Where can i find out if i can take my knitting on the plane?

Question

I am travelling to Japan next month, it is a long flight with a long stopover midway. I would like to take my knitting with me to keep me occupied.

I will be flying with BA from Newcastle to Heathrow, then with Srilanken Airlines from Heathrow to Columbo for a transfer then from Columbo to Narita again with SriLanken Air.

I have checked the Newcastle Airport website and Srilanken Air website and niether specifically prohibit knitting needles. Obviously i don't want to take it with me and then have it taken off me, so were else should i check? The travel agenent was a bit vague and unsure when i asked them.

Answer 1

You won't be able to take knitting needles on a plane. Even though you'd hardly be able to attack someone with them they're on airport security's list of forbidden items.

Answer 2

I was on a flight from Toronto to Denver last week and the woman across from me was knitting the whole time; her needles didn't appear to be that sharp though; they were these giant things roughly the size of drumsticks.

Answer 3

I would ring BA direct and see what they advise.  However, in this day and age I highly doubt that you would be able to take your knitting on board and that it would need to go in your suitcase as it is classed as a sharp item.

Questions you will be asked upon check in are-:

Are these your bags

Have you packed your own bags

Has anyone given you anything to carry on this flight

Have you got any sharp objects on you or in your hand baggage.

You will get sent to security by answering yes to any of these questions and you will be screened at every available security point.  

To avoid this then pop them in your suitcase!

Answer 4

You won't be able to knit.

As you go through security you will be obliged to drop your needles into a transparent box containing other sharp or forbidden objects, such as swiss army knives, razor blades, scissors and lighters.

The logic I guess, is that the needles could be used in the act of hijacking a plane.

Ridiculous, but true - your needles are considered a potential hazard to aviation. Presumably a 'terrorist' from some Islamic faction, who has decided to hijack the plane but forgotten his own equipment (or will assume  - were these regulations not in place - that he will wander the plane and be able to appropriate someone's paraphernalia) will use your needles in a valiant attempt to down the aircraft.

Answer 5

Resolved QuestionS

Am I allowed to bring knitting needles on a plane?

1 year ago

by Natalie M Member since:

September 29, 2006

Total points:

2209 (Level 3)



Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

You most definitely are allowed...it is specifically not on the banned list. Now, in times of heightened security, it can sometimes be at the airlines discretion, so it is always best to check, but as a general rule, yes they are allowed----if you're worried about it, bring wooden needles....and a padded, self addressed stamped envelope. If (and they really most likely will not) they do take them away, transfer your knitting to a spare piece of yarn and mail your needles back to yourself.

I've seen 2 people knitting on flights i've been on in the last 2 months, so please don't listen to all of these people who think they are so certain that the answer is no.

1 year ago

67% 2 Votes Report It Is this what you are searching for?Rating: Good Answer Rating: Bad Answer

Answer 6

Nothing sharp is allowed; but to be sure, it is best to call the airlines.  They usually have contact phone numbers in the country where you live.  

http://airtravel.about.com/cs/airlines/a...

Have a nice trip!

Answer 7

You won't be able to take the needles on the plane as they are sharp objects and could be used as a weapon.  You will just have to find something else to occupy your time.  Maybe some crossword puzzles or word finds if you like that kind of thing.  If you like to read bring a book along.  I'm sure you can think of something.  Good luck!

Answer 8

Phone BA and they are most helpful as it is in their interests. But I think you will find that you cannot board with the knitting needles.

Answer 9

Phone your travel agent or the airline.I doubt if they will let you tho.

Answer 10

You would need to contact both BA & Shri Lankan airlines to ask what their policy is. Make sure to get the names of anyone you speak to. I would also talk to someone from airport security at Heathrow and ask them what the policy is.

Personally I doubt you will be allowed to carry Knitting needles, but I wish you "Good Luck".