item with a blade.
Unlike scissors, though, a pocket knife is not allowed in your carry on bags, regardless of the length of its blade.
Therefore, pocket knives are allowed on a plane if packed in your checked bags.
