Air travel can be a stressful experience – especially when it comes to knowing what you can pack in your bags. One question people frequently ask is whether or not they can bring scissors on a plane. However, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you may think. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about bringing scissors on a plane.
Table of Contents
Can You Bring Scissors in Your Carry-On?
The short answer is yes, you can bring scissors in your carry-on luggage. However, there are some rules and regulations you need to follow to ensure that your scissors are allowed through security.
Firstly, the blades on your scissors must be shorter than four inches. More specifically this length is measured from the pivot point, which is where the blades attach to each other, to the end of the blades. If your scissors do not meet this requirement, they will not be allowed through security.
It is also worth pointing out that when the TSA talks about scissors they point out that the TSA officer is the final word on whether something is allowed through the security checkpoint. This means that if your scissors are very unique and, instead of looking like ordinary scissors, look more like something that could pose a threat to the passengers on the plane or the aircraft itself, the TSA officers may not allow your scissors to pass through security even if they meet the length requirement. The image below shows the TSA’s guidance on scissors.
Can You Bring Scissors in Your Checked Bag?
Yes, you can bring scissors in your checked bag with no restrictions on blade length or sharpness. So if the scissors you want to bring with you are longer than four inches you want to be sure that you place them in your checked baggage and not in your carry-on.
However, it is still important to exercise caution when packing scissors in your checked luggage. It is recommended that you pack them in a sheath or secure them with a protective covering to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors who may need to handle or inspect the contents of your bags.
Can You Bring Scissors on International Flights?
When it comes to bringing scissors on international plane flights you should be fine sticking to the TSA regulations mentioned above. However, if you have a pair of scissors that have really long blades or are unusual in some other way and you don’t want to risk having to surrender them as you pass through security, you may want to reach out to your airline beforehand, as each airline may have their own more restrictive rules regarding the items allowed on their flights. You may also want to research the customs regulations at your destination to ensure that your scissors or any other items are allowed into the country.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to scissors on a plane, knowledge is key especially as it relates to the size of your scissors. If you measure your scissors so you know the length of the blade from the pivot point to the end of the blades you will be able to figure out if you can bring your scissors in your carry-on or if you need to put them in your checked baggage.
Remember that because the final decision on whether an item can be allowed through security or not lies with the TSA officer, if a pair of scissors appears unusual or potentially hazardous, the officer may choose to not allow it to pass through security even if it meets the length requirement. So if you have any questions about whether your scissors are going to be allowed on a plane and don’t want to risk losing them get in touch with your airline, the TSA, or customs in the country you are traveling to beforehand.
Planning ahead and knowing this information will help ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
