Are you allowed to take knitting needles on a plane?
It's the burning question wondered by many a knitter as they prepare for their next holiday: "Can I take knitting needles on a plane?" Annoyingly it's a bit like asking, "How long is a piece of string?", as the answer depends on a few things, namely where are you flying from and who are you flying with.
If you're going to be sitting on a flight for a good few hours, getting in some extra work on your latest knitting project is a great way to pass the time. Plus, having your favourite hobby on hand is a great way to help you relax on holiday. But knitting needles are considered sharp objects and, as such, they may be subject to additional screening or even confiscation if they are deemed unsafe for air travel.
It's important to note that regulations may vary depending on the airline and destination, so it's always best to check with your airline or airport before packing your knitting supplies. This includes the rules of the country you're flying to as they may different to the UK, especially for the return flight.
UK airport and airline rules on knitting needles
According to the official rules set out by the UK government, knitting needles are permitted in carry-on luggage for all flights departing from airports within the United Kingdom.
Similarly, if you think you may need scissors to cut your yarn, the UK government says small scissors with blades no longer than 6cm are permitted in both hand luggage and hold luggage.
However, just because there is no law saying that knitting needles (or other items like scissors) aren't allowed, it doesn't mean that all airports and airlines will permit them to be taken on the plane in your hand luggage.
The advice below was correct at the time of publication, but it's important to check the rules at the airport you are flying from first before then checking whether the airline you are flying with allows knitting needles in cabin luggage.
UK airport rules
Here's what some of the UK airports say regarding taking knitting needles on a plane.
Gatwick Airport will let passengers go through security with knitting needles or crochet hooks in both their hand luggage and bags that are going in the hold.
Heathrow Airport allows you to take knitting needles into the cabin with your hand luggage and also allows them in hold luggage.
Luton Airport follows the rules set out by the UK government and allows you to have knitting needles and crochet hooks in both hand and hold luggage.
Stansted Airport will not allow knitting needles in hand luggage to go through security, but they can be stored in your hold luggage.
Newcastle Airport states that knitting needles will not be allowed in hand luggage.
Birmingham International Airport says that knitting needles, including bamboo, crochet hooks and sewing needles are allowed in hand luggage.
Edinburgh Airport permits knitting needles in your hand luggage.
Belfast Airport allows knitting needles to go through security and on board in your hand luggage.
UK airline rules
Unless a UK airline specifically states that they do allow knitting needles to be taken in hand luggage, is it best to assume that they fall under the category of being a prohibited item as per the "objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury" rule.
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Aer Lingus all confirm on their websites that they do allow knitting needles to be taken in hand luggage.
As with most travel rules and regulations, it's best to check with your airline before you fly for confirmation of the most up-to-date information.
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