Travelers are generally permitted to bring safety pins on a plane, as they are not classified as a prohibited sharp object that poses a significant security risk. This allowance applies to both the luggage you check and the bag you carry with you into the cabin. The small size and common utility of the item place it outside the category of weapons or large cutting instruments forbidden from air travel.
The Official Security Rules for Safety Pins
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) explicitly permits safety pins in both carry-on and checked baggage, treating them as a standard personal item rather than a security threat. This policy is based on the assessment that a standard safety pin is too small to be used as a weapon capable of causing serious harm, unlike larger knives or box cutters. The design of the safety pin, which sheathes the sharp point when closed, also contributes to its acceptance.
While the official rules allow for safety pins, the final decision on any item rests with the security officer at the checkpoint. If an officer believes an item poses a security threat, they have the authority to prohibit it from passing through the checkpoint. To ensure a smooth screening process, it is advisable to keep safety pins contained in a small pouch or sewing kit rather than loose in a bag. This organization helps the X-ray machine operator quickly identify the item and its purpose, reducing the chance of a secondary bag search.
The allowance for safety pins is consistent with the broader security philosophy that distinguishes between items of common utility and those designed primarily as weapons. Since safety pins do not meet the threshold for a prohibited sharp object, they are routinely cleared for air travel.
Other Small Sharp Items You Can Bring
The rules for safety pins extend to a variety of other small, sharp-pointed items often carried by travelers for personal use or hobbies. Sewing needles, for instance, are permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage, allowing travelers to bring small sewing kits for repairs. Similarly, knitting needles and crochet hooks are allowed in both types of baggage, regardless of whether they are made of metal, plastic, or wood.
Small scissors are also permitted in carry-on bags, provided the blades are less than four inches (10 cm) from the pivot point. This specific measurement is a guideline for travelers who need to pack small craft or grooming scissors. Any scissors with blades exceeding this four-inch limit must be placed in checked baggage.
This category of permitted items also includes disposable razors and nail clippers, which are considered standard grooming tools. For all these small sharp objects, it is recommended to securely wrap or sheath them, especially when packed in checked luggage, to prevent injury to baggage handlers. Understanding these specific measurements and allowances helps travelers pack efficiently.