Your Guide To TSA Crochet Hooks Rules

With all the waiting and sitting when traveling by plane, it makes sense that you would like to do something you enjoy, such as crochet.

A common question when traveling crocheters is, "Can I bring crochet hooks on an airplane? The answer is yes, although there are some considerations to keep in mind. Read on to learn more.

There are other tools used in crochet you might wonder about such as scissors. That's covered as well.

I've put together this guide to make sure you don't have your crochet hooks confiscated when going through airport security.

Table of Contents
Are crochet hooks allowed on airplanes?
Can you bring metal crochet hooks on an airplane?
Are bamboo crochet hooks better?
Can you bring scissors on an airplane?
Southwest Airlines does not allow crochet hooks?
Traveling Abroad
Best crochet hooks for airplane travel
Useful travel tips for crocheters
Final Thoughts
Can I bring a crochet hook on an airplane?
Yes, you can take crochet hooks on airplanes within the United States....:

Crochet hooks

Carrier bags: Yes

Tested bags: Yes

This means you can take crochet hooks on the plane with you in your carry-on and checked luggage. Happy days! It pays to wrap your crochet hooks in a cloth backing as the TSA specifically adds:

Any sharp objects in checked bags must be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and screeners.

Have your hooks wrapped in carry-on bags as well in case a TSA agent needs to check your items.

It is important to note that there is a warning on the TSA website stating:

The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether to allow an item through the checkpoint.

Of course, there is a risk that a TSA officer may decide that your hooks cannot pass through the security checkpoint. Following the tips below should help.

Don't take your most precious or expensive hooks in your carry-on luggage, just in case. Put them in your checked luggage.

Can you bring Metal crochet hooks on a plane?
I've read accounts on craft forums where crocheters had no problems with bringing metal/wooden or plastic crochet hooks on planes within the United States.

It seems to rarely be a problem if you are traveling in the US, but it can be if you are traveling outside the US.

Place your metal crochet hooks in your checked luggage when traveling outside the US.

Are bamboo crochet hooks better?
From my research, if you are traveling outside the U.S., it is best to carry bamboo hooks with you in your carry-on bag. Place them with pens in a compartment in your bag or in a pencil box as you go through a security checkpoint.

Southwest Airlines does not allow crochet hooks?
Southwest Airlines Domestic flights within the United States allow crochet hooks on board the aircraft. They follow TSA guidelines for what you can bring on the plane.

If you are traveling to an international destination with Southwest Airlines, it is best to place your metal hooks in your checked bags for your flight back to the United States.

Other tools used for crocheting
Thread cutter

Circular thread cutters such as the Clover thread cutter or others with blades should be placed in your checked bags.

Scissors

For carry-on bags, scissors should be blunt, and blades no longer than 4"/10 cm from the pivot point. If you have longer scissors, place them in your checked luggage.

Make sure your travel scissors or safety scissors, also known as kindergarten style, conform to these rules.
A good alternative to scissors is a small pair of nail clippers.

Dental floss can also do the trick for cutting thread. Dental floss has a small blade inside that you can use to cut thread.

Sewing needles

You can bring sewing needles in your carry-on bag or checked bags. I would leave them in your checked luggage, doing any finishing is annoying on a plane.

As for notions, it's best to have a small notions kit for traveling. It's helpful to have everything in one place. All your crochet tools like stitch markers, yarn needles, tape measure, etc. can be kept in one convenient place.

This means you don't have to search for it once you're on the plane and having it all together is easier for agents.

Traveling outside the United States
Mexico

Knitting needles and crochet hooks are only allowed in checked bags. Do not carry them in your carry-on bag.

Canada

Knitting needles and crochet hooks of any size and type (e.g. plastic, aluminum, bamboo) are allowed in carry-on or checked bags.

Australia

There used to be a restriction on knitting needles and crochet hooks on a plane in Australia, but this has since been removed. You may place them in your checked bags or carry them on board.

UK)

You can take your crochet hooks in your carry-on baggage on flights within the UK and in your checked baggage.

European Union (EU)

On their list of prohibited items is the following:

...tools with a blade or shaft longer than 6 cm capable of being used as a weapon, such as screwdrivers and chisels.

Do not take any metal crochet hooks on board and store them in checked bags. It is best to have bamboo or plastic hooks.

Specifically discussed scissors (no longer than 6 cm / 2.3" measured from the fulcrum) are allowed. Small handmade scissors with blunt tips are a good idea or small nail clippers.

France

It is strictly forbidden to take crochet hooks on an airplane in France. They must be registered.

Of course, it is always best to check with the country's policies before traveling.

Best crochet hooks for traveling on airplanes
Addi Comfort Grip crochet hooks
Addi Comfort Grip® crochet hooks
Addi ® Comfort Grip hook, with color-coded plastic handles for easy organization. Perfect for those looking for a comfortable grip. The head has a glossy finish, a rounded lip and a rounded groove.

Available in: U.S. A (2mm), B (2.5mm), C (3mm), D (3.25mm), E (3mm), 3.75mm, F (4mm), G (4.5mm), H (5mm), I (5.5mm) and J (6mm).

Pro

Good for stitches requiring load. The shaft is long enough for them.
Disadvantage

No thumb rest
Click for more information / Buy on Amazon
London Kaye Hook Set
London-Kaye-Kaye-hook-set-of-Lion-Brand
An unusual design where the handle is twisted but has been created for comfort. These are ideal for large bulky yarns and projects such as hats, scarves and afghans, pet beds and mats.

Set includes:

Small - 9 MM (Green)
Medium - 11.5 MM (Pink)

Large - 20 MM (Blue)
Pro

Lightweight plastic feels comfortable to hold
Easy to crochet with bulky yarns
Does not tire the wrist when worn for long periods of time
Disadvantage

Some users found a rough nub on the small hook
Yarn does not slide as easily
Consult price at Lion Brand
Lion Brand Plastic Hooks
Lion brand plastic hooks set of 6
Includes sizes F-5, G-6, H-8, I-9, J-10 and K-10½. Each hook is marked by size. Made of plastic. Set of six hooks.

Pro

Made of plastic
Inexpensive
Comfortable to hold and use
Slides through the thread
Disadvantage

Thinner hooks might be a little bendy
Check price at Leon brand
Helpful travel tips for crocheters
Travel rules and allowed items are subject to change; although this list is accurate for now, new rules may go up at any time. Always check country and airline requirements before flying.

Here's a helpful tip: consider taking a padded mailing envelope and a sheet of stamps with you when you travel. So on the off chance that your hooks are going to be confiscated, you can send your package home yourself!

There are a few tips you can use to make sure you have an easy trip with your crochet.

Think about how long you will be able to crochet during your trip. Taking your last crochet afghan is probably not the best option.

Be prepared for small projects like hats and take the yarn needed which should only be a couple of balls. It helps to have a zippered bag for all your supplies.

Know your pattern and have a backup of it. You may not have wifi. If your pattern is online, download the pdf or print out a physical copy to take with you.

It is also best to have a few rows of your pattern started by the time you arrive at the airport.

Transportation security management agents are less likely to throw away your crochet needle if they see you are working on something and not just harboring sharp objects.

It's best to only bring something you don't mind losing. Don't bring your favorite set of hooks. It's not worth it.

Final Thoughts.
Do your research before you go on your trip. Going through airport security can be stressful, make it easy on yourself so there are no problems.

At the end of the day, you can't control what security will allow you to fly through. But with these travel tips and tricks, you have a very good chance of enjoying a craft-filled and relaxing flight.

It's best to follow the rules and have no dramas. Sitting in airports for hours and hours of flight time can be exhausting.