You’ve heard of TSA agents checking your bag before boarding a flight, but did you know that they also check your carry-on?
If you’re traveling with scissors or sharp objects, you might want to consider packing them in your checked baggage instead.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules regarding items that passengers can bring on board with them.
These include knives, guns, explosives, and even some kinds of sharp objects.
While these restrictions are meant to ensure passenger safety, they can sometimes cause problems for travelers who don’t realize they’re prohibited from bringing certain items onboard.
For example, TSA agents could confiscate your scissors because they are considered dangerous weapons.
In the article below, we have compiled some important information about traveling with scissors and sharp objects, so that you can prepare yourself for your next flight.
Overview
If you’re in a rush and don’t have time to read the entire article, then we have provided a condensed version of our answer in the section below:
Scissors are allowed in your carry-on if the blades are smaller than 4-inches from the pivot point.
If your scissor blades exceed this measurement, then they will need to be safely stored in your suitcase.
If you want to learn more about taking your scissors on a plane, then you will find more information in the following sections.
Can You Take Scissors Through TSA Checkpoint?
Before you can board a plane, you must go through the TSA checkpoint, where your carry-on will be searched for any prohibited items.
According to TSA guidelines, it is possible to take scissors through the checkpoint as long as the blades are no longer than 4-inches.
If your scissors exceed this measurement, then you won’t be able to store them in your carry-on, which means they will need to be stored in your checked suitcase.
If you prefer not to travel with a suitcase, then you will be asked to give the scissors to a partner or family member, who will then take the prohibited item home.
However, if you are unable to contact a friend or responsible person, then the TSA will confiscate the scissors and have them destroyed.
Can You Pack Scissors In Carry-On?
When it comes to packing scissors in your carry-on, you will need to consider certain factors first, such as the length of the blade.
In most cases, the TSA will not consider a small pair of scissors to be dangerous, which means you can take them on the plane with very few problems.
However, if you are traveling with a large pair of scissors, then you could risk having them confiscated by airport security, as large scissors are often classed as a dangerous weapon.
In fact, most sharp objects with a long blade could be used as a weapon, which is why the TSA confiscates them.
Other notable exclusions include: knives, box cutters, corkscrews, darts, ice picks, kirpans and cigar cutters.
Can You Pack Scissors In Checked Bags?
When it comes to packing scissors in your checked baggage, there are very few restrictions, as the items are not considered dangerous when stored in the hold.
However, this does not mean that there are no restrictions, as you will need to pack the scissors in a safe and controlled manner.
For example, we recommend that you cover the scissors with your clothes, to protect them in your suitcase.
This will also make it easier for the TSA agents to inspect the scissors without harming themselves.
If a passenger wants to pack a pair of scissors and other craft-related items in their suitcase, then this is allowed.
However, the scissors will need to remain in their checked baggage in accordance with TSA guidelines.
What Kind Of Scissors Can You Bring?
If you want to travel with a certain kind of scissors, then you will need to make sure that you research the TSA guidelines first.
In most cases, all scissors will be allowed on the plane as long as they meet the necessary requirements, such as length and placement.
For example, it is possible to take hairdresser shears in your carry-on, but only if they don’t exceed 4-inches.
If your scissors exceed this measurement, then they will need to be packed in your checked suitcase and stored in the hold.
In the section below, we have outlined the different scissors that you can take on the plane, as well as their respective restrictions:
| Scissors | Carry-On | Checked |
| Hair scissors | Yes – less than 4-inches | No restrictions |
| Cuticle scissors | Yes – less than 4-inches | No restrictions |
| Manicure scissors | Yes – less than 4-inches | No restrictions |
| Nail scissors | Yes – less than 4-inches | No restrictions |
| Kitchen shears | Yes – less than 4-inches | No restrictions |
| Garden shears | Yes – less than 4-inches | No restrictions |
| Weed pruners | Yes – less than 4-inches | No restrictions |
How To Pack Scissors When Flying?
When it comes to packing your scissors, you must make sure that they are stored safely in your carry-on suitcase.
You can do this by either purchasing a scissor sheath or a holder, which are specially made to stop scissors from damaging their surroundings.
However, it is also possible to pack your accessories in a small bag that can be stored in your suitcase.
This helps to protect the scissors and reduce any damage they could cause during transit.
It can also be seen as a polite gesture to the TSA agents, as it reduces the chances of harm during their inspections.
If you don’t want to travel with a pair of normal scissors, then you can purchase portable electric scissors instead.
Unlike normal scissors, these scissors have smaller blades, which means they can be stored in your carry-on or suitcase…
What Are The Best Scissors For Travel?
When traveling with scissors, it is best to purchase an inexpensive pair that are comfortable to use and will last a long time.
If you are looking for some recommendations, then we have provided a small selection of traveling scissors in the section below.
These scissors are ideal for taking on planes, as they do not exceed the 4-inch restriction and can be easily stored in your bags…
| Scissors | Length | Link |
| Fiskars 01-005434 travel folding scissors | 1.5-inches | Purchase here! |
| Pafason cutting scissors with protective cover | 3.5-inches | Purchase here! |
| Firiker 2pcs folding travel scissors | 1.13-inches | Purchase here! |
Final Thoughts
So, can you bring scissors on a plane? The answer is yes – all scissors are allowed on a plan in your checked suitcase.
However, if you want to pack the scissors in your carry-on, then the blades must not exceed 4-inches in length.
If you plan on storing your scissors in your suitcase or carry-on, you will need to make sure that they are packed correctly, so that it will be easier for TSA agents to inspect them without hurting their hands.
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