How to Pack Knives & Sharp Objects in Your Checked Luggage

Download Article

Follow these regulations to fly with your knives safely

Co-authored by Amy Tan and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: August 18, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Packing Knives Safely

|

Can knives go through TSA?

|

TSA Rules for Sharp Objects

|

Video

|

Tips

If you want to bring a knife with you on your next trip, you can easily pack it in a checked bag on your flight. You’re allowed to travel with knives in a checked bag, but it’s important to store them properly to prevent injuries and keep the blade safe. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through all the security precautions to take, plus what other sharp items you can and can’t travel with.

Things You Should Know

Knives are allowed on checked bags. Just put the knife in its sheath or wrap it in bubble wrap and packing paper before putting it in your bag.
You cannot bring any knives through TSA in a carry-on unless they have blunt, non-serrated edges or are made of plastic.
Pocket knives, Swiss army knives, and utility knives must be packed in checked baggage.

Section 1 of 3:

Safely Packing Knives in Checked Luggage

Download Article

1
Sheathe or wrap your knife securely. If your knife came with a sheath, put it on before packing the blade so it doesn’t injure anyone.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source

U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

Go to source} If you don’t have a sheath, wrap the blade in a towel or bubble wrap. Then, securely wrap a few layers of packing paper around the package.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- There isn’t a restriction on blade length when you pack a knife in a checked bag.
- While the TSA allows any type of knife in a checked bag, make sure to check customs restrictions for countries you’re traveling to internationally.
- Label the knife’s package so any airline security immediately recognizes what’s inside. That way, they’ll be more careful handling the package as well.
When you drop your bag off at the check-in counter at the airport, let the attendant know there is a knife inside. They’ll relay the information to ensure baggage handlers and inspectors stay safe.

Section 2 of 3:

Can knives go through TSA in a carry-on bag?

Download Article

No, all sharp knives are prohibited from carry-on bags. Blades of any size with pointed or sharp edges are only allowed in checked baggage. This includes box cutters, pocket knives, Swiss army knives, and utility knives.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source

U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

Go to source}
- Blades that have blunt, non-serrated edges or are made from plastic are allowed on your carry-on bag.

Section 3 of 3:

TSA Rules for Sharp Objects

Download Article

Utensils like forks and spoons are allowed in either checked bags or carry-ons, no matter what they’re made from.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source

U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

Go to source}
2
Scissors If your scissors have blades shorter than 4 inches (10 cm), then you can bring them through TSA on a carry-on. If they’re any larger, put them in a checked bag instead.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source

U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

Go to source}
- If you have scissors in a carry-on, let TSA officers know before you go through security.
- Sheathe or wrap scissors in a checked bag to prevent any injuries.
If your multi-tool doesn’t have a blade, then you can bring it in a carry-on or checked bag. If the tool has scissors longer than 4 inches (10 cm) or any knives at all, then you can only bring it in a checked bag.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source

U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

Go to source}
Normal disposable razors for shaving are allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. Just make sure the blade is covered.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source

U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

Go to source}
5
Swords Even if your sword has a blunt edge, it’s only allowed on a plane in a checked bag. Keep swords sheathed or wrapped in protective layers to prevent injuries.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source

U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

Go to source}
- Inform the airline attendant when you check your bag that it contains a sword so any handlers stay safe.
- Even foam toy swords are not allowed on planes unless they’re in a checked bag.^{[9]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  U.S. Transportation Security Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
  
  Go to source}
Tools with sharp edges or heavy parts, like saws or hammers, are only allowed in checked bags. However, screwdrivers and wrenches shorter than 7 inches (18 cm) are allowed in carry-ons.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source

U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

Go to source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

TSA agents have the final say on what’s allowed through security checkpoints, so they may prohibit any items that could be considered dangerous.^{[11]
X
Trustworthy Source

U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

Go to source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0