Can You Bring Scissors or a Knife on a Plane? TSA Sharp Object Rules
What TSA lets through for blades, and how to pack the rest.
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| Item | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Scissors | Yes, if less than 4 in from the pivot point | Yes |
| Knives | No | Yes |
| Butter knives (rounded, no serration) and plastic cutlery | Yes | Yes |
| Axes and hatchets | No | Yes |
Packing sharp items in checked bags
TSA says sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to protect baggage handlers and inspectors.
Before you go
The final call rests with the TSA officer at the checkpoint. If you plan to check a bag for tools or knives, a hardside case helps; see our best carry-on luggage for sizes. For liquids, see the TSA liquids rule.
More sharp objects, from TSA’s list
| Item | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket knives and Swiss Army knives | No | Yes |
| Box cutters and utility knives (with or without blades) | No | Yes |
| Razor blades not in a cartridge | No | Yes |
| Safety razor | Only with the blade removed | Yes |
| Disposable razor | Yes | Yes |
| Corkscrew with a blade | No | Yes |
| Cigar cutters | Yes, but TSA recommends checking them | Yes |
| Nail clippers, tweezers, safety pins | Yes | Yes |
| Knitting needles, crochet hooks, sewing needles | Yes | Yes |
| Circular thread cutters or needlepoint tools with blades | No | Yes |
| Meat cleavers, sabers, swords | No | Yes |
| Ice axes and ice picks | No | Yes |
| Saws, including cordless power saws | No | Yes |
| Darts and throwing stars | No | Yes |
| Pencil sharpeners | Yes | Yes |
Details travelers miss
- Scissors are measured from the pivot point. Under 4 inches can go in a carry-on. The TSA’s sewing-needle entry repeats this.
- The butter-knife exception is narrow. The TSA excepts rounded blades with blunt edges and no serration, and plastic cutlery. A small blade still counts as a knife.
- Safety razors. You must remove the blade before you reach the checkpoint. The TSA says officers are not allowed to remove it for you.
- Box cutters and utility knives must be checked even without their blades.
- Multi-tools. The TSA lists the Swiss Army knife as a no for carry-ons.
Allowed doesn’t mean guaranteed
The TSA says an item that is generally allowed can still need extra screening, or be refused, if it triggers an alarm, looks tampered with or raises other concerns. The officer makes the final call. If your item is not on the list, ask AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger, or text “Travel” to 275-872. The TSA says AskTSA answers 365 days a year, with live help from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
Penalties
The TSA links its What Can I Bring pages to its civil penalties for prohibited items. Packing a knife in a carry-on by mistake can mean more than losing the knife. Check your bag, especially a daypack or toiletry kit you also use outside of travel. Flying with a power bank too? See power bank rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring nail scissors?
Yes, if the blades are less than 4 inches from the pivot point, per TSA.
Is a pocket knife allowed in carry-on?
No. TSA allows knives only in checked bags, except rounded-blade butter knives and plastic cutlery.
