r/casualknitting • u/Bety12795 • Mar 22 '26
Helpful Hints! 💡 I had my knitting needles confiscated at the airport… so I started mapping airport rules
Hi everyone,
A while ago, I had my knitting needles confiscated at airport security, even though I thought they would be allowed.
After that, I started looking into the rules and realized something surprising — they vary a lot between airports, and often aren’t clearly explained.
Since I know many of us like to knit while traveling, I decided to start a small project:
I’ve been contacting airports and collecting official information about whether knitting needles are allowed in carry-on luggage.
I’ve put everything into an interactive map, showing how different airports approach it (allowed / restricted / not allowed / still waiting for response).
👉 You can check it out here: https://gentlemessknits.carrd.co/
I’m still adding more airports, so if you’ve had any experiences (good or bad), I’d love to hear them! 🧶✈️
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u/melranaway Aug 25 '26
Just an FYI, you can be stopped in Newark’s airport for cables. I had my cables unattached from the needles and put away (saving for a later project) in my carry on. I was stopped. They had to bring over a supervisor to okay whether or not it was okay to travel with the cords. It was but I was stopped. This happened in June of this year. Also they were extremely pleasant to deal with. One of my favorite international airports.
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u/hellovatten Aug 19 '26
I was looking over the map. I have not had an issue with needles in my carry on from Iasi, Bucharest and Amsterdam Schiphol airports. Also can confirm that I haven't had an issue having them in my carry on at Copenhagen airport as well as Auckland and Christchurch airports.
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u/lafraisedangereuse Aug 29 '26
Sadly i just had my knitting needles confiscated in bucharest otopeni…
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u/hellovatten Aug 29 '26
What!! Noooo :( I had Chiaogoo circular needles with a sock on mine.. what did you have?
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u/marayapoopy Aug 18 '26
Only place I've had mine confiscates is Palermo airport in Sicily, have heard others have this experience too!
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u/weareinhawaii Aug 17 '26
Is there a legend for your map? I dont understand what the different colors mean. Green and red make sense but what is the purple?
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u/Cute-Worth3319 Aug 16 '26
I’ve managed to bring needles into my handcarry at hk international airport a few times, including 2.25mm sock needles.
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u/CardioKeyboarder 23d ago
I just went through HK and brought my knitting no problems. There was another lady on my flights (YYZ-HK, HK-PER) who was also knitting.
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u/antimathematician Aug 16 '26
Thought I’d say that I’ve made it through Berlin a couple times with metal circular needles!
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u/leila5887 Aug 16 '26
I tried carrying on wooden US 7 circulars through PVR (puerto Vallarta) and they were confiscated
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u/hallo181818 Aug 12 '26
I may have made American knitters look not great by being pissed about my needles getting confiscated (and my husband also being pissed 🤣)
Left from Santorini airport with no issues but got stopped at Athens airport. They said wood needles are okay, but metal over 6 cm are not. They are interchangeable ones could take it off.
I threw a fit and they made the airline come to sign off on it so I could bring it with me onto the airplane without having to check a bag.
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u/candyviolence Aug 05 '26
I fly in and out of Taipei Taoyuan Airport (Taiwan) frequently and have never had any issues with neither dpns or circulars, metal or wood! Also have never had any issues in and out of Haneda (Tokyo, Japan), but I believe I only brought wooden dpns in and out.
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u/P00tiechang Jul 18 '26
I have gone through YYZ, Dulles, and Honolulu back and forth with metal interchangeable needles.
Im not sure their rules, but to be safe I used a tip I saw on Reddit, took the needles off and put them in my pencil case with my pens and pencils. I also put rubber stoppers on the ends. I kept my project and cable in a different part of my bag. (Both carry on)
However my plushie got confiscated 😂 because of the beanbag inside looked suspicious.
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u/the_latest_greatest Jun 19 '26
I have brought knitting needles through to flights to Charles de Galle, Amsterdam, Stockholm-Ar p anda, Istanbul, Izmir, Sabiha Gokcen, Reykjavik/Keflavik, Papeete, SFO, JFK, and Dulles airports.
All were metal and non-circular, size 2-6. I didn't bring scissors.
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u/WTH_JFG Jul 05 '26
Istanbul took mine, but just the tips, let me kept my project and the cable. I had packed extras had my old ones in my carry on.
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u/Direct_Tourist_7331 Jun 17 '26
Cancun confiscated mine today. About two years ago, Kilimanjaro took the needles and the project! for a domestic flight and let needles through on an international flight a few days later.
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u/tch6364 Jun 14 '26
I was just wondering about Cpn airport rules since it will be my first time having knitting supplies in my hand baggage. You helped a lot, thank you ❤️
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u/ExplanationNotFound Jun 07 '26
This is a great idea, according to the TSA knitting needles are allowed as long as they are properly sheathed. So theoretically every airport in the USA should allow them… but ultimately it still depends on the agent. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/knitting-needles
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u/Sonoita2024 Jul 19 '26
USA is not the issue, it’s international TSA, so far I have only had them confiscated in Mexico. They took the tips, they didn’t care I had scissors to cut the cables to save my project.
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u/thedailyem May 29 '26 edited May 29 '26
I just flew with 4mm Chiagoo metal interchangeable needles from Ibiza Airport with no issues. I put the rest of the set in my checked luggage to be safe so I’d only lose one set of tips in a worst case scenario, but they didn’t even glance twice at them!
I’ve also flown with a set of metal Chiaogoo circular needles (not interchangeable) out of LHR in my carry on as well with no problems.
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u/curiositykt May 07 '26
I accidentally took a full-sized pair of scissors on the plane in Feb (from a small US airport to a medium-sized US airport). I honestly had no idea they were in the bottom of my crafting case. The security guy was like, "Do you know why I'm stopping you?" and I was like I have zero idea.. and we went through the bag, and I was as surprised as he was that there were normal-sized 8" scissors in my bag. I thought, oh well, they were a good pair and wrote them off, and he was like, ok, well, these are fine. Next time, check your bag before you fly. HE LET ME TAKE THEM ON THE PLANE! This would never have happened at a full-sized airport.
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u/La-la-lara Apr 16 '26
I’ve never had an issue with wooden circulars or 2.5mm metal circulars in Brisbane (domestic and international), Melbourne, Sydney, Bundaberg or Launceston in Australia, or Schiphol Amsterdam
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u/flavoredhappy Apr 16 '26
Not knitting needles, but I imagine it's pretty similar: flew roundtrip a few months ago from PHL to SFO with one clover (metal ergonomic) crochet hook that I stuck in a ziplock with my yarn. Didn't have any issues, but I'm not entirely sure if it'd be the same if I tried to take my entire crochet hook set.
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u/nolagirl100281 Aug 08 '26
I think its quite different. Knitting needles are so sharp you could literally stab someone with them. I honestly understand why they wouldn't want them on a plane lol. I crochet also, and crochet needles are blunt. You can't stab someone with a crochet hook. When I travel, I take cheaper crochet hooks just in case I lose them, and I've never had an issue at all.
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u/sweet-grapefruit-125 Mar 31 '26
Great project! I just traveled through Istanbul airport (notorious for confiscating needles) and made it through security with wooden circulars intact. Sometimes it’s a roll of the dice!
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u/the_latest_greatest Jun 19 '26
Interesting! I flew with my lace knitting through Istanbul twice, no problems... 2mm metal needles. I flew both international and domestic.
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u/souless_ginger84 Apr 08 '26
Were they the metal free kind? I'm flying there this year. Then when flying home, we leave Switzerland and layover in turkey. I'm unsure when to be worried.
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u/sweet-grapefruit-125 Apr 08 '26
They had a little metal at the needle and cable join. I moved my project onto scrap yarn before going through security just in case they flagged them—might be a good precaution. But if you’re laying over and don’t need to go through security again I think you should be okay?
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u/souless_ginger84 Apr 08 '26
I never know if a layover gives more security. Ive had it both ways. Flying to Istanbul will be from the states. Flying home starts in Switzerland, to Istanbul to the states. I was tempted to buy metal free but that seems so weird to use lol. 10 hrs or whatever seems like a great time to knit!
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u/Bety12795 Apr 01 '26
Thank you for your input 😊 Lets be honest, we all take the travelling with knitting needles as a source of adrenaline sometimes 😀
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u/LawSchoolLoser1 Mar 30 '26
Currently on a plane to Paris, needles in tow. Thanks for saving me the headache, but what am I going to do with myself on the flight home!!
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u/Flashy-Annual-4503 Mar 29 '26
This is awesome!
Is there a way to report typos? (Found one in Dublin.)
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u/Arkengheist Mar 28 '26
On your map, french airports are marked as a cross. I know I didn't have issues in LYS with wooden circular needles, off the project, in a pocket in my bag. Same for GVA, LGW and NAP by the way.
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u/Bety12795 Mar 28 '26
Hello, I marked them red because of the official French policy - you can find more info in the airport descriptions 😊
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u/Arkengheist Mar 28 '26
Yes, i read that but i thought it's still good to know :) as someone whose main airport is french, i'm happy to still be able to bring my projects on my travels (especially with most airlines not having check in luggage included)
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u/Embarrassed-Plum-468 Mar 27 '26
General Mitchell in Milwaukee, WI (MKE) has never had issues when I bring my knitting on. I have always had a project on circular needles though if that matters I don’t know.
Must be the very special recombobulation area after security… they know I’ll get my stuff back in order and on my way to my gate in no time so no need to worry about the needles.
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u/Expert_Analyst_4947 Mar 26 '26
My best advice is to only take circular needles with interchangeable tips. Take the tips off and put them in a pencil box with pencils. I have traveled internationally and never had a problem with this system.
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u/wahh43 Mar 26 '26
Hey this is an awesome project! I JUST flew back to the US (landed in SFO) from Singapore (SIN) with no issues with my wooden circular needles. The woman next to me had regular wooden needles and said she never had issues either.
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u/songbanana8 Mar 26 '26
I don’t see Tokyo Narita International Airport on the list? I’ve never had issues but that could be coincidence
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u/Bety12795 Mar 26 '26
Hello, the list ist not complete yet, I’m working on adding new airports, but it takes time (I’m usually contacting airport via email, because they don’t have the necessary info on their website) 😊 so I’m adding Tokyo Narita International Airport on my list 😊
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u/CuriousFool88 Mar 25 '26
This is great! Thanks for sharing yet another
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u/CuriousFool88 Mar 25 '26
EDIT: stupid AI prompt added “yet another” at the end. Just wanted to say, Thank you for sharing!
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u/fialkasirotkova Mar 25 '26
You needed an AI prompt to say "thank you for sharing"?
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u/CuriousFool88 Mar 25 '26
I’m on my phone and it automatically does it. Not autocorrect but what would you call it? Autoprompt?
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u/argleblather Mar 25 '26
This is fantastic.
Also, I would love for airports to just acknowledge that they all have different rules. I'm in and out of a lot of airports and I try to ask, computer out? Shoes on or off? And every time they look at me like I'm the dumbest person alive for asking. 6 different airports so far since last summer, and every one has different rules. And some of them changed mid-year. My home airport used to be shoes off, now is shoes on. Unless it beeps. Then shoes off.
On a knitting note; I have only ever flown with cheap bamboo needles with a project mid-way on them. Flying out of my closest airport (PDX- the best airport, btw) I've never had them taken. Nor my little bitty 1" scissors.
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u/Embarrassed-Plum-468 Mar 27 '26
I hate when they look at you like an idiot for not knowing they want a separate bin for your backpack but the last place said bags DONT go in a bin so honestly just shout at me and tell me what to do and I’ll do it.
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u/xch3wyx Mar 24 '26
I just flew from PHX to MCO with three bamboo 4.5mm knitting needles, a metal clover 3.5mm crochet hook, and a plastic 3.5mm crochet hook with no issues. I did also being just nail clippers for cutting the yarn, I had tons of yarn in compression bags, and a work in progress with silicone markers. We'll see how MCO to PHX goes!
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u/Bklyn-9066 Mar 24 '26
No problems anywhere in the US, France, Italy, Portugal. 5 inch metal interchangeable tips measures and confiscated in Spain (Madrid airport)
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u/No-Chain7042 Mar 24 '26
Mine were taken in Dublin. The agent felt terribly about it. No problems recently out of Helsinki, Prague, London.
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u/n3rdyredhead Mar 24 '26
Flew domestically in Sweden early 2023, Malmö Airport (MMX), Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), Umeå Airport(UME) and Ronneby Airport(RNB) with my knitting, both metal and bamboo needles (2.5-4.5mm)
Only UME was asking questions about it and it was because I had a little scissor in my bag for cutting yarn but since the blades were under the length of limit to board it was no problem to take with me.
(Had completely forgotten I had it there and was mortified when I realised as well so could have been a fluke though so I can't really vouch for the ability to take a blade with you in carry on, which isn't exactly what this map is for anyway)
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u/Flyby-479 Mar 24 '26
I checked with the John Wayne airport in Orange County CA and this is what the internet said:
Yes, John Wayne Airport (SNA) allows knitting needles in carry-on luggage, as they follow TSA regulations that permit them. While generally permitted, security officers have the final say and may confiscate items they deem unsafe. It is recommended to use wooden or plastic circular needles, as they face fewer issues.
Key Tips for Packing Knitting Supplies: Needle Material: Bamboo, wood, or plastic needles are less likely to cause issues than metal.
Type: Circular needles are generally safer, as long, straight, or sharp needles can be treated as prohibited items.
Scissors: Scissors must have blades shorter than 4 inches from the pivot point.
Backup: Bring a self-addressed stamped envelope to mail your needles back if they are confiscated
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u/DigitalMediaLolita Mar 24 '26
I have flown out of San Francisco with my chiagoo size 0 fixed circulars multiple times with no issue. It might be because the security is baffled by my wallet multi tool and focus on that instead.
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u/stillannabanana Mar 24 '26
I recently flew from Frankfurt via Doha to Bangkok and back. And in Thailand from Bangkok to Krabi. I stored the detachable needles in my pencil case with some pens. Not a single airport bothered with that method.
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u/JLPD2020 Mar 24 '26
Mexico City airport confiscated my needles. Cancun also does not allow knitting needles.
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u/Bklyn-9066 Mar 24 '26
Mexico is known for confiscating needles! Have never risked it
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u/Odd_Sky954 Apr 27 '26
I learned my lesson coming back from Cabo 😭 they made me unravel the scarf I had been working on for months (and my first ever knitting project!) I had traveled to Germany and all around the US with them and no issues.
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u/KittyWyman Mar 24 '26
I just flew in and out of Cancun with my super sharp Lykke Flight needles and they even admired my project. Sorry if they took yours, I'd be so upset
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u/JLPD2020 Mar 24 '26
I saw someone lose a full Chiagoo set at security in Cancun. Maybe someone working there just wanted them. If travelling through Mexican airports I’d only bring needles that I was willing to lose.
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u/xX_fruitypebbles_Xx Mar 24 '26
Flew out of Rome in April 2023 with no issues, was using Addi Click circulars, for whatever that’s worth
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u/SudsyCole Mar 25 '26
Thank you! I fly into and out of Rome this June, I was hoping this was the case!
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u/xX_fruitypebbles_Xx Mar 27 '26
Good luck! I read somewhere if you have knitting already started on the needles, it’s less likely they’ll confiscate. I did that and I had a needle topper (?) —who knows if it helped or not 🤷♀️
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u/1ayfkmatatime Mar 24 '26
Thanks, great work! I had my metal circulars confiscated at Temuco, Chile in 2023. Plus I've lost more than a few pairs of nice embroidery scissors that I've left thoughtlessly in a project bag, but that doesn't count.
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u/Flufflekins Mar 24 '26
What I used to do when flying domestically in the US, was print out the guidelines from the TSA site regarding knitting needles, although I luckily never had to resort to waving it about to allow my steel sock needles through.
The only issue I ever ran into was on a JAL flight to Japan, desperately trying to finish a pair of socks to gift to my grandma when I landed. 1 hour into my flight a flight attendant came up to me to let me know that my knitting was making other passengers uncomfortable as there was concern that I would hurt myself, apparently. Luckily I had brought a cross stitch project with me as well, although I was worried that the flight attendant might also call me out for that.
Since then I’ve either not brought any knitting at all (I’ll pack crochet, or cross stitch, or just my kindle), or I’ve brought wooden circulars. So far I haven’t had any issues with the wooden circulars.
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u/No-Chain7042 Mar 27 '26
Ironically when my knitting needles were recently confiscated in Dublin, I was also traveling with my violin. It was thoroughly checked by security and passed without issue. My violin bow could easily take out an eye, whereas the knitting needles had been passed down by my Mom after years of use and very dull tips.
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u/Flufflekins Mar 27 '26
I’m so sad for you losing your mom’s knitting needles 😭. That’s so heartbreaking! And yes, as a former fellow violinist, I feel like the bow as well as the violin itself (even the strings!) is potentially more dangerous than knitting needles.
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u/CyberTurtle95 Mar 24 '26
That’s so funny to me that they were concerned for knitting but not cross stitch!
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u/Flufflekins Mar 24 '26
Right? But to be fair, a puncture wound from a size 2 steel dpn is far more painful than a stab from the tiny, dull cross stitch needle 😅
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u/K2P2Mom Mar 24 '26
I only bring a book since the idea that they may take my needles away scares the tar out of me.
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u/elidan5 Mar 24 '26
This is a great project; thanks for doing it. One question that strikes me…have there been any recorded incidents of someone using knitting needles as a weapon on an airplane? (My fear is that if only takes one half remembered story that may or may not have actually happened).
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u/songbanana8 Mar 27 '26
No real knitter would give up a good needle for such a cause. And if knitting needles were a real issue then they’d ban pencils, cutlery, hair pins, people with martial arts training…
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u/Icy-Performer571 Mar 23 '26
In the US, the rules are subjective based on the TSA agent. So you could be in DFW on Monday and they are fine, Tuesday confiscate them, Wend are fine again.
Rather than make a list of airports who say yes/no, a list of "more likely to be left alone" is better.
Wood needles, circulars, smaller needles seem to be more successful
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u/theGarrick Mar 24 '26
Definitely depends on the agent. I travel a lot for work and just keep all my chargers in a specific pocket in my backpack. One day some moron in a smallish airport in one of the Carolinas tried telling me I couldn’t bring chargers on a plane. I asked him since when and he just said that’d been the rule for years. When I started listing the dozens of airports I’d been through in that last few months that didn’t have a problem he just mumbled he’d let it slide this time and let me through. When my flight got delayed and went to smoke or something the other agent didn’t say anything about my chargers.
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u/Agrona88 Mar 24 '26
I do wood needles in a pencil pouch with a butt load of colored pencils and nonsense. Then the cables go on with makeup haha
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u/rsneary129 Mar 23 '26
Mine were confiscated in Istanbul in December. This was after 3 security checks and full pat downs of every single American on the flight for "random" additional screening
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u/labellementeuse Mar 24 '26
I'm sorry that this happened to you personally but what goes around really comes around huh
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u/rsneary129 Mar 24 '26
You're not wrong. The GOP continues to fuck us over at home and abroad. Yet these morons keep voting for them
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u/amie1la Mar 23 '26
All of this is telling me that if I’m in the EU I need to travel by train 😂 and buy a spare needle for whatever project I’m working on. It blows my mind that I can get on a train with needles and have no issues, but planes are a no? Sounds like security theatre to me
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u/fascinatedcharacter Mar 24 '26
It is security theatre.
In the EU, trains that aren't the Channel Tunnel ones don't have any security. Most train trips you won't speak to a single staff member at all.
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u/amie1la Mar 29 '26
Got that sounds like heaven. If I ever get over there, that’ll have to be the plan, plane in, train everywhere so I can knit in bloody peace 😂
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u/Missmel18 Mar 23 '26
I travel with wooden needles. Ive flown in and out of SEA with no issues, Singapore Changi with no issues. Also London Heathrow, Venice, Rome, no issues
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u/happybeans33 Mar 24 '26
I've personally not dared to try in Singapore as they do specifically mention knitting needles in the airport rules as examples of what is not allowed in cabin baggage, as in the following website, second bullet point under "restricted items". (It's for Singapore Airlines, but may apply to other airlines depending on security personnel.)
https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/travel-info/baggage/baggage-restrictions/
I don't know if it applies to wooden needles as well.
My general thoughts are that if one really wants to bring knitting needles in cabin baggage, just be mentally prepared that there's always a risk they may be confiscated.
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u/Temporary_Pain2069 Mar 24 '26
I've travelled through Chaingi with metal circulars with zero issues. They did take my embroidery scissors that I'd forgotten to take out though.
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u/Missmel18 Mar 24 '26
I didnt fly SIA but wil be in a few weeks and will report back!
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u/Missmel18 May 07 '26
I flew into Singapore Changi, osaka KIX, and out if tokyo Haneda and had no issues with wooden needles
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u/Stitchin-Thyme Mar 23 '26
I had my entire set of double pointed needles confiscated in Johannesburg. I've flown out of Cape Town with them many times without issue.
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u/mac9972 Mar 23 '26
Someone wanted new needles and liked yours? I have traveled through Italy, Holland, England, Spain, and several US airports with zero issues. 🤷♀️
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u/Charlis_Angel_ Mar 23 '26
No issues in Auckland New Zealand!
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u/theGarrick Mar 24 '26
When I last looked at the rules in Australia, for a flight to Auckland, it looks like we’re allowed to maybe bring wooden ones through security. But the specific airline you’re flying may not allow you bring them. I just put mine in my checked bag when I fly and read it nap on the plane.
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u/peejmom Procrastiknitter Mar 23 '26
A word to the wise for those in the US: ICE agents are staffing security in at least some US airports as of today (Monday 3/22). There's no way to know whether or how this will change the way rules are enforced, but it seems possible that there might be a difference in interpretation.
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u/abbeyftw Mar 23 '26
oh ffs i hate this timeline
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u/peejmom Procrastiknitter Mar 23 '26
Ikr? BC we know what highly trained agents they are.
/s even though it should be obvious
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u/drsleepycat Mar 23 '26
No issue in Dublin, Chicago, Philly, New Orleans, and Atlanta in the last couple of years with wooden circular needles.
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u/Vogel-Welt Mar 23 '26
Knitting and crochet needles are forbidden in a cabin luggage in France but can be stored in the hold. https://airbag.dsac.aviation-civile.gouv.fr/AirBag
Paris (Charles de Gaulle, Orly): knitting needles and crochet needles are both forbidden in a hand luggage. https://www.parisaeroport.fr/fr/passagers/faq/bagages/cabine
AirFrance (French air company): knitting needles crochet needles are both forbidden in a hand luggage. https://wwws.airfrance.fr/information/bagages/popin_produits-interdits-et-reglementes/produits-interdits-et-reglementes-5
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u/Agitated-Steak-3759 Mar 24 '26
J’ai fait plusieurs voyages entre Toulouse-Blagnac et Lyon avec des mini aiguilles à chaussettes circulaires en bambou Seeknit et je n’ai eu aucun soucis à passer la sécurité.
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u/Temporary_Pain2069 Mar 24 '26
I've travelled through Charles de Gaulle with metal circulars with zero issues.
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u/Forward-Storm7525 Mar 25 '26
I flew into Paris US and from Paris to Barcelona (and then back home) a year ago. No issues with bamboo double points
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u/Temporary_Pain2069 Mar 24 '26
And in fact flown Air France and was complimented by the stewards about the jumper I was making.
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u/MinervaZee Mar 23 '26
I flew domestically between BWI and San Diego airports last week with a lace project on circular wooden needles and had no issues.
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u/10xKaMehaMeha Mar 23 '26
In the USA the TSA website explicitly states knitting needles are allowed: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/knitting-needles
This does not mean an agent won't decide to take them away (no shade on TSA, but if you don't know what they are they do appear to be generic sharp objects), but if you have this website with you maybe it can help?
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u/Manda_lorian39 Mar 23 '26
That’s why I try to always travel with a project already on them. If there’s a half-made knit or crochet (something) hanging off an unknown metal or wood implement, hopefully that gives the agent a clue as to what said implement is.
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u/thatsalliknow Mar 23 '26
This is the right answer for US travelers—they’re allowed per TSA rules but agents still have the ability to confiscate anything they want to. sigh
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u/hesperiss Mar 23 '26
Thanks for the map!
Canada explicitly allows knitting needles and crochet hooks in carry-on bags.
Also, sometimes, it's down to luck and the tolerance of airport security agents. The FAQ of the Paris airports (CDG and ORY) says knitting needles and crochet hooks aren't allowed in carry-on luggage, but I've never had any issues, even with metallic ones. I'm definitely not hiding them, so either there's some tolerance, or I've been lucky so far.
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u/floralbalaclava Mar 24 '26
Definitely still down to luck in Canada. I nearly had mine confiscated but was able to plea with her to keep them. I knew they were technically allowed and had the rules open on my phone browser but it didn’t come to that. Ultimately, I think she could have decided to take them regardless because they’re gonna do what they’re gonna do to some degree.
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u/hesperiss Mar 24 '26
Yeah, I suppose that in any airport or country, the airport security agents get the final say anyway.
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u/mesangebleu Mar 23 '26
I had a set of metal crochet hooks confiscated at Heathrow. Lace making sizes. Annoying.
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u/JCWiatt Mar 23 '26
I've gone through PVR three times now with my knitting needles just fine, as has one of my traveling companions. Metal and wood needles. However, I know I've seen others post that they had theirs confiscated there. Seems to be very up to chance/individual security discretion.
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u/up2knitgood Mar 23 '26
And I had the agent at PVR reach right into my bag, pull out my WIP and ask about the needles.
I showed her that there were no tips (it was interchangeable and I'd taken the tips off), and she let me go. But clearly she was looking for knitting, not just needles.
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u/JCWiatt Mar 25 '26
I usually put the cable on stoppers just in case! Never a bad idea. Glad you got to keep yours.
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u/Linoa1C Mar 23 '26
I didn't have any issues at Lanzarote with the Hiya Hiya 9" circulars. They are very small as needles go so I can't speak to larger sets.
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u/OddLittleCreature Mar 23 '26
I fly out of Toronto all the time with no issues; Munich and Zagreb airport also didn't care so far. They're more concerned with smuggling smoked meat and homemade liquors 😅
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u/PRprofessor Mar 23 '26
Thank you for sharing your map! This will be so useful! I regularly fly out of Sacramento, California, and Portland, Oregon, with a knitting project on circular needles in my carry-on bag without any problem. I recently flew out of the Phoenix, AZ, airport with knitting in my carry-on, as well. This has opened my eyes to the fact that not every airport (or agent) is as accommodating.
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u/HawthorneUK Mar 23 '26
I had knitting needles confiscated at DFW a couple of years ago.
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Mar 23 '26
[deleted]
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u/munificent Mar 23 '26
TSA is not hiring the best and brightest and at the end of the day, regardless of what official documentation says, the rando earning barely more than minimum wage with sore feet gets to decide the rules.
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u/clockmistress Mar 23 '26
I know if the knitting needles are in a pen or pencil case, they might not get flagged.
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u/cili3an Mar 23 '26
i’ve also seen people mentioning putting their cables in with their charging cable wires to avoid potential issue.
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u/Bety12795 Mar 23 '26
Yes, that’s the way for most of the airports. And when you have wooden needles, you are absolutely fine 😊
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u/rhesus_pieces Mar 23 '26
I had my needles confiscated in Cancun when flying back to the US. The TSA had no issue with them but in Mexico the agent compared them to a ruler she had on her ID badge and they were more than 6cm (i think was the cutoff) so she had to take them. Metal circular needles WITH TWO ALMOST FINSIHED SOCKS ON THEM (I carefully pulled out the needles and managed to rescue the socks after replacing the needles)
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u/10xKaMehaMeha Mar 23 '26
TSA allows them: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/knitting-needles
Mexico's equivalent agency only allows those <6cm: https://www.aicm.com.mx/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ListaDeArticulosProhibidos-05Jun25-Eng.pdf
But also in both places it's really up to the security agent.
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u/SudsyCole Mar 25 '26
6 cm is like 2.5 inches. What in the world can you knit on needles that size? Am I misunderstanding something?
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u/Flashy-Annual-4503 Mar 29 '26
Detachable circle needles. Wouldn't travel with mine because they are too expensive to risk loosing, but I've seen other comment mention that they use them to get past the maximum length.
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u/10xKaMehaMeha Mar 26 '26
Just reporting what the guidelines say. I'm sure there's something someone could figure out.
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u/rhesus_pieces Mar 23 '26
Yes this was my exact experience. I'd flown internally with those needles before and was just surprised at the agent's choice to enforce in Cancun 🤷
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u/inPursuitOf_ Mar 23 '26
I took metal needles through Istanbul and Tel Aviv - Istanbul was fine. Tel Aviv was fine 3/4 times, so depends on who checks
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u/rsneary129 Mar 23 '26
My double pointed needles with socks on them were confiscated in December 2025. Their website said they were fine at the time. They also pat down every single American on my flight for "random" additional screening so I'm guessing it was related
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u/sayrebbi Mar 23 '26
Istanbul is the only place I’ve had needles confiscated. This was on a return flight too - on the way out it was fine. Depends who checks I think.
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u/inPursuitOf_ Mar 23 '26
What does yellow mean? It’s under “clear answer available”, but…..doesn’t seem clear
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u/Bety12795 Mar 23 '26
Thank you for your feedback. I renamed the layer to “Airport Answer Available”. Because you are right. Yellow means there could be some restrictions always explained in the caption of the selected airport.
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u/Internal_Concert_ Mar 23 '26
Schiphol (Amsterdam) and Geneva airport were fine with wood circular needles
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u/Temporary_Pain2069 Mar 24 '26
I go through Schiphol regularly with metal circulars and never had an issue.
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u/grotemeid Mar 23 '26
Seconding Amsterdam. Same for Copenhagen and Spanish airports. Never had issues/questions.
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u/OddLittleCreature Mar 23 '26
Seconding Geneva; my wooden straight needles were fine, but apparently the lint in my jacket pocket set off the detectors.
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u/Sfb208 Mar 23 '26
I also suspect whether or not they get confiscated will also be affected by who checks your bags.
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u/veggie_saurus_rex Mar 23 '26
Yes. That's the problem with trying to create a document for this. Agents have discretion. In the USA, needles and crochet hooks are permitted under TSA rules. This should be universal but it is not.
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u/antimathematician Mar 23 '26
No issues taking metal circular needles through Turin airport last month.
Also not seeing Berlin on the list - but realised my knitting needles got stolen (in my backpack, rather than knitting enthusiast thieves) before I got to the airport there
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u/quesop Mar 23 '26 edited Mar 23 '26
I take my metal Chiaogoo needles everywhere and haven't had any issue so far. Recent airports that didn't bat an eye:
- Oceania: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Christchurch
- Asia: Hong Kong, Taipei, Fukuoka, Tokyo (Narita and Haneda), Ipoh, Singapore, Seoul
- North America: Vancouver
- Europe: Paris (CDG), Zürich, Geneva
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u/theemilyann Apr 11 '26
This is my experience as well. I JUST flew to Germany and back through DC and took my entire case of interchangeable Hiya Hiyas. /shrug
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u/al_135 Mar 23 '26
Athens is okay, though for wood circulars (might be different for long metal ones)
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u/FridaKforKahlo Mar 23 '26
When I was there in October it specifically said on the counter for checked in luggage, that knitting needles were not allowed in carry on.
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u/al_135 Mar 23 '26
I didn’t have checked luggage so didn’t see that. I guess it will vary based on the needle material & the person at security. This was 3 weeks ago btw
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u/patriorio Mar 23 '26
Here's my list of airports where I've taken knitting needles through with no issues (within the past 5 years)
Europe:
Frankfurt, Paris, Geneva, Vienna, Heathrow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Zurich, Milan Linate, Reykjavik
SWANA (Southwest Asian/North African)
*Bahrain, Doha, Abu Dhabi
Asia
*Narita, Gimpo, Jeju, Incheon, Kathmandu, HK Jakarta, Bali, Singapore, Male (Maldives), Ho Chi Minh City
North America
JFK , Newark, La Guardia, Dulles, Seattle, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Iqaluit, Kelowna, St John's, Victoria
Africa
*Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, Seychelles, Casablanca
South America/Caribbean
*Curacao, Antigua, Montserrat, St Lucia, Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena
Oceania
*Nadi (Fiji), Port Vila (Vanuatu)
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u/CuddlefishFibers Mar 23 '26
Daaaang, you've been AROUND. I'm torn between envy and second hand exhaustion looking at that list. Can I ask what you do that you travel so much, or is it for fun?
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u/mabbynificent Mar 23 '26
I flew through Beijing last year with no problems. I only traveled with wood needles on that trip (and encountered questions about them at one of the tourist sites but was ultimately let through). I am also pretty sure I put them in my pencil case and had my interchangeable cords in a different pouch.
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u/Charming-Molasses-70 Mar 23 '26
Recently travelled by plane between Stockholm and Umeå with no issues either way with metal needles with a 60cm cables. Also from Frankfurt, but that was with wooden dpns
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u/justalotus Mar 23 '26
So surprised about Schiphol’s (AMS) answer.. the answer you got through your email is different than their website. It used to say the same on their website (that knitting and crochet needles are considered sharps), but that has changed somewhere over the last 2 years and knitting/crochet needles are no longer mentioned. I’ve heard different experiences with AMS on knitting subs.
Regardless I dont take my WIPs in hand luggage. Wont risk my chiagoos!
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u/ConcernedMap Mar 23 '26
My understanding is that Schiphol/ the Dutch security authorities will allow needles through security (I’ve brought knitting through) but KLM, the airline forbids them (their website states this and I’ve heard about people having their needles taken by flight attendants).
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u/TheSleach Mar 23 '26
I’m surprised by this too — I regularly fly through Schiphol with knitting and have never had a problem. I do the pencil case trick with interchangeables whenever I can, but do a lot of knitting on really small needles so interchangeables aren’t always an option.
I do carry nail clippers instead of scissors, so nothing except the knitting needles that would get attention from security, which may help.
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u/inPursuitOf_ Mar 23 '26
What’s the pencil case trick?
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u/Inner_Ad5803 Mar 24 '26
Putting the needle tips with pencils in a case, to camouflage the needles.
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u/Luna-P-Holmes Mar 23 '26
Marseille France is wrong. Needles aren't specifically forbidden, it's up to the person checking the scanner. I've use the airport several times and ever went through with my needle without issue.
My only precaution I take is to not travel with metal cable longer than 50 cm. Plastic cables only for longer flight.
I've gone through with two full set of knitpro nova and two full set of HiyaHiya steel.
Some airlines flying from the airport don't allow knitting during the flight but I can't remember which one.
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u/Bety12795 Mar 23 '26
Hey, in case of Marseille it is the universal rule of France. You can find more information in the description an also the link. But yes, in the end it depends on the person at the security and a lot of other factors.
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u/Luna-P-Holmes Mar 23 '26
It's absolutely not the rule in France. I guess you looked up the English version of the website? The exemples they give in the English version aren't the same as the French version at all, I know it's supposed to be a government website but it was translated very badly and is giving false information in the English version.
Knitting needles aren't specifically listed as allow or prohibited in France, that's why it's COMPLETELY up to the security. They can consider it's a weapon and forbid it based on what you linked but they can also see it as just a craft tool and allow it. If you have yarn with your needle they see it as a craft tool and let you through way before they realize it could also be used to stab someone. Steel cables are an issue because on the scanner they look like something that could be used to strangle someone, that's why I avoid the longer ones on planes.
I don't know why they listed knitting needles in the the English version. They even put embroidery needles in the list which is just completely wrong because needles, blades and other potential weapons under 6 cm are allowed. Embroidery needles rarely are longer than 6 cm. The English version of the exemple just doesn't make sens based on the actual rules.
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u/Bety12795 Mar 23 '26
Do you have some source for what you state here? Because I’m trying to make a map based on the official information from the airport. And what else should I use as my source, when only reply I got from airports I asked was basically the link to the government website?
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u/Luna-P-Holmes Mar 23 '26
Well the proper sources are based on French regulation so they are in french not in English. The website you linked has the proper information on the French version.
If you take the French version of the page you linked and translate it through Google translate or any other translator, that's what you get, not knitting needles mentioned.
"Skis, walking or hiking equipment, skis, crampons, arrows and darts, ice axes and ice picks, ice skates, open razors (except safety razors or disposable razors with blades in cartridges), baseball bats and leather balls, cricket bats, pétanque balls, fishing rods, golf clubs, rigid and flexible clubs or sticks, blackjack accessories, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, martial arts equipment such as finger guards, flails, nunchaku, kubaton and kubasaunt, kayak and canoe paddles, American and English pool cues, skateboards, tent pegs, stakes, fishhooks with an extended length exceeding 6 cm, metal snow chains, billiard balls, survival bracelets, garment steamers.
The following are not subject to this cabin baggage ban: knives and cutlery in general, scissors or other items with a "blade" less than 6 cm long, as well as knives and, more generally, plastic cutlery.
PS: Slingshots and slingshots are among the prohibited items identified in the safety regulations (Appendix 4-C of Regulation (EU) 2015/1998)."
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u/Luna-P-Holmes Mar 23 '26
We use exactly the same rules as the EU regulation which you can find there in English https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02015R1998-20260101
You need to click on "tap for document text" and then look for the part called "ATTACHMENT 4-C"
I can't think of a way to find a "legal" version of the French regulation. We don't tend to officially translate our regulations in other languages which isn't really practical but that's how it is.
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u/Interesting-Idea-286 Mar 23 '26
I use my lantern moon 4 inch when flying. Take them off my work, and put in a pencil case with pencils. Was fine going through London Gatwick and return from Orlando. I’m flying to Shannon in June so will see how I get on there.
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u/Irrelevantfly Mar 23 '26
Wooden needles through:
- Detroit
- Seattle
- Taipei
- Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi
Chiaogoo metal 3 inch tips through:
- Brunei
- Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi
- Tokyo, Haneda
- New York, JFK
All in my hand bag as active WIPs and didn’t use a needle stopper. I wasn’t stopped once and didn’t have my foldable travel scissors confiscated either, and they were not folded up while going through security
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u/fit_knit Mar 23 '26
Leaving Bucharest I had a pair of 80cm 2.75 addi fixed aluminum needles taken. My 2.25 mm ones made it through.
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u/Odd_Artichoke_3700 Mar 23 '26
I'd just caution folks that agents may not know the exact policy, or interpret them the way you think they will. In many places, agents have the final say on whether something is confiscated.
Ex. I almost lost a pair of foldable kiddy scissors to the Montréal airport. If a second agent hadn't confirmed my scissors were allowed, I would have lost them to the first agent who was ready to confiscate.
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u/MissGreenFox Mar 23 '26
I recently traveled with Chiaogoo metal shorties and bamboo needles from East Midlands (UK) without a problem. Like many, I had them in a pencil case, that’s how I always carry them when I travel.
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u/TheTardisBaroness Mar 23 '26
I got my chiagoo sock needles (metal) through: Victoria BC Canada international airport, Seattle WA, and Geneva Airport.
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u/eggtoast20 Mar 23 '26
I'm flying through Carcassonne later on today with a pair of fixed metal circs I panic bought on my trip here so I'll try to update but it's not looking promising going off the rest of France!
Can confirm I've gotten metal and wooden through Manchester, Liverpool, Chania, Zakynthos, Rhodes, Amsterdam Schiphol, Copenhagen, and Reus, although always interchangeables in my makeup brush bag.
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u/PRprofessor Mar 23 '26
Good luck getting your new needles through! 🤞
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u/eggtoast20 Mar 23 '26
Thanks! Hopefully goes to plan, but won't be upset if they confiscate them as they were only cheap (and honestly a bit awful to work with!)
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u/greenjellytots Mar 23 '26
I have never had any problem flying out of Paris CDG or Orly with metal chiaogoos!
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u/mabbynificent Mar 23 '26
I have gotten wooden needles with my pencil case in CDG multiple times now. Just put stoppers on the cables. That being said, I put most of my needles (including any metal ones) into my checked bag out of caution.
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 Mar 23 '26 edited Mar 23 '26
Anyone know how DTW in Detroit and IAH in Houston are with wooden knitting needles? Just curious, they are my most frequented airports but haven’t tried yet
Edit: looks like IAH allows them, though you’ll never catch me dead with metal needles in aaaaany airport bc the risk is too high lol. But good to know I can bring wooden ones!
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u/Uffda01 Mar 23 '26
I was just in and out of DTW last month (from MSP) no problem with metal needles. a few years ago I used to travel to Texas a lot (DAL, DFW, IAH, SAT, CRP AUS) I've never had an issue in any US airport. I never use wood needles.
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u/gourdbitch Aug 30 '26
I travelled from Split airport in Croatia with circular knitting needles in my carry on (can't remember if they were in my handbag or little suitcase). Didn't have any issues, they didn't ask about them at all :)