Or crochet hooks? What about tapestry needles or small scissors?
I get this question frequently. I also flew recently so I did some research to make sure nothing was confiscated. This is what I learned.
The short answer is 'Maybe' and 'It depends'. The factors that influence this are where you are flying (because every country has it's own rules), and who is screening your carry on.
If you are flying in Canada, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) says this about needles and hooks:
Knitting needles and crochet hooks of any size and made from any type of material (e.g. plastic, aluminum, bamboo) are permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.
(https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/what-can-bring/item/knitting-needles-and-crochet-hooks)
and this about scissors:
Small scissors with blades measuring 6 cm (2.4 in.) or less, measured from the joint - or fulcrum - to the tip, are permitted in carry-on. Scissors with longer blades are permitted in checked baggage.
(https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/what-can-bring/item/scissors)
and this about sewing needles:
Sewing kits containing small sewing needles: Permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage.
(https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/what-can-bring/item/sewing-kits-containing-small-sewing-needles)
If your travel plans mean that you have a connection which will require another security check, you'll need to check the regulations for that country too. So for example, if you journey is such that you will need to go through security in the United States, you can see their regulations and guidelines here:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all
(Tip - you can bring your knitting needles and crochet hooks on their flights too).
If you are vacationing in Mexico, they are specifically prohibited. So you can fly down with them from Canada, but must check them for the return flight.
I have found the easiest way to check this is to enter the name of the airport your are flying from and knitting needles (or crochet hooks, or whatever you are checking about) in a search engine (eg. Heathrow knitting needles) and see what their rules are. Since rules and regulations change, I'd recommend checking this before every flight - just to be sure.
And lastly, but perhaps most importantly, in most places
The final decision rests with the screening officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.
So there you go. Take the time to check the regulations for your destination and have a great trip. And remember that even if you do everything right, your screening officer may still refuse to let something through.
Bon Voyage!
