Can You Bring Safety Pins on a Plane?

When it comes to clothing and fashion, safety pins are one of the most essential accessories. Despite their small size, they can act as life savers in difficult situations and it is wise to carry them in your traveler’s kit. Where air travel is concerned, one should always comply with all the regulations to enjoy a hassle-free travel experience. If you are thinking of carrying safety pins on the plane, make sure to check the policies surrounding them.

This comprehensive guide will expand on the subject mentioned above and explore whether an individual can carry safety pins on a plane.

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, safety pins can be categorized as a sharp object and the agency has laid out some rules about items falling in that criteria.

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 (multipurpose 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), 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 dangerous, you can’t carry it forward. 

What are the TSA Rules Regarding Safety Pins

As seen above, TSA has defined very clear rules for carrying sharp objects on a plane. The question is whether these general rules apply to safety pins. Well, the TSA has regarded safety pins as a special case and allowed them on planes. Meaning, you can pack them in your carry-on baggage and checked luggage alike. 

Reasonably, any fair-minded person would be able to conclude that safety pins are sharp objects. By that standard, shouldn’t they be prohibited? After all, they are small metal items with a sharp point. 

The answer is no. Safety pins are not a security concern because the key term here is “small”. Despite being sharp, a standard-sized safety pin is arguably too small to cause any damage. One of the main things that is considered at the TSA checkpoint is the “potential danger” of an item. The officer will evaluate whether the item in question can be used as a weapon and employed to cause a threat. Since safety pins can be used for this purpose, they are allowed.

Ideally speaking, safety pins in your hand luggage won’t cause any trouble with the TSA officer and it won’t even trigger the x-ray machines during the screening process. You can’t expect this outcome if special circumstances are considered; a unique type of pin, large size, variation, etc.

Safety Pins in Carry-on Luggage

If you wish to pack safety pins as a carry-on item in your luggage; for quick access or whatever reasons, you can follow some measures to pack them safely. The TSA generally allows you to carry safety pins on a plane but the ultimate decision is at the TSA officer’s discretion. Individuals can avoid the risk of delays or additional screening by packing safety pins discreetly. The intention is not to hide but rather to aim for a secure package.

You can put them in a small container or keep them tied away, where they are not in danger to poke. This way, your luggage can be assessed quickly. 

Safety Pins in Checked Baggage

When it comes to checked luggage, you can easily tow away your safety pins in the bag. However, they may be difficult to navigate and access in emergencies if you haven’t packed them in an organized manner. You should always use little containers to save time. It is also a good idea to wrap your safety metal pins in a secure container so that inspectors are not hurt while screening your luggage. 

Considerations for International Flights

Much like other personal items such as bobby pins and button pins, safety pins are also considered safe to travel with. However, it is no surprise that the rules are stricter in 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 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. 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.

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 safety pins in close proximity 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 Safety Pins on an Airplane

If you are adamant about carrying safety pins with you, follow some of these best practices to ensure a smooth experience and stress-free process through the airport security checkpoints.

  • Note that decorative pins with intricate designs and metals attract more attention. Examples may include enamel pins, lapel pins, and button pins.
  • Consider packing large-sized pins in your checked bag rather than carry-on luggage.
  • Pack the items appropriately and use small containers.
  • Pack properly to avoid accidents.
  • Don’t carry large amounts as it will trigger the machines and evoke suspicion.
  • 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. 
  • 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 safety pins on a plane, 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 agent and you can always be asked to make some changes. While you have the freedom to carry your desired items with you, sometimes you may need to follow extra rules for the safety of all passengers. Either way, it works out in the end!

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

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