XXX - what airline was she/he on that had the knitting needles taken away? What kind of needles (metal or wood). I'm looking at a ten-hour flight to Hawaii and want to bring my project along....have heard many conflicting reports.

Martha, knitting needles have been taken away on several airlines. Your best bet is to call yours directly and ask. In fact, I'd call 2 or 3 times and average out the answers.

Its not the airlines that have the last say about knitting needles, its the security officials that make the decision. Better be safe than sorry, and pack them away.

My sister-in-law tried to board a US Air flight in Philadelphia wearing a decorative sweater clasp. It was a large brooch in the shape of a safety pin. A security person stole it . . . umm, of course I mean she confiscated it for the other passengers' safety.

The point of this story is that you should put some thought into making sure you don't have anything remotely pointy with you, unless you're willing to risk losing it.

Carol: I'm really surprised that the brooch was simply confiscated. I've heard that in cases where small items, such as small scissors, have been found the passenger had to option to have the item mailed back to themselves.

Martha: I'd get bamboo needles for your trip and be prepared to slide your project onto something else (yarn or something) if they confiscate the needles.

I'm not questioning the veracity of the story but I am surprised. I was advised that even ordinary tweezers would not be allowed through, much less knitting needles. I've been through security at Newark three times in the past 8 weeks and it has been more stringent every time. Week before last when I was flying American they required every person to remove coats and shoes and all computers had to be turned on. My friend flew from Newark same day on Unnited and described their security as somewhat relaxed compared to American's. Perhaps different airlines handle things differently? (at Newark there are concourses that are exclusive to a single airline).