Pocket Knife | Transportation Security Administration (2024)

FAQs

Pocket Knife | Transportation Security Administration? ›

The TSA allows passengers to transport pocket knives in their checked baggage, but there are certain restrictions that must be followed. There are no restrictions on blade length or locking mechanisms when packing your knife. However, it must be encased in a sheath or protective casing.

In general, you are prohibited from traveling with sharp objects in your carry-on baggage; please pack these items in your checked baggage. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page.

Checked Bags: Yes

Multi-tools (multipurpose tools) with knives of any length are prohibited. Please pack these items in your checked bags. Multi-tools (multipurpose tools) with scissors less than 4 inches may be placed in carry-on bags.

Be careful — not all pocketknives are allowed as carry-ons. A knife is only allowed if: The blade is no longer than 2.36 inches (6 centimeters) in length. The blade width is no more than 0.5 inches at its widest point.

Knives, except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives, are not allowed in carry-on bags.

Checked Bags: Yes

Except knives with rounded-blades, blunt edges without serration/teeth such as butter knives, or plastic cutlery. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

The Leatherman Tread is TSA-approved, which is sort of amazing, when you think about it: while the TSA remains terrified of a bottle of water, it won't blink if you to walk onto a flight with a boxcutter strapped to your wrist.

Declare the knives to the airline when you check your bag.

When you drop your bag off at the check-in counter at the airport, let the attendant know there is a knife inside. They'll relay the information to ensure baggage handlers and inspectors stay safe.

Q. Is the Gerber Dime TSA Approved? A. The base Gerber Dime is not technically approved, given the knife blades, but there is a separate Gerber Dime Travel, with many of the same features, that is approved.

What happens if TSA finds a knife in your carry-on? ›

If caught with carry-on contraband, the unwary usually have four options besides surrendering it: Put it in a checked bag, give it to a relative or friend who's seeing you off, take it back to the car, or ship it home.

Traveling by Rail and Bus

Amtrak, for example, bans knives completely. They are not allowed on your person, in your carry-on, or in stowed luggage. Generally speaking, this policy is not as strictly enforced as the TSA policies, but its lack of enforcement does not mean the laws and regulations don't exist.

Prohibited Items

Knives, scissors and open razors (Recreational dive knives are allowed, but must be held in the custody of the Guest Services Manager or Chief Security Officer and must be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise.

Can airport scanners see pills? Even if the pills are contained in plastic, non metallic or metallic bottles, the answer is yes. The airport scanners have no problems finding the pills that you are travelling with, liquid form or not.

Medication can undergo a visual or X-ray screening and may be tested for traces of explosives. Before the screening begins, inform the TSA officer that you have medically necessary liquids and/or medications.

Before Packing

Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container. 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag) 1 bag per passenger.

TSA regulations and a variety of laws prohibit all knives in carry-on luggage or on your person. Knives are allowed in checked luggage. Be sure to secure the blades of folders and sheathes on fixed blades. If you are carrying expensive knives, consider a padded case or a knife roll.

The bottom line: To play it safe, always fly with your Leatherman in checked baggage.

A knife with a blade 6 cm or less is permitted in carry-on or checked baggage when flying within Canada or to an international (non-U.S.) destination. Knives of any type or length are not permitted in your carry-on on flights to the U.S.

Similar to the TSA regulations, nail clippers are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. Along with disposable razors and tweezers, nail clippers are safe to pack in a personal item bag. If we apply the same way of thinking about the allowed length, your nail clippers should be shorter than 6 cm, or 2.3 inches.