A lot of passengers may know the limits of liquid and other items but they often feel puzzled when it comes to solid objects such as scissors. This is why you may often ask if you can bring scissors on planes. The confusion is quite obvious because they are not only solids but sharp objects too. Therefore, it is important for you to know the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSAs) rules and airline/destination-specific policies for a better understanding.
Can You Take Scissors on a Plane as per TSA?
In general, yes, such objects are allowed. However, certain rules should be followed to bring scissors on a plane.
- For instance, if the size of the scissor is 4 inches or less, then you will be allowed to bring it on a plane.
- But yes, it will be subject to additional screening at the airport.
- The TSA agent can deny your travel with the scissor if they find anything suspicious or objectionable.
Can You Take Small Scissors on a Plane in a Carry-On Bag?
Any scissor that is shorter than 4 inches can be kept in your carry-on bag. In addition to this, anything that has blades such as brow tweezers, child safety scissors, small thread-cutting scissors, and cuticle trimmers will be allowed to bring in your carry-on or cabin bag.
Can You Bring Scissors on a Plane in Checked Luggage?
As per the rules of the TSA for sharp objects, you can pack scissors in your suitcase or checked baggage. According to the body’s official website, any pointed or sharp things/objects in the checked bags need to be sheathed. Or, these items should be securely wrapped. This is to prevent any kind of injury to luggage handlers and/or inspectors.
What is the Recommended TSA Scissor Blade Length?
According to the rules of the body, TSA, the following is the acceptable length of the scissor blade:
- In a carry-on bag: Below 4 inches
- When in the checked luggage: 4 inches or more
Can You Keep Scissors on a Plane? What Rules are Followed by Airlines?
Every airline typically follows the regulations of the TSA. It means you can travel with any airline i.e. Delta Air, JetBlue, American Airlines, and so on. However, you must keep the length-related restrictions in your mind to avoid unwanted hassles.
Additionally, you should confirm from the carrier whether any specific rules have been made. Make sure to follow them also while flying with sharp items.
Are Scissors Allowed on International Flights?
Every country may have different rules for bringing scissors on a plane. For instance, if you are flying within the USA or from this location to an international route, the maximum length of the blade (from the pivot point) should not be more than four/4 inches. This rule applies to the scissors that you are keeping in your carry-on bag.
- When it comes to your international travels, the maximum length is 2.36 inches.
- However, it is still recommended that you check with your travel destination for accurate rules.
Can You Bring Hair Cutting Scissors on a Plane?
Yes, small hair-cutting scissors can be brought on the plane. In addition to this, you can also get the following (it is an indicative list only) on a flight as a carry-on and in checked luggage:
- Pocket knife
- Nail files
- Tweezers
- Cuticle pushers
- Nail clippers
- Small sewing machines
- Staplers
- Rotary cutters
Related items such as shaving razors can also be brought on air journeys.
Closing Remarks
Scissors are sharp, hence, many people get perplexed about whether they can bring them or not. Thankfully, you can bring small items below 4 inches in your carry-on bag, while bigger ones can be packed in the checked baggage – as per the latest TSA rules. However, you must check the destination-specific and airline-based rules for sharp items such as scissors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can bring scissors on a plane.
You must read, understand, and follow the rules mentioned by the TSA. Additionally, bringing scissors will be subject to extra safety checks and screening.
Passengers can bring small hair scissors on a plane. The recommended size for such a carry-on bag item is below 4 inches.
As per the latest rules of the TSA, passengers are allowed to keep scissors in their carry-on bags.
The maximum length of the scissors (from the pivot point) should not be more than 4 inches.
Yes, you can bring scissors with a plastic handle. However, you should securely pack it so that it does not damage other items.
The Transportation Security Administration has specific rules for sharp objects such as scissors. When you read and follow the same before packing anything that has certain rules applied to it, you can carry it.
A scissor with the following size/length can be brought on a plane:
For carry-on bag: below 4 inches
In checked baggage: 4 inches and more
Scissors with a length of 4 inches and more can be packed in your checked luggage.
Yes, almost all airlines follow the rules and regulations of the TSA. Hence, you can bring scissors on Delta Air or any other airline.
