Replies

1. 
   katina | Aug 04, 2006 08:08am | #1

   Hello!

   I've flown a great deal internationally and haven't had a problem with knitting.  A couple of months ago, security in Zurich commented on my bamboo circulars, and told me they don't allow the typical long metal needles they're used to seeing.  Even at the height of the ban, I carried sock needles along with pens and pencils in a clear plastic pouch and knitted during the flight.  A flight attendant noticed and said she'd pass on the idea to her knitting friends.  I still don't carry scissors though (small ones are allowed), preferring to use snips.

   It does seem that some airlines might still not allow any form of knitting needles, so I'd either take needles I don't mind having confiscated, or an envelope, etc to post them to myself.

   Have a good trip.

   Katina

2. 
   NancyT | Aug 05, 2006 02:31pm | #2

   There are some needles which won't be a problem with any airline: think that they are Denise - they are plastic and attached to a circular plastic cord (interchangeable obviously!)  I use them alot for air travel and also for making test swatches for gauge before buying new needles.  Let me know if you are interested and I will find the complete name for you.  Nancy

3. 
   bmattingly38 | Aug 06, 2006 07:03am | #3

   I've taken bamboo needles, but was told that had they been metal they would not have been allowed. I've also seen other people using circular needles on flights.

   Have an enjoyable trip!

4. 
   Catherine2 | Oct 10, 2006 04:07pm | #4

   I have heard that British Airways has been sensible enough to allow knitting needles back onto their aircraft, but they are the only ones that I know of. If you are coming to Australia a word of caution ... no airline in Aust allows knitting needles of any kind on the flight ... or sewing needles ... or thread cutters ... all these will be confiscated by airport security. I learned by bitter experience when my good embroidery scissors went into a bin!! I wasn't even given the chance to post them home or to give them to friends who were not flying.

   We do seem to be a bit "over cautious" here. I have, however, knitted a very nice jumper on a pair of pencils ...

   Good luck, Cathy

1. 
   Langtonian | Nov 16, 2006 11:15pm | #5

   Hello Catherine,

   I've just read your question and you may already have an answer.

   Before flying out of Toronto, in August, on our way via Frankfurt to Helsinki I

   decided to find out directly from Airport Security just what I would be allowed to

   take on board.    Knitting needles are now allowed and a small sewing kit.

   Just a year ago I, too, had a very tiny scissors and tapestry needles confiscated.

   Maddening!