Can You Take Nail Clippers On a Plane 2024? (TSA Rules )

So can you take nail clippers on a plane?

Well! here is a short answer.

Small nail clippers, cuticle clippers and nail scissors, are accepted in the cabin and in checked baggage without any issues.

But, any other nail care tools with blades over 4 inches in length need to be transported in checked baggage.

I also looked into what some passengers think about this rule and checked what other airlines say about traveling with nail clippers, nail scissors and large toenail clippers.

Let’s find out more.

Are Nail Clippers Allowed Through TSA

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) affirmed on its website that nail clippers are good to go through the security checkpoint without any restrictions.

Here is what the TSA have to say on their website.

I also did check the TSA social media to find more answers.

This passenger wonders if she can take her grooming tools (Two nail clippers and a nail file) on board the airplane.

The TSA social media team confirmed that nail clippers and nail files, are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags.

You can also take automatic electric nail clippers and files, without any restrictions, but keep in mind that even though the TSA didn’t mention anything about additional screening, the TSA clerks may perform additional inspection for any tools you have.

Are Nail Scissors And Nail Clippers Allowed In Carry-on?

You are free to bring small nail scissors on board the airplane.

But you can’t bring nail scissors with blades longer than 4 inches (from the pivot point) on board the airplane.

If your nail scissors are small (like the one in the image), you are fine to toss them inside your personal item and Voila.

If you own large nail scissors, it’s always better to play it safe and follow the TSA rules. You don’t want to end up having your nail scissors confiscated. So, make sure to pack them in checked baggage.

Ann Asked the TSA customer service on X ( formerly Twitter) if she can bring her nail scissors in carry-on, and the answer is pretty straightforward, nail clippers / scissors with blades less than 4 inches are allowed in carry-on baggage.

Are Nail Clippers Allowed On Checked luggage?

If you want to bring your nail clipper in checked luggage, it is totally fine and sometimes the best way to travel with such items is inside your checked suitcase.

This passenger asked the TSA if a tweezer and a small finger nail clipper are okay to being in checked luggage.

The TSA customer service gave her the green light to bring both of her items without any problem.

Nail clippers are more safe compared with other sharp tools.

When you place your nail clippers or scissors in a checked bag ensure that is protected and sheeted properly, to avoid any injure or harms for luggage inspectors and handlers.

Airlines Rules

If you’re flying within or from the United States, the TSA rules always apply.

So, it doesn’t matter if you’re flying with United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, or Delta; the same rules are still in effect.

When traveling internationally it will mostly depend on your airline, but as a general rule sharp objects with long blades will never be accepted in the cabin.

Tip: Check out this Travelpro Platinum Elite 21” Carry-On Spinner, a sleek and versatile carry-on that is designed to fit within the limits of most airlines, to save you from the hassle of the airports and the pesky airline fees.

Final Thoughts On Taking Fingernail Clippers On a Plane.

Small nail clippers are generally good to go in both carry-on and checked baggage.

But taking other types of nail clippers and sharp tools in general on a plane will depend on the length and the size of the blade.

Nail clippers and scissors are not banned from planes, it just the TSA and most airlines do allow these tools in the cabin if their blade is less than 4 inches .

For peace of mind we recommend to take only what you need and leave unnecessary tools at home.

The rules are there to protect you and other passers and avoid any inconvenience at the airport.

If you are a licensed nail technician and you want to bring your clipper kit, it is better to pack them in your checked bag.

If you still have questions about taking such items on your carry-on or checked baggage you can search on the website, or just head to the TSA website and navigate what you can and can’t bring section.

Happy travels

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Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.