I just returned 2 days ago from a trip to Kuwait. I left Jan 6th and flew Vancouver, Chicago, Washington, Kuwait. Leaving Canada and flying into the USA, there was no carry on allowed. Except for laptops, not in the case. Medicine or medical machines. Canes, crutches or walkers. That was all. I was 24 hours in transit and would have loved to have some hand sewing to do but I didn't bother. I know they have to check everything and I hope it always works to keep myself and others safe. I was allowed my purse so I had my wallet, a paperback book and my ipod. I made it fine.
Although, I sure would have loved to have carryon with a change of clothes and toothbrush etc, when I arrived in Kuwait and my suitcase was 3 days behind me.

Cher in BC

I hear a lot about this topic from friends and family who fly frequently. They all tell different stories, and there seems to be no rhyme or reason to it all. It seems to depend on the actual airline, the airport authorities, where the plane flies to, what nationality the flyer is, or any combination of these. A very level-headed friend who seems to spend more time in the air than on the ground said: 'Check with the airline, follow their instructions, carry as little as possible with you, avoid items made of metal, and arrive at the airport early.' Her most important carry-on item: A paperback novel.

Happy and safe flying everyone!

Lorchen

We are planning a trip to Europe this year. I have traditionally been able to carry on my applique needlework complete with Fiskars round-tip kindergarten scissors.

I am wondering, tho, if the rules have changed about scissors as a result of the Detroit bomber at Christmas.

Anyone have RECENT experience flying with scissors, needles, etc.?

BethMI

Miles, Miles, Miles......I mean I fly lots of miles all the time. (In China I had my Purel confiscated - FRAMMABLE!) No need to get nasty, dear. I'm expressing my experiences, and I don't for a minute think my safety is insured by frisking Grandma in her wheelchair. And I don't think they're about to check everyone's underwear. Back to quilting please!!!!

PDQuilt wrote:
Well, I for one am deeply thankful for the efforts put forth by the TSA and government agencies that continue to assure OUR safety while travelling. I can assure you it is neither a "show" (what a stupid thing to say) nor an attempt to make your trip "insane". There's a simple solution to your rant: Don't fly.

Can you actually do good work on a plane? I can barely get decent stitches when I am at home with my ott light and all my other paraphernalia.

I have taken my sewing kit with me on probably a dozen flights since there has actually BEEN security at the airports and other than them backing up my carryon to take a second look now and then, have had no problem. It may help that my second carryon is usually a quilted one though.

I too cannot sew on an airplane. Why risk getting your stuff gone through and possibly confiscated? IMHO, NONE of the scanner people know WHAT they are doing, and at best, it is a "show" to make people believe they are being protected. Flying has become an insane ordeal. They wanted to "test" my Mom's glucose!! Frequent fliers know to "lay low" and NOT give them any cause to check your stuff more closely. Keep your sharp stuff in your checked bag. and use the time to sketch a new design....and for heaven's sake, don't wear an underwire bra!!!

The current TSA website and the airline websites say that sharp scissors under 4" is allowed, but make no mention at all about sewing needles. I want to take some redwork or my yo-yo maker to keep me occupied during a lengthy flight. However, after reading this thread, I'm even more confused. I wish there was a definitive answer, but apparently the rules vary by airline, security agent and the day of the week.

I'm very boring and non-productive when it comes to plane journeys: I just shut my eyes and go to sleep. Should you ever sit next to me DO NOT wake me up. I'm most likely dreaming about future quilting projects.

I have had all my quilting and cross stitch needles consfiscated in the past, flying between US and UK. When I flew back from Florida in March this year, I was held up for a long time- guess what the suspicious item was - Aunt Beckys finger protector. Lots of head scratching about what it was. I have had so much trouble with needles, liquids and scissors that I dont bother anymore - it all goes in the suitcase.

Pippa

We usually fly American Airlines out of Zurich into NY or Dallas and then on to San Francisco. Heathrow in London and CDG in Paris can be very strict. When it gets closer to the time of the trip, I will check the current rules of the airports we will go through. Many times we have to go through security a second time in the connecting USA airport (I hate that). But if I decide to take handwork with me, I will probably bring items I can afford to lose. Thanks for sharing your experiences with me.

Libbi, I'm not at work tonite or I'd look up the rules for United. One thing I do know off hand though is that Great Britain is still quite stringent and haven't eased up on their rules for carry on. They also will only let 1 carry on and will not let you get thru security without checking any you might have with you because another carrier/country is more lax. Things to know if you are going thru Great Britain.

I have flown many times since 9-11 and never had a problem with scissors because I take kindergarten scissors (Fiskars, I think) with round tips.

I find that they cut thread and fabric perfectly well and have been so pleased with them that I now use them at my sewing machine, too.

You never have to worry about accidentally poking a hole in your block while piecing or your quilt top while quilting.

I do recall one business trip, however, when the screener saw the scissors in my bag and asked me to remove them. My co-workers on the same trip looked at me incredulously and said, "You brought SCISSORS on board? Why???" I calmly explained that sewing turned the time on board into "my time" and let me look forward to the trip. (They still thought I was nuts.)

BethMI