Quick Answer
❌ No. TSA prohibits all knives in carry-on luggage, regardless of blade length or type.
✅ Knives are only allowed in checked bags, including kitchen knives, hunting knives, and pocket knives.
⚠️ The only exception: round-bladed butter knives and plastic cutlery are permitted in carry-on.
Details
- Carry-on:
- No knives of any kind are allowed, including pocket knives, multitool blades, and small folding knives.
- TSA does allow round-bladed butter knives and disposable plastic knives.
- Checked luggage:
- Any type of knife is allowed, including chef’s knives, hunting knives, and utility knives.
- Must be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers.
- Special knives:
- Throwing knives, daggers, switchblades, and large hunting knives must go in checked luggage.
- Box cutters and razor blades (outside a razor handle) are also banned in carry-on.
TSA Knife Rules Summary
| Knife Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket knife / Swiss Army | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Folding knife | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Kitchen / chef knife | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Hunting / combat knife | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Butter knife (round-bladed) | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Plastic cutlery | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Even small knives banned: No exceptions for blade length in carry-on.
- ✈️ Multitools with blades: If your multitool has any knife blade, it must go in checked.
- ✈️ International flights: Knife bans in cabins are nearly universal worldwide.
- ✈️ Checked luggage risk: Wrap knives securely to avoid damage or injury.