Knitting on a Plane

I did a bit of research before I flew with my knitting.  The last thing I wanted was to have them take my expensive needles at the security check point.  In case you are interested in flying with your nice knitting needles and other supplies, here's what I found during my research.

The TSA allows transport of knitting needles and needlepoint items.  Specifically, they state the following on their website:   TSA Regulations on Knitting Needles

Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage.  Items needed to pursue a Needlepoint project are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage with the exception of circular thread cutters or any cutter with a blade contained inside which cannot go through the checkpoint and must go in your checked baggage.

I printed the regulation pages for knitting needles and nail clippers that I use for scissors, link below, and put those in my travel knitting kit. 

I find it very relaxing knitting on the plane, especially the long flights.  I'll post my finished project from my flight back to Nashville from Kauai in the next couple of days.  I've met quite a few knitters (passengers and flight attendants) during my travels.  During a flight back from NYC, I found that an American flight attendant was a knitter and a new Nashvillian.  I gave her the name of my favorite Local Yarn Store (LYS) Haus of Yarn so she would be able to keep her stash up. 

My travel knitting bag contains these items:

1. Addi-Click circular knitting needle kit, size 4 through 15.  The kit also contains a needle sizing template.
2. Selected sizes of straight bamboo needles in an Art Bin case.  The needles are held together, to keep them from rattling around, with spiral needle holders.
3. Retractable measuring tape - 60"
4. Stitch markers - I prefer the pin style that can be removed after knitting.  These are more versatile for me.
5. Tapestry needle - Clover bent tip
6. Yarn for at least two projects
7. Project patterns, if needed
8. Ziploc baggies - gallon and quart sizes.  I keep my yarn (center pull) in a gallon bag and use the yarn from the bag when I'm knitting.  This also keeps the yarn clean and organized into projects.
9. Nail clippers (scissor replacement) to clip yarn.  I put my knitting scissors in my checked luggage - TSA Regulations on Nail Clippers - See Items permitted in aircraft cabins
10. Small Notebook
11. Mechanical Pencil and Permanent Pen
12. Latest knitting magazine for light reading
13. Sticky notes
14. Printed TSA regulation pages for knitting needles and nail clippers

Happy knitting and I hope these links to the TSA regulations are helpful.  Leave me a comment with your travel knitting experiences.