When traveling, there are many reasons to pack a pocket knife. You can use it to open packages, prepare food, or handle emergencies, but can you bring a pocket knife on a plane? And what are the TSA rules on pocket knives?
The TSA and most airlines do not allow pocket knives on board airplanes and in carry-on baggage, as they are considered dangerous items. However, you can bring a small pocket knife in your checked baggage, just ensure it is sheathed, protected and wrapped neatly.
In this post, you will learn everything about traveling with pocket knives in both carry-on and checked baggage, in addition to some international policies.
Let’s find out.
TL;DR
- Pocket knives are not allowed in carry-on bags under TSA rules.
- You can pack pocket knives in checked luggage if they’re safely wrapped or sheathed.
- No knife size is permitted in carry-on, even small or folding blades.
- Plastic or round-bladed butter knives are allowed in carry-on bags.
- Pen knives and multi-tools must go in checked baggage.
- Wrap or case your knife securely to protect baggage handlers and prevent damage.
- Check international and local regulations before flying abroad, as knife laws vary by country.
Take a Pocket Knife Through the TSA Security Checkpoint
According to the TSA, pocket knives or any type of sharp objects that resemble weapons are not allowed in carry-on baggage.
So, it is not a sharp idea to bring a knife through the security checkpoint, because TSA will likely take it away (confiscate it).
However, you can have a knife in your checked bag, it should be protected and wrapped securely to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
As always, the TSA states that the final decision rests with the TSA officer to determine whether an item is allowed in either carry-on or checked baggage.
What Size Knife Can You Carry on a Plane?
Can You Bring a Small Pocket Knife in Carry-on Baggage?
Small pocket knives are not allowed in carry-on baggage. All kinds of knives are banned inside your bag or in your pocket, even if they are kitchen knives or have small blades.
If you want to bring a knife as a gift or a souvenir, you can pack and protect it well inside your checked bag, or ship it to your destination.
Just don’t risk taking a knife in carry-on baggage, it may cause inconvenience for you at the security checkpoint.
The TSA once proposed to permit small knives in carry-on baggage (knives with blades shorter than 2.36 in / 6 cm and narrower than 0.5 in) into plane cabins, but the TSA canceled the rule due to large disagreement and resistance from flight attendants and the public.
What Size Knife Is Legal to Carry on a Plane?
There is no permitted size of knife in carry-on baggage, all knives, regardless of their size, must be placed in checked baggage.
Unless you want to take a small plastic knife for your children or other purposes, most airlines allow small plastic knives in carry-on bags and onboard the airplane.
Can You Bring a Knife on a Plane in Checked Baggage?
Pocket knives, folding knives, and other kinds of knives are permitted in checked baggage.
Sharp objects in general must be protected and packed properly so the knife won’t cause injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
If you are traveling with any other kind of knife, you should always check the state or the country you are traveling to, as knife regulations differ.
Important: The bigger and more dangerous your knife is, the more precautions you should take at your destination. Make sure that you do not possess a knife without a valid reason.
Read also : Do You Have To Declare Knives In Checked Luggage?
How to Pack a Pocket Knife in a Checked Bag
It’s important to be careful when you put any sharp object in your checked bag, for your safety and your items, and for the safety of luggage handlers or airport security when inspecting your baggage if required.
If you have an expensive knife, it’s preferable not to send it in checked baggage. Airline baggage handlers may mishandle your knife, and there are stories of passengers whose expensive items went missing from their checked luggage.
Most airlines will not take responsibility for losing expensive items.
Otherwise, if you want to place a cheap $10 pocket knife in your checked baggage, here are some of the best ways to pack it safely inside your bag:
You can either wrap your knife in a solid piece of paper or cardboard and cover it with tape until it’s completely secure and safe to handle.
Alternatively, you can use a knife travel case that fits your knife, so you don’t need to wrap it or add tape.
I personally use the Asaya Chef Knife Roll Bag, which makes my life easy not just when I’m traveling with sharp items but also in my everyday life.
It holds all my necessary items, including my knife, scissors, and even a small wire cutter that I use when camping.
Can You Take a Knife in Checked Baggage on International Flights?
Can You Take a Knife on a Plane to the USA?
Knives are allowed in checked baggage on most international airlines, but carrying knives in each country differs, and local police jurisdictions apply different restrictions on carrying such weapons.
Within the U.S., for example, switchblade knives and other spring-loaded knives are prohibited and not allowed for possession. They may be subject to seizure if you bring them into the United States.
Can You Take a Knife on a Plane in the UK?
You can take a knife on a plane in the UK, but you should always consider UK Government law on possessing knives. It’s illegal to possess a banned knife or weapon without a valid reason.
Are Pen Knives Allowed on Planes?
Just like normal knives, pen knives are considered sharp objects, so you can’t take them in carry-on baggage or through the security checkpoint.
You can take pen knives only in checked baggage, ensure that they are well protected to avoid damage or breakage during transportation.
Final Thoughts
All kinds of knives are not allowed in carry-on baggage, however; there are no restrictions on traveling with pocket or normal knives in checked baggage.
Passengers traveling with other types of knives, such as swords for training, work, or galleries, should always consider local laws and provide a valid reason for carrying such items to their destination.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
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