Forbidden by TSA?
 

I know this is asked at nauseum but...
Can you take sewing onto a plane? My wife like to cross-stich. Also, I have become a cigar guy and was given a nice torch as a gift which I use on cigars. Can I check it in my bags that go underneath?
Thanks!

[This message has been edited by DSK (edited 11-10-2003).]

[This message has been edited by DSK (edited 11-10-2003).]

Torch lighters? No way. Not in carry on, not in checked bag. No can go.

Needlepoint needles? Who knows? Sewing kits have routinely been confiscated since September 13, 2001. Mine are found and taken away about half the time.

No mention of needlepoint needles (usually not as sharp as sewing kit needles) is found on the TSA lists:

www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_11_10_2003.pdf

Here's a suggestion: Have your wife bring them along. Arrive way ahead of time of your flight. Two or more hours ahead. If TSA finds them and prohibits them, place them in the pre-addressed, stamped mailer you bring with you (addressed to your house) and ship them home. Problem solved. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...orum/smile.gif

Agree with the feedback you got above.

I can tell you that on our flight from Chicago to Hong Kong two weeks ago, a woman across the aisle from me was doing nedlepoint as well as making a sweater (it was a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG flight!!).

So, she got them through... but as with anything, could be screener specific.

William

Crosstich needles are not going to be a problem. As stated above, the torch lighter is a huge no-no though so leave it at home.

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Don't take life too seriously, afterall, you won't get out alive.

Dupe

[This message has been edited by The Unknown Screener (edited 11-10-2003).]

What do you mean by a "torch" lighter?

Are you referring to an ordinary Zippo? I always travel with one and the only time I had a problem was when I was carrying three (I collect them and had bought two new ones). I was told I was only allowed two and someone else carried the third for me.

My last flight to the US was in August. Has there been a change since then?

My wife loves to crochet, and not once has the crochet needles caused any problems. She uses the really thin ones that are fairly sharp on the ends, so damage could certainly be done with them.

Even if she has a 5 inch or however long the needle is they overlook it and demand she give up the scissiors in the hotel sewing kit.

Go figure.

"Torch Lighters" are those with a pressurized fuel container and usually have an electrical igniter. The flame burns blue and is extremely hot. They burn with a whooshing sound. They are nothing like a "zippo" lighter. They would make a great weapon as they can be adjusted to shoot a flame out about a foot or so in length.



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Don't take life too seriously, afterall, you won't get out alive.