Since the rule change that again allows scissors, I have taken my sewing kit with me with a needle turn applique project. THis includes little pins, needles, and my small scissors that I can use to cut thread or curves on the applique piece. I have flown alot around the country. I haven't flown out of the country since they relaxed the scissors rule.

When in doubt check the web site for rules.

Lorna

Florence, my 88 year old Mom told me that same joke, LOL. She is working on making Afghans for all 8 of her great-grandchildren.

Pat in Rockport, TX

When I fly, I go to the TSA website: http://www.tsa.gov and print out a list of what is acceptable. Sissors under 4 inches are now allowed and with the printout, if you get a screener that doesn't know, you have something to argue your case. I've never had a problem bringing my sewing stuff with me on a plane. Libby, since you are flying to the US, you might check with your airline, I don't know where to look for flying out of Switzerland.

When I traveled from Illinois to Mississippi in March, I took fingernail clippers to cut my thread. I had hand applique work with me.

However, after sitting on the runway for *3 hours* I was so done it was hard to sew. I also had a book.

All the screeners was adamant about the 4 oz of liquid so I sure would be careful about that. Your airlines website would be the best for packing info.

Joyce

I guess a lot of it depends on the country/airport. LY when we went to Italy, going out of the US was definitely more intense, leaving Rome seemed like a breeze. But I know those Clover cutters are good, and even in the "bad old days" when scissors totally weren't allowed, I managed a pair of "folding" scissors on.

And do you know why they wouldn't let knitting needles on? Because someone could knit an AFGHAN....
(Sorry, not politically correct, but couldn't resist. My mother, a prolific knitter, told me that one....)
Florence

Libbi

In the past the restrictions have been different for Europe to USA than USA to Europe. US restrictions always sem to be more relaxed than in Europe. Switzerland isn't in EU so that may make things abit different for you too. In the past I have had scissors confiscated (That time I didn't even know I had them on me) I have a Clover thread cutter which is an enclosed blade that I can put on a cord and wear round my neck like a necklace One small sewing needle doesn't show up on xrays. I have only taken crossstitch in the past when travelling, which I will do while waiting in terminals. However my eyesight is slowly deteriorating and I dont find that the lighting on board an aircraft is good enough to work by. I hope that you manage to take on what you need and get some needlework done. Good luck.
Nowadays I find my mp3 player a godsend on longhaul flights.

Ann's got it right, that's the way it was on our recent trip to CA (NOT 24 hours, thank goodness!!) The scissor issue is supposedly resolved, small pairs allowed, but I still wouldn't take my really good ones, in case you get the screener from H*** b/c TSA can still take just about anything from you if they want. I happily stitched the whole way there & back!
Florence

Usually you can go to the website of your airline and find out what the security level is at the moment (here in the US it changes from time to time) and what items are allowed. I don't fly often but in 07 was able to take a scissors (under four inches long) and needles on the plane. Knitting needles and crochet hooks are allowed (go figure some knitting needles could cause serious harm!!!!!!!!) Actually when I went to Houston in 07, they really never looked at my handiwork bag other than running it through the Xray machine. I have also forgotten occasionally to put all of the liquids in the quart size plastic bag and have not been busted yet. Course maybe being old, not exactly physically fit and trim and in a wheelchair with a cane -wheelchair only in the airport just can't manage the distances any more- makes me look like less of a security threat than some. LOL Ann

Since all the fuss about what one can take in their hand luggage, I haven't attempted to do any hand sewing on my trips. Since the flights from Switzerland to California average 24 hours door to door, I could get something done.

What has anyone else found out about permitted items on board?