Pocket Knife | Transportation Security Administration (2024)

FAQs

Pocket Knife | Transportation Security Administration? ›

The TSA allows passengers to transport pocket knives in their checked baggage, but there are certain restrictions that must be followed. There are no restrictions on blade length or locking mechanisms when packing your knife. However, it must be encased in a sheath or protective casing.

As a general rule, metal knives are not allowed in carry-on baggage on aeroplanes. This includes both sharp and blunt knives, regardless of size. However, metal knives may be packed in checked baggage, provided that they are securely wrapped or placed in a sheath to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

The TSA restricts the types of materials people can bring to the airport, such as guns, knives, or other items the TSA deems dangerous. If you accidentally bring a weapon or incendiary device to the airport, the TSA may instigate civil action against you, including charging you with hefty civil penalties.

The answer to the question, “Can you carry a pocket knife on an airplane?” is always no. Absolutely not. The TSA makes it very clear what you can and can't bring on the plane with you.

The bottom line: To play it safe, always fly with your Leatherman in checked baggage.

In general, you are prohibited from traveling with sharp objects in your carry-on bags. Multi-tools (multipurpose tools) with knives of any length are prohibited. Please pack these items in your checked bags.

TSA prohibits both domestic & international travelers from carrying any sharp objects in their carry-on or hand baggage. Any knives or other sharp objects must be sheathed or securely wrapped and stored in checked baggage to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Concealed carry of a knife is generally legal unless it's a dangerous weapon like a switchblade, and intent to use it unlawfully can make possession illegal.

TSA items are back at State Surplus Property. We now offer a variety of items, such as knives, multi-tools, tools, and snow globes at our warehouse location.

If the lighter is in your checked luggage, your name will be called over the airport PA system. You will be directed to where your suitcase is being held, and you will be asked to open it for inspection. A security officer will examine the contents of your luggage, and they can remove any items they deem a risk.

What is the fine for bringing knives to the airport? ›

Penalties

A violation of PC 171.5 is charged as a misdemeanor in California. The crime is punishable by: imprisonment in county jail for up to six months, and/or. a maximum fine of $1,000.

Box Cutters

Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. These items are required to be placed in checked bags with or without blades.

A locking blade knife, also known as a folding knife, includes a mechanism that locks the blade in place, both when open and closed. When closed, the knife's sharp edge is concealed in the handle. Most consider a locking blade safer than a fixed blade, especially for young or new knife owners.

According to the Transportation Security Administration's website, you are allowed to pack tools in your carry-on bag, as long as they are not power tools and are 7 inches or shorter when fully assembled. So if you have a few small tools, like screwdrivers, wrenches or pliers, you can easily toss them in your carry-on.

So, if you find yourself in need of an airline-friendly multi-tool on your next adventure, check out the Leatherman Style PS and the Gerber Dime Travel. While my preference for the former is clear, the latter is a serviceable option at a bargain price.

Tools 7 inches or shorter (measured from end to end when assembled) may be allowed in carry-on baggage. Power tools and all tools longer than 7 inches (measured from end to end when assembled) are prohibited in carry-on baggage; these items must be packed in your checked bags.

Guns, weapons, hazardous materials or anything deemed illegal are turned over to local law enforcement. Forbidden liquids are immediately disposed of. All other items are either turned over to state agencies or kept by the TSA to be disposed of through sales, destruction or donations to charity.

Be careful — not all pocketknives are allowed as carry-ons. A knife is only allowed if: The blade is no longer than 2.36 inches (6 centimeters) in length. The blade width is no more than 0.5 inches at its widest point.

Yes, cheese graters (AKA sponge destroyers) are permitted in your carry-on bag. Thanks for asking. Some folks think that questions such as these might grate on our nerves, but we're not going to rip you to shreds over it.

Similar to the TSA regulations, nail clippers are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. Along with disposable razors and tweezers, nail clippers are safe to pack in a personal item bag. If we apply the same way of thinking about the allowed length, your nail clippers should be shorter than 6 cm, or 2.3 inches.

What kind of knife can you take on a plane? ›

Checked Bags: Yes

Except knives with rounded-blades, blunt edges without serration/teeth such as butter knives, or plastic cutlery. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

You can carry chef knives when flying so long as they are declared and securely wrapped for the protection of baggage handlers and anyone who may come into contact with them, for the most part, these cannot be taken as hand luggage.

None locking knives with a blade of less than 3 inches (e.g. a classic Swiss Army knife) are not restricted.