Needlearts and airport security post9/11
Barbaran8 | Posted in General Discussion on
I have not travelled by plane since the terrorist atttacks. Now I need to go to a conference in another state. I usually take my knitting or some other needlework on my lap to keep occupied on long flights. (and long meetings on statistical quality control, a completely fascinating topic for all, I’m sure…) I realize that my dressmaker shears and long metal knitting needles are probably not going to make it through security now… But what about a bamboo circular needle and thread snippers? What has been the experience of other fiberholics in flying recently?
Replies
Barb, I've heard varying experiences, from zero tolerance, to circular needles being permitted on flights. I suspect, but don't know for sure, that thread nippers would be considered a no-no. Perhaps you could call your carrier and see what their policy is, if they have one stated. I wouldn't want to arrive at the gate and have them take away my needles and/or project! Depending on what you're knitting with, sometimes a dental-floss container with the little cutting thing on top can be used to cut yarn.
I hope they let you fly with your knitting. It's one of the few relaxing things you can actually do while trapped in a plane seat!
Carol
This came up at a party recently. (I party with a wild crowd, I guess.) You are more likely to be allowed plastic needles than metal ones, but the security staff work for the airports, not for the individual airlines. Soon they'll work for the federal government. It is a problem, because there are no standards. Personally, I'd prefer to have my knitting needles with me on a plane. And a few hatpins.
I hit a busy yarn store this weekend, and polled the patrons there... One of the gals had gotten through with bamboo circular needles, no problem, another had had them taken away - she was prepared and carrying a self-addressed, stamped envelope, and sent them back to herself... Sigh, I think I'll pack the knitting and take a magazine to read... Perhaps this one?
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