pickled_cotton ([info]pickled_cotton) wrote in [info]cross_stitch,
@ 2007-09-13 08:44:00
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Current location:at my desk in the basement - at work
Entry tags:travel

Very specific "stuff on airplane" question
Hi everyone,

I know this question came up not far back, but I wasn't sure of the answer after reading the posts.

I am working on a baby birth record for a baby who is going to come early... she was due 10/7, but the doctors seem to think she's going to be over 10 pounds by then, so the latest they'll let Danielle go is 10/2.

I am going on a business trip the last week in September and if I can't bring it with me, I don't have a chance of finishing.

Obviously, I have the needle, but I also have a pair of scissors, which are sharp, and don't have blunted ends.

If they won't allow the scissors, I can probably make due with my nail clippers, but if the needle goes, I'm out of luck. I'll be in a business hotel in Dallas with no transportation, and they may stock scissors or sharp-type things, but I doubt crafting needles. :)

Think I should try for the needle but leave the scissors at home? I'm carrying everything on... I travel light... so I won't have any checked baggage.

Thanks in advance!


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[info]courtaine
2007-09-13 12:56 pm UTC (link)
Here is a link to the TSA list of permitted and prohibited items. (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm)

In short, you are fine with sharp embroidery scissors as long as they are under four inches in length. I have traveled with my embroidery inside the US several times this year. Like you, I like to travel light so it has always been carry-on and I have never been stopped because of my embroidery scissors. Embroidery needles are not considered a threat so you can pack them with you without fear.

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[info]pickled_cotton
2007-09-13 01:16 pm UTC (link)
Perfect! I'm not sure how long they are, but I can measure them. They're probably right around four inches. Thanks so much!

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[info]xinef
2007-09-13 01:54 pm UTC (link)
I have had a pair of embroidery scissors with blades well under 4 inches confiscated, so I'd warn not to take the scissors. Never any question about the needles in Canada, USA, Italy or Germany.

Re the scissors, I bought a pair of inexpensive baby nail cutting scissors. Sharp, but with nicely rounded points. Good enough for cutting thread, and I don't need to cut cloth when I'm travelling. Those have never been questioned. I also have a couple of pairs of folding scissors which fit into my coin purse.

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[info]tenthz
2007-09-13 01:16 pm UTC (link)
I traveled with my sewing quite a bit and never had any problems. My scissors are really sharp, but are under the 4" rule.

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[info]lonestardawn
2007-09-13 01:18 pm UTC (link)
I have flown 4 times this summer and not had a problem with embroidery needles on the plane. I did pack some extra needles and my scissors in my checked luggage just in case. Instead of scissors on the plane, I carried on my dental floss container and used the cutter thingy in that to cut the floss. It works like a charm and there isn't any problem with carrying that on. Good luck with finishing in time for the birth!

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[info]bethct
2007-09-13 01:41 pm UTC (link)
I flew with my stitching a few months ago with no problems. I probably had about 3 or 4 needles with me, hidden in various places and none were confiscated, no one said anything to me about them! One thing I do suggest is to get a pair of folding scissors. I got mine at JoAnn - the blades fold up into the handles and they are blunt - and only about an inch long.... Very easy to travel with and only about $3 so if I lose them, I don't care...
Good luck!!

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[info]tramissa
2007-09-13 01:42 pm UTC (link)
In the community info page, under the FAQ section, there is a link to this post - http://community.livejournal.com/cross_stitch/270519.html

May help?

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[info]delqc
2007-09-13 01:46 pm UTC (link)
I've seen stork embroidery scissors (under 4" I think) be confiscated, so I would be wary of bringing scissors with you that you are not prepared to lose.

I've never had a problem flying with sewing needles. Usually I cut some lengths of floss before I go, or else bring my clover thread cutter pendant with me.

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[info]waya
2007-09-13 03:39 pm UTC (link)
I love my thread cutter pendant. I also have a similar gadget with a little teddy bear on it that clips to a pocket.

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[info]ceshkaravenstar
2007-09-13 02:02 pm UTC (link)
I have seen thread cutters recently at all the major craft stores around here, they look nothing like scissors, actually can be worn as a pendant, they have a sharp cutting edge, but it is protetected. I would imagine this would be a good bet.

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[info]crwilley
2007-09-13 02:25 pm UTC (link)
These are actually specifically prohibited, because there's a razor blade inside them.

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[info]obsidianchaos
2007-09-13 02:18 pm UTC (link)
I took a pair of folding scissors (the ones linked from JoAnn's) with me when I traveled within the last year, & never was questioned once about them. =)

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[info]crwilley
2007-09-13 02:26 pm UTC (link)
Go to your local OfficeMegaMart. Buy a pair of the plastic-handled scissors with rounded tips that they issue first-graders. It will cost you a couple bucks, you won't be sentimentally attached to them if something goes wrong, and they cut floss just as well as expensive embroidery scissors.

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[info]bloodtears1
2007-09-13 02:45 pm UTC (link)
On the needle side, alot of places (hotels and business places, convenience stores, etc) with stock a cheap "clothes mending" type kit. It comes usually with a few lenths of thread, a button or two that matches nothing and, a needle for those emergency dropped hems. The kit is usually cheap and available all over the place. Thus, should you ever be stuck anywhere without a needle, or have your needle break, you can always find a replacement, even if it isnt specifically a tapestry needle. Just be careful, the needles in the kit are usually sharper!

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[info]agdjenn
2007-09-13 03:50 pm UTC (link)
Get a clover-type pendant, or a threader with a lil razor blade in it to be on the safe side. By the razor blade, I mean one like: http://www.thesilverneedle.net/exclusives.php?osCsid=09e7a6ab63c64b601e86e2e2b40d2a7a

(I'm addicted to mine, it permanently stays in my kit.)

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[info]agdjenn
2007-09-13 03:51 pm UTC (link)
The link's at the very very bottom of the page. I'm not the best at navigating the site. :D

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[info]frankcheez
2007-09-13 11:28 pm UTC (link)
I brought my embroidery scissors on a plane, no problem. They are very very sharp, but the blade is only 1.5 inches. You ought to be fine.

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[info]dashalovesyou
2007-09-14 12:15 am UTC (link)
If you are really worried about it, why don't you mail the supplies to yourself at the hotel? As long as the package is clearly marked with your name and arrives no more than a few days before you, it shouldn't be a problem. I used to work in retail shipping and packing and tons of (rich) people ship their suitcases to their hotels to avoid having to deal with airport security.

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