Can you pack a pocket knife in checked luggage? Yes, absolutely; however, this can only happen if you are a military personnel. And even if you are a military personnel, you have limitations. As a frequent traveler, I’ve been through airport security multiple times.
I know how to pack my bags so they make it through the scanner without being confiscated. But what about pocket knives?
Are they allowed on airplanes? Can you pack a pocket knife in checked luggage? Yes! In this article, we’ll talk about what happens if the TSA finds something sharp in your bag and how to avoid it—plus everything else you need to know about traveling with a pocket knife.
By now, you’ve probably heard of the new rules prohibiting the carriage of pocket knives in checked luggage on an airplane. Many people aren’t aware that if they comply with TSA standards while packing a pocket knife, they can actually pack a pocket knife in their checked luggage.
If you’re a good traveler who learned to follow the rules, then you know that all knives are prohibited in carry-ons and checked baggage on commercial flights. But what if I told you there are some rules in place that allow you to bring a pocket knife onto the plane? Read on to find out how.
Can you pack a pocket knife in checked luggage?
Yes, you can pack a pocket knife in your checked luggage. However, it must be in a locked, hard-sided case, and the blade cannot be longer than 2.36 inches; otherwise, it will be considered a bladed weapon and is not allowed on an airplane.
Pocket knives that have folding blades are also not permitted in checked luggage because they could break open during flight due to pressure changes or slip out of their sheaths if the bag is dropped or handled roughly by baggage handlers.
Also keep in mind that knives with locking mechanisms are not permitted in carry-on bags either—even if they’re kept closed throughout your trip—because TSA agents will need to inspect them before you board so they can confirm the blade doesn’t exceed 2.36 inches long (and then measure it).
If you’re traveling with a knife, make sure that it’s not a switchblade or spring-assisted knife—these are illegal in many states, and even if they weren’t, they’re still not allowed in checked luggage. You should also remove any screws from the handle of your knife so agents can easily open and inspect it without damaging anything.
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5 tips to keep in mind
- Are pocket knives legal to take on an airplane?
- What happens if a pocket knife is found in checked luggage?
- What if I have a multi-tool in my checked luggage?
- Can I take a Swiss Army knife on a plane?
- What are the TSA rules around pocket knives?
Are pocket knives legal to take on an airplane?
The short answer is yes; pocket knives are legal to take on an airplane. This may come as a surprise because you probably associate pocket knives with dangerous or illegal activities.
such as stabbing someone or opening a box of Red Vines in the middle of your living room—but it’s true! However, there are some caveats and rules you need to be aware of before packing one in your checked luggage.
For instance, the TSA has specific regulations concerning the length and size of knives allowed on planes (or in any type of checked baggage).
These regulations vary depending on whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally (and sometimes even within different parts of the country), so make sure you check with them before packing that switchblade into your baggie.
Generally speaking, a knife must be shorter than 7″ overall (including both handles) and less than 2.36 inches sharpened at its widest point to pass muster;
These restrictions apply regardless of whether it’s carried onto airplanes as carry-on baggage or packed inside checked bags. But some knives that meet the size requirement may still be prohibited in carry-on bags because they have other features that make them illegal to carry on a plane.
Knives with locking blades, blades that open automatically, or fixed blades longer than 2.36 inches are prohibited in carry-on bags. Knives with folding blades that do not lock into place are allowed in carry-ons as long as they do not have a locking mechanism.
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What happens if a pocket knife is found in checked luggage?
If TSA confiscates the item, they’ll give you a receipt. If the pocket knife is confiscated, you may be fined between $500 and $1,500 or even arrested.
You may also be detained at the airport while the authorities try to figure out what to do with you. If your pocket knife is discovered in checked luggage, it will likely be confiscated and destroyed by TSA officers.
If the pocket knife is found in checked luggage, TSA officers will likely take it away and destroy it. You could also face further consequences depending on how many people are injured as a result of carrying a concealed weapon in a place where they were not authorized to carry it (like an airplane).
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What if I have a multi-tool in my checked luggage?
The TSA has a very specific definition of a multi-tool. According to their guidelines, multi-tools are allowed in checked and carry-on luggage. Multi-tools that have blades over 2 inches long and can be opened with one hand are not allowed in checked luggage; however, these can be placed in your carry-on bag.
Multi-tools that have blades over 2 inches long and can be opened with one hand are not allowed in checked luggage; however, these can be placed in your carry-on bag. To avoid confusion, it’s best to pack your multi-tool in your carry-on bag rather than check it!
If you are flying with a multi-tool, you should follow the TSA’s guidelines. The items must be packed in your checked luggage and are allowed as long as they are not sharp.
The TSA website says: “Scissors that are less than 4 inches and have blunt tips are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags.” So, if your multi-tool has scissors with blunt ends, you should be able to take it on board with you.
If your tool has knife blades that are less than 2.36 inches (i.e., smaller than a credit card), then it should also be allowed on board.
The TSA website also states: “Knives with blades that lock into place when unfolded or folded are prohibited.” Knives with clear plastic or commercially manufactured (molded) clear or transparent handles are also prohibited.
Can I take a Swiss Army knife on a plane?
Swiss army knives are a great tool to have at your disposal when traveling, as they can be used for many purposes. However, there are some restrictions about what you can pack in your checked luggage and what should go into carry-on bags that you should know about ahead of time.
In the US, it is best to check with your airline before packing knives in your checked luggage. Some airlines will not allow knives to be carried on planes.
While others may allow small knives such as Swiss army knives or pocketknives but not bigger ones like hunting knives, It is best to check with your airline before packing knives in your checked luggage.
In the UK, Swiss army knives are allowed on planes. However, there is a limit on how many blades can be in the knife. This means that if your knife (or any other tool) has more than three blades, it will be considered a dangerous item and will not be permitted on airplanes.
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What are the TSA rules around pocket knives?
The TSA exists to help ensure the safety of passengers and crew on domestic flights. Their rules are different for each airline, but generally speaking, pocket knives with blades shorter than four inches can be packed in checked luggage.
The following airlines allow knives in checked luggage: Delta, Southwest, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.
The following airports allow knives in checked luggage: Chicago O’Hare International Airport; Dallas Fort Worth International Airport; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); Miami International Airport (MIA).
New York JFK International Airport; Newark Liberty International Airport; Portland International Airport; San Francisco International Airport (SFO); Seattle-Tacoma International Airport; and Washington Dulles International Airport
FAQ
1. Are pocket knives allowed on planes?
Avoid taken any kind of sharp object into your carry-on or check-in bags.
2. Do you have to declare knives in checked luggage?
Yes if possible do so.
3. Can I bring a knife in my checked baggage?
It is always prohibited my many airliners, I think is not wise bringing one.
4. Can I bring a pocket knife on a plane?
Don’t do that if you don’t want to be delayed.
Conclusion
There are some exceptions to the TSA’s rules on knives, but they’re pretty limited. If you want to take your pocket knife with you on a plane, it will have to go in your carry-on bag. However, there are some things you should keep in mind:
The TSA only allows folding knives under 4 inches long and blades that are less than 2 inches in length (or half of their overall length). So if you have an extra-large folding knife or multi-tool that won’t fit into any of these categories, then it’s best not to bring them at all!
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