What can I take on the airplane without getting arrested?

[babyjeebus]

Hi,

I'm finally going to Australia to see my sister! Not exactly looking forward to the 24 hour flight though so I was hoping to take something to occupy the time.

What can I take on the plane that won't get confiscated or me into trouble! I don't fancy jail in Abu Dhabi!  I've already got a clover yarn cutter but will I be ok with normal hooks?

I've posted this in knitting too 'cause I'm not bothered what I do as long as it's something to take my mind off the flying!

TIA

[shewolf]

Assuming you're flying from the US.

First, check with the FAA. Then check with your carrier. Assuming both say yes, get in writing from the carrier that you may bring those items.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

The website says you can carry a pair of scissors -metal and pointy that is 4" or less.

AH! Here it is : http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1252.shtm

You CAN NOT bring the circular cutter. Which is stupid, because the blade doesn't come out, but it's the government. Plastic or Bamboo according to the site is best. So buy a cheap set of plastic hooks.

Although I hate to tell 'em, but those can be weapons, too.

[BabyDragon]

Plastic crochet hooks and nail clippers (you can get tiny ones for $0.99 at the supermarket) are your best bet. 

[babyjeebus]

Excellent, thank you.

I forgot to mention that I'm flying out of the UK.

Has anyone flown and taken the clover cutter with them? http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=454/181.0
Was it ok or did you have problems?

[BabyDragon]

I'm 90% sure those are prohibited.  There was a long discussion on plane-safe crafting tools in the knitting or needlework forum, and from what I remember several people got them through because the TSA agents assumed they were just pendants, but those whose cutters got inspected had them taken away.  You can try, but bring a self-addressed stamped envelope just in case.  TSA agents have the right to say no regardless of whether or not it's in the official list of prohibited/allowed items, so it's a toss up really.  You're best bet is really one of those tiny little travel size nail clippers.

[EssHaych]

I was wondering about what you could and couldn't take on board planes as I'm going away too soon. Think I'll stick to the plastic hooks!
Thanks for the advice!

[fantasticmio]

Always always always check before you fly!  The rules change all the time. In Feb of this year mr.fantastic's sister flew from London, England to Calgary, Alberta, Canada and she wasn't allowed to bring her crochet with her in carry-on.

But again, these rules change all the time.  It depends on where you're coming from, where you're going, and who you're flying with.  And, as previously mentioned, the whim of the security staff at the airport.

If you find out from an official source that you can bring your hooks and things on board with you, be sure to tell the security people *before* your stuff goes through the x-ray that you have them.  It will save you a lot of trouble.

And if you're really worried about it, make sure you don't bring anything that you're not willing to part with.

A hint: when I was looking up the rules for domestic flights within Canada I found knitting needles and crochet hooks under "penetrating items".  That might speed things along for you as I sure didn't think to look there! (I ended up finding a way to get a full list and doing ctrl-f for "crochet".  Oy!)

[Cheyenneswthrt07]

This will sound funny but if you check your clover cutter it can be used as a pendant.  So wear it as a necklace, I doubt anyone is even going to notice it around your neck or know what it is, it will appear as an antique looking pendant.

[Selnith]

i don't think there'd be a problem but call the airline and check first

[babyjeebus]

Thank you all so much 

I've had a look on the airline's website and I can't see anything apart from the usual 'no sharp items, blades' etc.

I'll still get in touch to check though.