Quilting on an Airplane

[Liberata T.]

Since all the fuss about what one can take in their hand luggage, I haven't attempted to do any hand sewing on my trips. Since the flights from Switzerland to California average 24 hours door to door, I could get something done.

What has anyone else found out about permitted items on board?

[Annette R.]

Usually you can go to the website of your airline and find out what the security level is at the moment (here in the US it changes from time to time) and what items are allowed. I don't fly often but in 07 was able to take a scissors (under four inches long) and needles on the plane. Knitting needles and crochet hooks are allowed (go figure some knitting needles could cause serious harm!!!!!!!!) Actually when I went to Houston in 07, they really never looked at my handiwork bag other than running it through the Xray machine. I have also forgotten occasionally to put all of the liquids in the quart size plastic bag and have not been busted yet. Course maybe being old, not exactly physically fit and trim and in a wheelchair with a cane -wheelchair only in the airport just can't manage the distances any more- makes me look like less of a security threat than some. LOL Ann

[Annette R.]

Ann's got it right, that's the way it was on our recent trip to CA (NOT 24 hours, thank goodness!!) The scissor issue is supposedly resolved, small pairs allowed, but I still wouldn't take my really good ones, in case you get the screener from H*** b/c TSA can still take just about anything from you if they want. I happily stitched the whole way there & back!
Florence

[Pam D.]

Libbi

In the past the restrictions have been different for Europe to USA than USA to Europe. US restrictions always sem to be more relaxed than in Europe. Switzerland isn't in EU so that may make things abit different for you too. In the past I have had scissors confiscated (That time I didn't even know I had them on me) I have a Clover thread cutter which is an enclosed blade that I can put on a cord and wear round my neck like a necklace One small sewing needle doesn't show up on xrays. I have only taken crossstitch in the past when travelling, which I will do while waiting in terminals. However my eyesight is slowly deteriorating and I dont find that the lighting on board an aircraft is good enough to work by. I hope that you manage to take on what you need and get some needlework done. Good luck.
Nowadays I find my mp3 player a godsend on longhaul flights.

[Pam D.]

US restrictions always sem to be more relaxed than in Europe

I guess a lot of it depends on the country/airport. LY when we went to Italy, going out of the US was definitely more intense, leaving Rome seemed like a breeze. But I know those Clover cutters are good, and even in the "bad old days" when scissors totally weren't allowed, I managed a pair of "folding" scissors on.

And do you know why they wouldn't let knitting needles on? Because someone could knit an AFGHAN....
(Sorry, not politically correct, but couldn't resist. My mother, a prolific knitter, told me that one....)
Florence

[Jules M.]

When I traveled from Illinois to Mississippi in March, I took fingernail clippers to cut my thread. I had hand applique work with me.

However, after sitting on the runway for *3 hours* I was so done it was hard to sew. :roll: I also had a book. :wink:

All the screeners was adamant about the 4 oz of liquid so I sure would be careful about that. Your airlines website would be the best for packing info.

Joyce

[Frances L.]

When I fly, I go to the TSA website: http://www.tsa.gov and print out a list of what is acceptable. Sissors under 4 inches are now allowed and with the printout, if you get a screener that doesn't know, you have something to argue your case. I've never had a problem bringing my sewing stuff with me on a plane. Libby, since you are flying to the US, you might check with your airline, I don't know where to look for flying out of Switzerland.

[Frances L.]

Florence, my 88 year old Mom told me that same joke, LOL. She is working on making Afghans for all 8 of her great-grandchildren.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[Lorna B.]

Since the rule change that again allows scissors, I have taken my sewing kit with me with a needle turn applique project. THis includes little pins, needles, and my small scissors that I can use to cut thread or curves on the applique piece. I have flown alot around the country. I haven't flown out of the country since they relaxed the scissors rule.

When in doubt check the web site for rules.

Lorna

[Beth A.]

I have flown many times since 9-11 and never had a problem with scissors because I take kindergarten scissors (Fiskars, I think) with round tips.

I find that they cut thread and fabric perfectly well and have been so pleased with them that I now use them at my sewing machine, too.

You never have to worry about accidentally poking a hole in your block while piecing or your quilt top while quilting.

I do recall one business trip, however, when the screener saw the scissors in my bag and asked me to remove them. My co-workers on the same trip looked at me incredulously and said, "You brought SCISSORS on board? Why???" I calmly explained that sewing turned the time on board into "my time" and let me look forward to the trip. (They still thought I was nuts.)

BethMI

[Patti P.]

Libbi, I'm not at work tonite or I'd look up the rules for United. One thing I do know off hand though is that Great Britain is still quite stringent and haven't eased up on their rules for carry on. They also will only let 1 carry on and will not let you get thru security without checking any you might have with you because another carrier/country is more lax. Things to know if you are going thru Great Britain.

[Liberata T.]

We usually fly American Airlines out of Zurich into NY or Dallas and then on to San Francisco. Heathrow in London and CDG in Paris can be very strict. When it gets closer to the time of the trip, I will check the current rules of the airports we will go through. Many times we have to go through security a second time in the connecting USA airport (I hate that). But if I decide to take handwork with me, I will probably bring items I can afford to lose. Thanks for sharing your experiences with me.

[Liberata T.]

I have had all my quilting and cross stitch needles consfiscated in the past, flying between US and UK. When I flew back from Florida in March this year, I was held up for a long time- guess what the suspicious item was - Aunt Beckys finger protector. Lots of head scratching about what it was. I have had so much trouble with needles, liquids and scissors that I dont bother anymore - it all goes in the suitcase.

Pippa

[Hannelore N.]

I'm very boring and non-productive when it comes to plane journeys: I just shut my eyes and go to sleep. Should you ever sit next to me DO NOT wake me up. I'm most likely dreaming about future quilting projects.

[Hannelore N.]

The current TSA website and the airline websites say that sharp scissors under 4" is allowed, but make no mention at all about sewing needles. I want to take some redwork or my yo-yo maker to keep me occupied during a lengthy flight. However, after reading this thread, I'm even more confused. I wish there was a definitive answer, but apparently the rules vary by airline, security agent and the day of the week.