Many of you are asking the following question:
When I travel, can I bring my knitting needles and crochet hook in my carry-on bag? Yes and no.
I did some research online to try to find an answer.
In Canada
According to the Canadian Transportation Security Agency (CTSA), knitting needles and crochet hooks of any size and made of any material (e.g., plastic, aluminum, bamboo) are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.
In the USA:
According to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration, a department of Homeland Security created after the events of September 11, 2001), straight, double-pointed, and circular knitting needles, as well as crochet hooks made of wood, bamboo, metal, or plastic, are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage on domestic flights.
However, in Europe, it is less clear. According to Europ-assistance, knitting needles and crochet hooks are prohibited in carry-on baggage because they are considered sharp objects and must be placed in checked baggage.
Several blogs mention that wooden needles seem less threatening than aluminum or stainless steel ones. It is up to you to decide...
No matter where you travel and regardless of the regulations in force, it is the person who inspects your carry-on bag who has the final say!
As for me, I have been traveling for several years and I have never had to give up my knitting needles.
Recently, I returned from Italy and my metal needles "made it through." I was able to knit from Rome to Montreal without any problems.
Let me give you a few tips.
Check the permitted items with your airline or the airport from which you are departing.
Be prepared for the possibility of having your needles confiscated.
To prepare your knitting, place a safety strand on the second-to-last row of your work. That way, if they take away your needles, your knitting will remain intact.
Transfer your work to wooden or plastic needles. These materials are less intimidating and, worst-case scenario, losing plastic or wooden needles is less of a loss.
If they confiscate your Chiao goo or Addi needles:
You can send them by mail in a pre-paid padded envelope, but make sure there is a postal service at the airport.
In 28 U.S. airports, the Airport Mailers service exists so that you can mail your items for a fee.
In France, it is the tripperty.comservice, which is located (for now) at Marseille Airport, that handles the shipment of your confiscated items for €15. The plan is to extend the service to the airports of Nice and Paris.
The moral of the story is to stay informed and be prepared.
Have a good trip!
Monique Kadowaki
La Maillerie
To learn more:
Canada: https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/fr/
Europe: europ-assistance.fr
Europe (France): tripperty.com
United States: tsa.gov
United States: airportmailers.com
