A Swiss Army Knife is a handy tool that can be used for various indoor and outdoor activities. But what if you want to fly with your Swiss Army Knife? Can you take it with you on the plane, or do you have to leave it behind?
Here’s what you should keep in mind.
For safety reasons a Swiss army knife is not allowed in hand luggage, you have to leave it at home or put it in your checked bag, only plastic and round bladed butter knives are allowed in carry-on bags.
In this post, I will dive deeper on the TSA rules and guidelines for traveling with Swiss Army knives, and give you some tips on how to pack your knife safely and legally in checked baggage.
Now let’s dive right in.
Can you fly with a Swiss Army knife carry-on?
TSA Rules
On flights within the United States you can’t bring knives of any kind in your carry-on luggage.
This includes Swiss Army Knives, pocket knives, multi-tools with long blades (Leatherman), and even some nail clippers with knives.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the only exceptions are plastic or round-bladed butter knives.
Here is a screenshot from their website.
The reason is clear: knives can be used as weapon to hurt someone or even hijack an airplane.
If the TSA clerks find a Swiss knife in your cary-on bag, you will either have to surrender it at the security checkpoint or transfer it in your checked bag, if you have one.
Steanson was not happy because the TSA confiscated his tiny Swiss Army knife keychain.
Please note that the TSA officer has the final say to decide whether an item is safe to bring on board the airplane or not.
Note
Can you bring Swiss army knife on plane checked baggage?
Swiss Army knives must be packed in your checked bag.
As long as your knife is securely packed in your suitcase or backpack, it should not cause any problems at the airport.
Juts ensure that you wrap your knife in a cloth or paper.
This will prevent it from damaging your other belongings and prevent possible injuries for luggage inspectors and handlers.
Keep in mind that it is not a brilliant idea to place a an expensive Swiss army knife in your checked baggage, checked bags are more prone to be mishandled or even stollen.
Your Swiss army knife might become your Lost army knife, so I advised that you leave your valuable Swiss knife at home.
What Kind of Swiss Army Knife Can You Bring on a Plane?
Not all Swiss Army Knives are manufactured equal; some of them come with more features and functions than others.
There are several multitools that do not have knives, and you can bring them on board an airplane as long as the other tools are less than 7 inches in length.
However, you can’t call it a knife anymore, though.
But if you are a fan of Swiss Army gadgets, you can consider the Victorinox Swiss Army Jetsetter, which includes only scissors, a magnetic Phillips screwdriver, and a bottle opener.
The Vectorinox does not include a knife in this tool to make it travel friendly on any airline.
Topher received this reply from the TSA, stating that multitools less than 7 inches in length that do not contain knives are allowed in carry-on bags.
knives come in different shapes and sizes. so it’s important to make sure that you know and follow the local laws and rules for having knives in the state or country of your destination and save yourself from any trouble.
Importnat
Is Swiss knife allowed in international flight?
In Europe and countries like Australia, China, India, the rules for taking a Swiss knife are almost the same as those in the US.
You cannot bring any type of metal knives in your carry-on bag, regardless of the blade shape or length. All knives must be transported in checked baggage (except for round blade or plastic butter knives).
But, in the UK, you are permitted to bring knives with blunt ends (not sharp and pointed) and blades of 6 cm (2.36 inches) or less in length.
Knife with sharp blades or measure more than 6 cm (2.36 inches), need to be placed in your checked baggage.
However, I would recommend that you carefully review the local rules and guidelines of your destination country.
It is a good idea to contact your airline before packing to get specific information and if you have to declare your knife in your checked luggage.
Final Thoughts
As long as you follow the TSA or your airline rules and regulations, you should be able to bring your Swiss Army Knife on a plane without any hassle.
- Not allowed : All type of knives are not allowed on board an aeroplane within the US, and this includes both sharp and blunt knives.
- Allowed : You can carry a Swiss Army Knife that doesn’t have a knife blade.
- Size limit: Tools and blades should not exceed 7 inches in length.
However, if you want to avoid any inconvenience or complications at the airport, it’s best to leave your knife at home and buy one at your destination.
After all, there are many other things you can use to open a bottle of wine or fix a broken zipper.
I hope this helps
Happy travels!
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Disclaimer: Please note that this not a legal advice. we share only information based on our experiences and research, sometimes the rules can change, so ensure that you do your own research before taking your Swiss Army knife on a plane.
