I have a long daytime flight coming up, and to avoid motion sickness I try not to read or watch tv. Which means that it might be a very boring flight!

I have some bead-weaving techniques that I would like to practice, and I know it will keep me busy and distracted throughout the flight. Obviously I would only take the minimal tools necessary, which would probably amount to a a few large needles, and a pair of nail clippers.

I'm flying on Emirates, CPT-DXB-LGW, and then return. I know security is... capricious, to say the least, but what are the odds of needles and nail clippers being allowed on these flights? I'm not worried about losing them if they're confiscated, but it will leave me with nothing to do on the flight.

I see that the Emirates site says that knitting needles, scissors and nail files aren't allowed, so that means I can't take up knitting either. Any other ideas to keep busy during a long flight that is allowed by security?

Edit: actually the nail clippers are probably optional - I've seen suggestions to wrap thread in a dental floss container, which should work perfectly. So it's just the needles.