It is critical to know the regulations for traveling with sewing machines, as airlines airline rules may differ and what to expect at the airport security checkpoint with the TSA clerks.
Generally, you can bring a sewing machine on a plane in both carry-on and checked baggage, but ensure that your machine is within your airline luggage size limits for carry-on or checked baggage, and that your remove any sharp tools like needles before packing your machine as carry-on.
To help a bit with the smoothness of your flight we have compiled this detailed post on the regulations for traveling with sewing machines, Afterward will give you some of the best tips on how to pack your sewing machines for your next flight.
Let’s dig right in.
Can You Take a Sewing Machine On a Plane ?
Take Sewing machine through TSA security checkpoint
According to TSA Sewing machines are allowed through the security checkpoint without any restrictions.
The TSA stated on its website that before you head to the airport with your sewing machine you will need to to make sure that your item is compliant with the Airline luggage regulations.
Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.
Please note that the TSA guys has the final say whether an item will be allowed on board the airplane or not.
I also search the TSA social media to find more answers.
Laura asked the TSA team on X if her sewing machine is allowed in the airplane, However she didn’t specify if she wanted to take it on board or in checked baggage ,the size or if the machine has sharp objects.
the TSA confirmed to her that a sewing machines are allowed without restrictions in the security checkpoint, meaning in carry on or checked baggage.
But she will need to follow the size an weight limits of her airline.
Take a sewing machine in carry-on baggage
You can bring your sewing machine on most airlines if it is within the airline carry on size and weight limits.
Also it is important to remove the needle and any other sharp tools if you’re going to bring it as carry-on luggage.
You can either send them in your checked bag, if you have one, or you can just pack them separately and labels them to avoid any delays at the security checkpoint.
remember that some types of sewing machines may have large sizes, and they may be a bit large for carry-on baggage on some airlines.
Don’t check in your sewing machine if it is small and fits as carry-on.
TIP
As usual I want to know what answers passengers get from the TSA or airlines about traveling with sewing machines.
Phoebe wanted to bring her lovely sewing machine on board the airplane, and the TSA confirmed that machines are good to go in carry on baggage.
Here is an example:
American airlines carry on size is 22 Height x 14 length x 9 width ( 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters ).
If your sewing machine has the same size or under the mentioned size, you are good to go otherwise if your sewing machine case exceeds the size you will be required to check in your machine.
If you are traveling with the sewing machine in the image above (Brother CS7000X ) it has this size 16.26 x 6.65 x 12.21 inches, you are just fine because the machines are small and under the AA carry-on dimensions.
Can I take a sewing machine in checked baggage?
In the last few years when the security measures weren’t as strict as they are now, you can take your items in carry-on baggage even if they are slightly over the measurement.
but nowadays most passengers traveling with large sewing machines prefer transporting them in checked baggage to avoid any inconvenience and airline regulations.
However, It doesn’t matter to the airline if you are checking your sewing machine if it is inside your bag, but if your sewing machine is large and exceeds the airline checked baggage size and weight the airline may apply oversize or overweight luggage fees.
How do you pack a sewing machine for a flight?
Before traveling with your Sewing machine, it is critical to prepare it for your flight.
Packing your items properly will enhance and make your flight more easy and comfortable.
Here is some tips on how do you pack a sewing machine for a flight:
- If you have many machines it is preferable to take the lightest one: A portable machine which is lightweight, user-friendly that with its accessories is great when traveling
- If you still own your machine original box that will be more secured, if not you can use a box that will fit your machine
- if you are planning to take your machine in the cabin you may be required to take out your machine in the security checkpoint, so make it easy to access.
- Surround your machine presser foot on a small box, or wrap it in a soft fabric.
- Finding a good hard case will protect your sewing machine, in addition you won’t need to place your sewing accessories in different places.
Best portable sewing machine for travel
Portable sewing machines are a good idea when traveling is a smart choice.
a small and lightweight machine will slide into your backpack or carry bag easily, also ready to use anywhere, it can be powered with battery or the power cord.
I looked for some of the best portable sewing machines in the market , and found that Brother machines are at the top of users’ preferences.
many users recommend this Brother CS5055 because its small size and lower price and Best described as perfect, strong and basic, However there is nothing wrong with the machine, but i prefer this Brother CS7000X because it is much bigger, robust easy to use, and can be transported in almost all airlines cabin baggage as many buyers described, it is a game changer.
Also here is another choice that is good for sewing on the go. Janome 001BUBBLE Sewing Machine it is more less expensive than Brother CS7000X and it is just perfect with a total weight of 7 pounds, this machine can be placed in your carry on bag without even noticing the weight of it.
The only thing that the machine didn’t have is the fancy features, it is limited if it comes to some options you can check more about it here.
Conclusion: Can you take a sewing machine on a plane?
You can bring your sewing machine on most airlines in both carry-on and checked baggage as long as it is within the airline size and weight.
I don’t see any reason to ban sewing machines on planes, however to avoid any inconvenience at the airport make sure to place any sharp items you take along with your machine in your check bag.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
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