Are Knives Allowed in Checked Baggage

Key Takeaways:

• Most knives are legal in checked baggage
• It’s crucial to pack a knife carefully so it doesn’t damage your other things
• Knives are not allowed in carry-on baggage (in most countries)

So, you’re going hiking, camping, hunting, or diving, and you obviously want to take your knife, a crucial piece of gear, with you. But can you even travel with a knife?

Even though they don’t require a detailed security process like guns, you still don’t want to get in trouble with the TSA, so it’s best to check the regulations regarding sharp objects.

Can You Travel With a Knife?

If you haven’t flown in a while, it’s important to note that the rules for carry-on and checked bags are not the same. A recent example is that lithium batteries cannot be placed in checked bags, but many are still allowed in carry-ons. But what about knives?

According to the Transportation Security Administration’s newest regulations, knives are allowed in checked bags. This, however, comes with a few caveats.

Checked Baggage

You cannot bring:

• A knife with a rounded blade
• Plastic cutlery
• A knife with a blunt edge without serration (such as a butter knife)

If your knife does not fall under one of these categories, then it’s allowed. You just need to pack it properly. This should be a priority for you personally because you don’t want to cut your own clothes. It’s also a priority for the airport staff as they’ll be handling your luggage, and they would prefer to avoid getting accidentally stabbed on the job.

Feel free to tell the TSA agents that there is a knife in your baggage. They’re going to see it on the screening either way, and by informing them beforehand, you’re easing any tension in advance.

Carry-On Luggage

Knives or other sharp objects are absolutely not allowed in carry-on baggage for any airline in America. End of discussion.

This, however, doesn’t apply to every single country. In New Zealand, for example, knives with blades shorter than 6 centimeters (about 2.4 inches) may be carried in carry-on bags. If you’re traveling in another country, always be sure to check their laws.

How To Pack Knives for Travel?

The big question is how to properly pack knives for a trip, and the answer is pretty simple.

Don’t Bring a Knife That is Larger Than Necessary

Ideally, you should bring a knife that isn’t too large. A smaller blade will be easier to pack, take up less room in your luggage, and add less weight to the suitcase. In a world where every ounce matters and there are extra fees for overweight bags, it’s better to pack lighter where possible. Save some weight and space for souvenirs.

Protect the Blade and Yourself

This should go without saying, but if you’re bringing a knife, make sure you use a knife sheath. A leather or kydex sheath are both great options.

Using a sheath is not only for your own safety. If security needs to go through your bag for any reason, you don’t want to risk them getting injured. You also don’t want a loose knife rubbing against or poking into your belongings. It can easily damage the blade, your clothes, or the shampoo bottles you carefully packed in a bag in case they break.

Shop Knife Sheaths

Other Sharp Objects

Aside from knives, there are other sharp objects that you may want to bring on a flight. Every single one of them is allowed in checked bags, but some can also be taken in your carry-on luggage. The logic is pretty simple here; if you think someone could be harmed with a sharp object, it most likely can’t be brought in the carry-on bag.

Corkscrews, for example, are disallowed from carry-on bags, alongside box cutters, darts, ice picks, and pocket knives. You can check out the entire list here.

Shipping a Knife

What if you want to send someone a knife, but you have no intention of traveling yourself?

Shipping regulations for knives conform to federal regulations. The United States Postal Service is very careful about this, and shipping companies follow the line dictated by the USPS. Because of this, always make sure you’re following USPS’s guidelines.

FedEx, for example, won’t ship a knife if the blade length or deployment mechanism is illegal at the shipping location (even if they’re entirely legal in the sender’s area). UPS and DHL don’t follow the same rule, though.

Local Regulations

The final thing you should keep in mind when traveling is the local regulations of the place you’re visiting. Just because it’s legal to carry an 8-inch blade in your town, that doesn’t mean it’s legal all around the world.

The most common regulations pertain to locking knives, automatic knives, particularly long-bladed knives, and in some places, outright prohibit the concealed carry of a knife.

Make sure to check those regulations out before you even start packing – you don’t want to land and get arrested.

FAQ

What Happens If The TSA Catches You With a Knife?

Provided that you don’t get shot first, you’re going to prison. Do not try to get a knife past security. If you want to bring a knife with you on a trip, follow the TSA’s packing instructions and report it to the airport security agents.

Do You Have To Declare Knives at US Customs?

Yes. Switchblade knives and other spring-loaded knives are prohibited and may be subject to seizure and confiscation.

Can I Take a Mini Swiss Army Knife on a Plane?

Suppose you pack it in your checked luggage, yes. In most countries, however, it’s illegal to bring any sort of knife in your carry-on bags.