Scissor length definition?
 

I wish I had found this forum awhile ago.

I know the TSA website says pointed scissiors are allowed as long as the blades are under 4 inches in length. I guess I m wondering how they determine what is the blade, and what is not? Is the 4 inches measured all the way back to the end of the finger holes? Is this arbitrary and according to the agent who is looking?

Welcome to Flyer Talk.

Blade length would usually be measured from the fulcrum to the tip, but with TSA, expect something arbitrary and inconsistent (otherwise known as SSI).

Welcome to FlyerTalk!

I would say 4 inches is for the blade itself, but some screeners like to make up their own definition of the rules, IE the knives that CO has in F and in their Clubs

EDIT: Ha, beat by 30 seconds!

emphasis mine: yes and yes and fwiw.....

i had an attempt to have my small 3" (fulcrum to tip) scissors taken away and i had a copy of the tsa website printout in the "tsa folder" in my briefcase along with my other tsa supporting documentation.

• the screener wanted to confiscate
• i asked to have him look in the folder in my briefcase
• "i don't have to do anything you say" (big mistake ;))
• asked for a supervisor
• supe arrived and we both explained
• supe looked in the folder and at the printout
• supe showed it to the screener
• supe apologized to me for both the scissors and the attitude (he asked the screener if they did in fact say that to me and when the screener hesitated.....;))
• i was sent on my way with my scissors

n.b. ymmv based on the degree of idiocy

Can you explain "CO", and "F"...? Please pardon the "newbie"...

hang around these forums long enough and you will pick up the lingo
CO = Continental Airline
F = First class

Wait untill you start refering to cities by their airport code.:)

Welcome to Flyertalk, SpaYellowNSX!

When you get a moment, you might also want to check out this Travel Safety/Security Glossary.

It explains many of the terms and acronyms you are likely to encounter in this forum.

And this link will allow you to type in any 3 letter airport code for which you are not familiar.


Welcome once again.

__________________________

Cholula
TS/S Co-Moderator