You may already be familiar with the guidelines when traveling with liquids and sharp objects, but there are some everyday items ( like staplers ) that will make you wonder if they are permitted as carry-on or not.
Here is a short answer.
You can bring regular office staplers ( like SwingLine staplers ) on planes, in both carry-on and checked bags without any restrictions, but heavy duty staplers like the ones used in wood crafting, furniture or other activities need to be packed in checked baggage.
In this post, I will answer all your questions about traveling with staplers, the TSA regulations and I will shed some light on what type of staplers are good to put in your carry-on bag.
Let’s dive right in.
Can You Bring a Stapler On a Plane?
The TSA Rules
The TSA ( Transportation Security Administration ) did mention staplers in general on its website, but they don’t provide more details about different types of staplers.
So regular office and electric staplers are good to go through the security checkpoint without any restrictions, but there are some considerations that you need to keep in mind when traveling with other types of staplers.
Like when traveling with those heavy duty staplers or Industrial staple guns.
It’s understandable, because a passenger with a high temper can use a heavy stapler as a tool to strike someone in the head.
The TSA job is to mitigate the risk and prevent that from happening.
I checked the TSA social media to find more info.
Bobby asked the question about taking this white plastic SwingLine stapler in carry-on.
He got the green light from the TSA customer service.
Heavy duty staplers are generally allowed in carry-on bags, but are preferred if transported in checked baggage.
But here is the plot twist.
The TSA always claims that even if an item is generally permitted the final decision rests with the security officer searching bags at the airport.
If the security officer sees an item as a potentially dangerous or prohibited item he may ask you to transfer it to your checked bag or leave it behind at the airport.
Can You Bring Staplers In Checked Baggage?
There are some types of staplers that you can not even take through the security checkpoint.
like this Industrial staple guns that are only permitted in checked baggage.
The TSA and most air travel authorities do recommend taking bulky and heavy staplers in checked bags.
So you are 100 percent good to bring any type of stapler you have in checked bags without any restrictions.
Just ensure that you properly protect your stapler or staple gun, to avoid any possible damage or break during transport.
It is important to note that even pins or staples can hurt someone handling or searching your bags if not covered neatly.
These rules also apply to international flights.
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 Staplers On Planes.
You should not have any issues taking standard and mini office staplers in both carry-on or checked bags, as they are considered safe and don’t have any safety concerns.
But, it is better to pack heavy-duty staplers such as wood staplers, fencing stapler guns, or nail guns in your checked bags.
Make sure to properly protect and cover your staplers, especially when transported in checked baggage.
People also ask:
- Can You Bring Pens And Pencils On A Plane?
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- Can You Bring Scissors On a Plane?
