flying with crochet?

[julianscat]

Hi all--

Going off on vacation next week, flying to Utah, and I'm wondering what experiences you all have had:knit traveling with crochet supplies through airport security. Any problems with hooks? Ok, scissors are out, how do you cut your yarn or thread? :irked

Emily:scratchchin

[Donna]

I just flew with two steel crochet hooks. I have no idea why they let them through. I was prepared for them to be taken away, but they didn't. I would take hooks you don't care about just in case they do take them away. You could get some plastic ones like Red Heart Crystalites (http://www.coatsandclark.com/find_a_product/knitting_crochet/crochet_hooks_rh_crystalites.htm). One of my Walmarts has them and the other doesn't.

Scissors are supposed to be okay, as long as they are blunt-tipped. But these cutters are so cute, you need one anyway, right? :lol

Quickie Cutter (http://www.quickiecutter.com/)
Clover yarn cutter pendant (http://www.hancockfabrics.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=11603&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=cutter)

[JPorter718]

That's a great question Emily,
I wish I knew the answer <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/scratchchin.gif" />

I'm traveling in August and was going to ask as well.

I know some people just call the airlines to find out.
I also saw some little <a href="http://www.karpstyles.com/catalog.html?item=917&catid=Yarn%20Cutter%20Pendant&ret=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.karpstyles.com%2Fcatalog.html %3Fpage%3D1%26category%3DYarn%2520Cutter%2520Penda nt" target="_new">'pendant'</a> that you can wear around your neck that is for cutting yarn and easily worn on the plane.
I was thinking about getting one, just to have.

[JPorter718]

Haha Donna,

We posted at the same time, but you beat me to it... <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif" />
I also saw the little Crochet Yarn Pendant for cutting yarn, but you found it cheaper and I may have to go with Hancocks if I buy one.

Thanks!! <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/bounce012.gif" />

[Donna]

We did! :lol I bought mine at my local Hancock Fabrics. You may be able to find it locally there or at other craft stores to save on shipping.

[MommaChelle]

I have heard only good things about people taking their crocheting or knitting with them on the plane. Fingernail clippers are good for cutting yarn too, I wonder if they let you take those on the planes...

[Donna]

Good idea! Fingernail clippers are allowed on planes.

[crochetme]

I've phoned an airline recently, and was told that crochet hooks would be fine, as long as they're not metal. Of course, Donna got through with her metal hooks, so who knows? Just be prepared for the worst, and most likely you'll be happy!

[Donna]

Donna got through with her metal hooks, so who knows? Yes, but there was a lot of frowning and bit of digging through my bag. They didn't find them, and I wasn't volunteering anything. We departed from a podunk airport. I decided not to try it on our return flight at an international airport, so I put them in carry-on.

[antara]

They told you they couldn't be metal? Last summer I took my crochet hooks on a plane and was just fine. Using fingernail clippers is a really good idea, I'll have to remember that for next time.

[crochetme]

I'm sure there's a lot of variability by airport, and then again by airline. You can always phone the particular ones you'll be using to find out. I just figure it's best to play it safe and only travel with plastic, bamboo, or wood. Some of my travel is across the border, too, so I'm also wary of border harrassment. Ahem, scrutiny.

[Pridemom]

Crochet hooks and blunt scissors are fine. You can see the list here www.tsa.gov/interweb/asse...8_2003.pdf (http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_12_18_2003.pdf)

I'm flying in two weeks and plan to take my knitting with me.

[julianscat]

Thanks for posting the website list--very helpful--but now I'm more scared of what they let people put in checked baggage:eek

Let's face it, the real challenge will be remembering I have to pack clothes and toiletries and other essential items in addition to crochet supplies. . .:)

Emily

[Ambersafghans]

Hi Everyone.
I've heard that scissors haven't always been allowed on planes, but one woman takes an empty dental floss container to cut the yarn with. (It would probably work better with string) I thought that was interesting.
Amber

[Frangipani]

A bit more non-traditional. I bite it! :nono I know I know bad for my teeth. But I've only done it once. I should get one of those charm cutters as the flight to Australia is 14 hours!! Lots of crochet creations for that trip!!!!:knit

BTW - I found the yarn cutter pendant at Michaels for $7.99...may be saving up for that before I leave:thumbsup

[Piper0110]

I've heard people say that flying internationally, they've had trouble with crochet hooks. I flew from the US to Toronto and back with my Crystallites (purchased for travelling purposes) with no trouble at all.

I've heard people suggest carrying a padded envelope with proper postage and if you are told to get rid of your hooks, drop them in the envelope and mail them to yourself!

[stormync23]

Bring dental floss, use the cutter on that! Cheap and safe!

[froggy]

Nail clippers would be your best bet I think. Maybe even small embroidery scissors.

[julianscat]

Deciding I didn't want any hassle, I put some Crystalites in my carryon and took only a scarf pattern and yarn on the plane that would require no cutting, just the addition of more yarn. The only problem I had was the flight attendant told me to put it away for takeoff and landing (although how a Crystallite hook could be more dangerous than, say, a pen, was beyond me. . .):thinking1

The rest of the supplies for my addiction got checked through.

Emily

[rebeccav]

emily, that was probably the best bet... no cutting required 8)
my hubby has to fly a lot for work and said there is no way they will allow fingernail clippers or small scissors on the planes. i think that cutting charm is the only way anyone could get away with needing to clip yarn on a plane. it's worth the 8 bucks to keep hassle out of your corner, imo.:fluffy

[Donna]

For a year or so after 9/11, you couldn't carry anything at all. I think they've finally realized that's ridiculous. I've flown several times in the past couple of months (from both small and large airports) and carried clippers. My husband flies very frequently for work and you won't find him anywhere without clippers in his pocket. He's had no trouble.

[rebeccav]

donna, well that's good to know. maybe it's just because of Pantex (a nuclear facility) that's here in Amarillo that causes such high security at the airport? it's ridiculous to even get up the actual building you have to go through several stops...8o

[Donna]

Ah, that makes sense, Rebecca! :thinking1 I bet there would be more security there.