Can I take crochet hooks on a plane?

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my experiences of taking my crochet on holiday with me. I really wanted to take my crochet with me on the three hour flight but when I checked in the advice was vague and I was told the decision was up to the security.

Fearing the nightmare scenario of losing my hooks for the rest of the holiday, I decided not to risk it and stowed my hooked and scissors in the hold.

On returning, I kept wondering if I would have been allowed to take my crochet hooks on the airplane, so I decided to do a little investigation and here are my results.

I first contacted my local airport, Newcastle International Airport in the UK. Their advice was that I would be permitted to take a metal crochet hook in my hand luggage and that I could even take scissors provided their blade is under 6cm long (2.3 inches). As you can imagine, this news made me very happy.

Now that was all well and good for my outbound flight, but what about my return flight? Well I currently have no holidays booked but since my little sis lives in the USA it is a likely upcoming destination for me again. (Not to mention all the wonderful craft stores on that side of the pond that are worthy of a holiday by themselves).

I decided I would ask the TSA (Transportation Security Administration). Their reponse was that knitting, crochet and needlepoint items, such as needles, hooks and scissors with blades smaller than 4 inches (10 cm) from the pivot point are permitted in carry-on luggage.

Another big hurray from me! However, you might have noticed the blade sizes for scissors differ, so if you are intending taking some scissors into the cabin, it might be a good idea to check before hand what size is allowed.

The great news is that you can crochet on an airplane! So all that is left to do is pack your bags and fly off to your vacation.

Happy flying and happy crocheting!

Date: June 2019