Can I Take Needles on a Plane? Travel Guide - LocalNomads: Free Digital Nomad Guides, Tips & Guidance

Needles are one of the many miscellaneous items that are the object of confusion. When it comes to air travel, you must pack properly and carefully in order to enjoy a smooth experience and hassle-free journey. Since there is a lot of doubt regarding the carriage of needles on a plane, the TSA has defined comprehensive rules. These regulations are in place to cater to safety concerns and prevent security threats.

This guide will discuss whether you can take needles on a plane and how you can do it. Keep reading to learn all the essentials before your flight.

What are the TSA Policies on Carrying Sharp Objects

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is a United States government agency that is mainly concerned with safe passage in air travel. Since the TSA is responsible for screening luggage and protecting the transportation system, they have introduced various rules about what can and can not be carried. Typically, needles can be categorized as a sharp object and the agency has laid out some rules about items falling in that category.

The authorities have established safety measures for carrying sharp items in your luggage. For instance, an individual can not travel with sharp objects in their carry-on baggage. Multi-tools (multipurpose tools) with knives of any length are prohibited in carry-ons, but you can carry them in your checked baggage. In contrast, Multi-tools with scissors less than 4 inches may be placed in hand luggage. Since sharp objects can be turned into a weapon of offense and produce potential threats, these restrictions are in place to ensure safe air travel for all the passengers (Including yourself), cabin crew members, flight attendants, and everyone else.

In simple words, we can establish that TSA guidelines regarding sharp objects are solely in place to prevent potential damage. The final decision rests with the TSA agent concerned with your case. They are skilled individuals who are trained to spot potential security threats. If the TSA security officer deems an object to be one of the “dangerous goods”, you can’t carry it forward.

What are the TSA Regulations Regarding Needles

As for needles specifically, the TSA allows it in both carry-on luggage and checked baggage. However, you must comply with the rules.

Needles allowed in carry-on baggage

Sewing needles: needles used for sewing purposes are considered to be “tools” and they are allowed in hand luggage. Hand-sewing and machine needles are permitted. However, passengers can not carry other sewing tools such as circular thread cutters, rotary cutters, or large scissors in their carry-on bag.
Knitting needles: knitting supplies such as needlepoint tools and crochet hooks are allowed as well. Generally, you can bring any size or material in the aircraft cabin.
Small scissors: Scissors that have blades exceeding the 4 inch limit are prohibited as carry-on items.
Medical needles: Medical devices and prescription needles such as injection, epipen, or injectable medication are allowed as well. If you have any medical reasons, you can bring appropriate material and needles in your carry-on regardless of size. Unused syringes are permitted, but they must have a prescription label and they should be declared at the airport security checkpoint. They must also be accompanied by the prescription medication that they are intended for.

It may be a good idea to have a medical practitioner write a prescription or doctor’s note for your medical needles as it will streamline the process.

Needles in Checked Baggage

Knitting needles: Crochet and knitting tools including needles and hooks of any size and material can be carried in the checked luggage. You must sheath the tools with sharp edges, but other than that, any type of needle is allowed in checked-in bags.
Circular thread cutters: thread cutters of any size can be carried in checked bags.
Scissors: unlike in carry on luggage, scissors with blades longer than 4 inches are allowed in checked baggage.
Medical items: you can also pack medical supplies that consist of needles and injection pens in your checked bags.

Considerations for International Flights

Much like other personal use items such as bobby pins and safety pins, needles are also considered safe to travel with. However, it is no surprise that there are additional restrictions for international travel. The regulations are less lenient than domestic flights and global policies should be accounted for.

With that in mind, you should take additional measures to ensure a safe package. You should always take a quick look at the list of prohibited items in your final destination; you never know what a country may require. You should also check your specific airline policies on their official website just to be sure.

Airport security personnel will be suspicious of your luggage if it has unusual items or quantities. For instance, a large amount of metal (even if it’s small in size individually) alone can set off the X-ray machines and metal detectors. While an unlimited number of unused syringes are allowed and there is no restriction on the quantity, only reasonable amounts should be carried. Not unless you have a good reason.

Lay overs

In case you have connecting flights and layovers, check the gov websites of each country and comply with their regulations to experience a smooth journey. Keep your metal needles nearby so you can remove them, should a problem occur. Make sure to remember that TSA agents have the final say in this matter, so when you are going through the security check of a connecting flight, you should follow the same measures. Additionally, just because one agent and airline allowed it does not guarantee that others will, too.

Tips for Carrying Needles on an Airplane

If you are adamant about carrying needles with you, follow some of these best practices to ensure a stress-free process through the airport screening points.

Remember that unused syringes must be taken alongside injectable medicine on a plane, meaning the content the needle is intended for.
Consider packing large-sized sewing tools in your checked bag rather than carry-on luggage.
Pack the items appropriately and use small containers. This can keep small sewing needles in one place and prevent unwanted problems.
Pack properly to avoid accidents; needles should be packed securely because of sharp edges and their potential to nick unattentive fellow passengers and screening officers.
Don’t carry large amounts as it will trigger the machines and evoke suspicion during the security process.
You can use clear plastic bags and pouches to store them.
Be prepared to remove them if the TSA agent requires you to.
Pack them safely in checked luggage so baggage handlers won’t have accidents.
In case you have a medical condition that requires the use of needles, make sure to label them properly, mentioning their content and purpose.
If you want to aid the security screening process, consider bringing a prescription, medical certificate, or signed doctor’s letter that entails the necessity of the needle.
Consider the customs and laws of your destination.
Check the specific airline policies.
Be more cautious when international travel is concerned.
Politely respond to the TSA officer if they have any queries or requests.

Final Thoughts

Now that we have discussed whether you can bring needles via air travel, it’s safe to say that the TSA has strict yet flexible rules regarding luggage. It is important to note that the ultimate decision is up to the TSA officer and you can always be asked to make some changes. While you have the freedom to carry your tools with you, sometimes you may need to follow extra rules. Either way, it shouldn’t be too difficult to carry needles. As long as you check airline policies and comply, you are good to go!

We hope this article answered your questions and helped you understand how you can carry needles with you. If you have any further queries or lingering doubts, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.