Can You Bring Scissors On a Plane? 2024

Scissors will help you tackle a variety of tasks, but you can’t just put any type of scissors on your carry-on bag because they can be used as a weapon to harm someone.

According to the TSA, scissors are allowed in carry-on luggage if the blades are small and less than 4 inches from the pivot point, any scissors with larger blades must be transported in checked baggage.

In this post we will answer all your questions about traveling with scissors in both carry-on and checked baggage, in addition to some savvy ways to pack your scissors for your next trip.

Let’s dive right in

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Office Scissors / Courtesy of Amazon

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Can You Take Scissors Through The TSA Checkpoint?

The TSA, Transportation Security Administration stated that scissors are permitted through the security checkpoint if the blades are less than 4 inches / 10 cm in length from the center point to tip.

Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.

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If your scissors have large blades and you still want to take them on board most of the time the security officer won’t let you do that they will ask you to transfer it in your checked bag.

If you don’t travel with a checked bag you will be required to give it to check in with your partner or give it to a family member to bring it home; otherwise you will need to abandon it at the airport.

@Beebes asked the TSA if she can take her kitchen scissors in carry-on baggage which is 4 inches from the pivot point.

They confirmed to her that these kitchen scissors are good to go in carry-on baggage.

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Check out these versatile travel scissors super sharp scissors that work well for almost every task, they are also easy to pack which makes them ideal for travel.

Tip

Scissors In Carry on

When traveling with small scissors, like beauty scissors or kids scissors there is no worries about the TSA or any other airport security to stop you, small scissors are not considered dangerous or sharp objects.

If you are traveling with large scissors most airport security will not allow them on board the airplane.

You may wonder why there are such restrictions about a simple item that people use everyday, but here is why.

Not just scissors but rather all sharp items that have long blades like knives that can be used as a weapon, either for self defense or just to harm other people, so the TSA do not allow them to avoid any chance for those bad guys to use them on planes. 

Can You Carry Scissors In Checked Baggage?

Yes you can carry scissors in checked baggage, there are no restrictions on most airlines, just make sure that you cover and protect your scissors neatly and perfectly to avoid any possible injury to luggage inspectors and luggage handlers.

This passenger wanted to know if he could bring scissors and shipping tape dispensers inside his checked bag.

The TSA customer service replied that scissors are good to go in checked baggage without any issues.

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Can I Bring Hair Cutting Or Cuticle Scissors on plane?

golden scissors
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Hair cutting scissors, cuticle and nail-trimming scissors are all accepted in both carry on and checked baggage; (with the same above rules) if the blade’s length exceeds 4 inches or 10 cm (from the pivot point to the head ) you can take them only in checked baggage.

This rule applies for pretty much every kind of scissors, so just measure your scissors before you head to the airport.

Scissorscarry-on baggageChecked baggage
Hair scissorsYes if less than 4 inches 10 cm Allowed
Cuticle ScissorsYes if less than 4 inches 10 cm Allowed
manicure scissorsYes if less than 4 inches 10 cm Allowed
Nail scissorsYes if less than 4 inches 10 cm Allowed
Kitchen ShearsYes if less than 4 inches 10 cm Allowed
Small gardening  ScissorsYes if less than 4 inches 10 cm Allowed
Small garden PrunersYes if less than 4 inches 10 cmAllowed

Where To Pack Your Scissors When Flying?

It is important to make sure that your scissors are packed efficiently when transporting them in either carry-on or checked baggage.

You can use scissors sheaths or you can use a holder. 

This is especially important when traveling with multiple scissors and other accessories.

I like to have a holder just like the make up bag. I simply place all the accessories inside it and puts it inside the suitcase, the holder will carry all the tools; in addition the luggage handlers or TSA officer won’t get injured or harmed during the inspection.

If you don’t want to take regular scissors, portable electric scissors are also a perfect option, they have small blades and they are easy to carry inside your carry on bag.

Travel Friendly Scissors

Scissors need to be inexpensive, last longer, comfortable to use and small to be carried everywhere.

Here are some of our top picked travel scissors to consider if you are planning to invest in a new one. They have higher positive reviews, are inexpensive and the most important thing is you can bring them on carry-on baggage without any problem.

ItemView the Item on AmazonBlade length
Fiskars 01-005434 Travel Folding Scissors1.5 inches
Westcott 8″ Soft Grip Titanium Bonded Scissors3.5 inches
2Pcs Folding Scissors,Safe Portable Travel Scissors1.13inches
LEATHERMAN, Raptor Rescue Emergency Shears 2 inches
SINGER 00557 4-1/2-Inch ProSeries Detail Scissors with Nano Tip2 inches

Final Thoughts

Now as you know that all kinds of scissors are good to go in both carry-on and checked baggage if blades are less than 4 inches 10 cm go ahead and get ready for your trip.

If you are planning to place your scissors inside your checked bag make sure to cover them carefully inside a holder or just with a piece of cloth, to prevent any possible injury for the TSA officers or baggage handlers.

Happy travels

We hope this helps

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