Knitting/crochet needles on BA Flights?
 

I am leaving from Phila airport to Heathrow and I wonder if I can take needles on carry-on? Heard an older woman had her needles taken away, but I forget which airline.
M.

I think airlines banned knitting needles even before 9/11. I've had a pair of one inch sissors taken from me so I think its a safe bet that you won't get on with your knitting :(

According to the FAA website, knitting and crochet needles are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage.

Whoever wrote the FAA rules must have no idea what kind of damage could be done with a knitting needle.

Underhill, you are so right, but I read it for myself on the FAA website. I think I will take a crochet project. A crochet needle does not have the deadly potential that knitting needles do.

I am a knitter and they are allowed and have not been banned post 9/11. My fellow knitters haven't had any problems as well (travelling both domestically as well as internationally) If you want to, you can print out the FAA approved list of carry-on items just in case you come across someone who will disagree with you, but I doubt it. Also, for the non-knitters out there, needles come in many forms such as plastic and bamboo not just metal ones and pose no more of a threat than the sharp edge of the keys you carry in your pocket.

Be aware that the list of permitted items may be different in the UK than the FAA's list for the US. I noticed this when transferring through the Manchester airport last month.

This page from the BAA site specifically says NOT to pack knitting needles in hand luggage:

http://www.baa.com/main/general/trav...ips_frame.html

You may be able to carry them on your way over, but perhaps not on the way back.

And no more of a threat than the big, sharp pins on the back of brooches... I see tons of ladies with these on their coats esp. at Christmastime and I'm amazed those are allowed on a plane.

About a year ago, we were flying home from a trip to California on NW, I think. Someone took on board, and it WAS allowed, a huge at least 6 foot tall spear! It was on the same flight as a lady with knitting needles who was teaching a flight attendant how to knit. So you can take your huge spear and your knitting needles, but don't take your tweezers or fingernail file! I was asked to put mine in my suitcase on our trip home from Paris on Continental.

About a year ago, I took my Mom to a higher-end sewing/fabric store. In the notions area was a brooch that also doubled as a tread cutter. It had a cutting edge built in so sewers could board a plane with a way to cut thread without scissors and since it's worn a jewelry it would pass inspection. Kind of sneaky, huh?

Yeah, my acquaintance accidentally forgot her Swiss Army knife in her backpack when going thru security in China. It beeped of course and she realized what it was and told the screener who just said "Clear". She was allowed to board with it...

Minette-The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the agency in charge of determining what items may be brought on board the aircraft, as it is the agency charged with responsibility for aviation security matters involving all civil aircraft in this country. The FAA, on the other hand, is responsible for all operational safety matters involving US aircraft.


Knitting needles are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage, therefore, TSA screening personnel will not divest you of these items at PHL, should you have them in your carry-on at the screening checkpoint. Sharp knives of all sort are permitted in checked luggage. Also, 2 disposal lighters per person are permitted as carry-on items. For a complete list of permitted/prohibited items, see TSA's website www.tsa.gov -"Prepare for Summer Take-off"- there is a PDF file there you can download on this subject matter.

In late Sep 2001 I was flying to my high school reunion. Out of the corner of my eye I saw my seat mate pull out what at first looked like two feet long needles. I slowly glanced, no sudden moves, and saw that they were "harmless" knitting needles, but I thought weapon. That was an uncomfortable few seconds. Later I read the joke about confiscating knitting needles for fear that grandma may knit an afghan and chuckled. Think I read that on this board.

Yes, TSA is where you will find the approved list, not FAA as I earlier stated. BettyBoop: I know what you mean about those long needles as I am working with a pair that are almost as long as my arm - hard to work with on a plane, but sure makes the knitting go fast!

We flew BA last year ORD-LHR.
Some woman was knitting in the aisle seat, 2nd row from cockpit (1st class). Must be OK, however ludicrous.
Box cutters were OK on 9/10/01, also.

I'm not sure but maybe you've heard about a lady whose needles were confiscated by BA because she was trying to knit an Afghan on board....

todor, LOL

Thanks for all the info. I am knitting an Afghan, so I think I will leave the knitting needles at home and just crochet some pothlders!
M

Oops! potholders.

Wise choice....just don't bring the pot unless its for medicinal purposes.