Author: GrowthPath Studio

Quick Answer
❌ No. TSA prohibits box cutters in carry-on luggage due to security risks.
✅ Box cutters are only allowed in checked luggage.
✅ Replacement blades are also banned from carry-on but permitted in checked bags.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• Box cutters and their blades are banned.
• TSA makes no exceptions, even for small folding utility knives.
• Checked luggage:
• Box cutters, utility knives, and replacement blades are allowed.
• Must be securely wrapped to protect baggage handlers.
• Special note:
• This rule has been strict since the 9/11 hijackings, which involved box cutters.
• TSA enforces a zero-tolerance policy for them in cabins.

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TSA Box Cutter Rules Summary

Item Type	Carry-On	Checked
Box cutter (any size)	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Utility knife	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Replacement razor blades	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ No size exceptions: Even tiny utility cutters are banned in carry-on.
• ✈️ Blade packaging: Wrap replacement blades securely in checked bags.
• ✈️ International rules: Nearly all countries follow the same strict ban on box cutters in cabins.
• ✈️ Confiscation risk: TSA will confiscate and discard box cutters at security checkpoints.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Box Cutters)
• FAA – PackSafe: Sharp Objects

Quick Answer
❌ No. TSA prohibits loose razor blades in carry-on luggage.
✅ Razor blades are only allowed in checked bags.
✅ Disposable razors and cartridge-style blades are permitted in carry-on, but not standalone razor blades.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• Loose razor blades (used for utility knives, box cutters, straight razors) are prohibited.
• Disposable razors and refillable cartridge razors (like Gillette, Schick) are permitted.
• Electric razors are also permitted.
• Checked luggage:
• All razor blades, including straight razor blades, safety razor blades, and utility blades, are allowed.
• Special note:
• Straight razors are not permitted in carry-on unless the blade is removed.
• Safety razor handles are allowed in carry-on only without blades.

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TSA Razor Blade Rules Summary

Razor / Blade Type	Carry-On	Checked
Loose razor blades	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Safety razor blades	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Straight razor with blade	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Straight razor handle only	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Disposable razors	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Cartridge razor refills	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Loose blades confiscated: TSA seizes all unprotected blades in carry-ons.
• ✈️ Handles vs blades: Razor handles (safety or straight) are fine in carry-on, but blades must be checked.
• ✈️ International flights: Most countries follow the same rule: no loose blades in cabins.
• ✈️ Best option: Travel with disposable or cartridge razors if you want to shave in-flight.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Razors & Blades)
• FAA – PackSafe: Sharp Objects

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows all types of knives in checked luggage, including kitchen knives, hunting knives, and pocket knives.
❌ Knives are not allowed in carry-on, except for round-bladed butter knives or plastic cutlery.
⚠️ Knives in checked bags must be securely wrapped or sheathed to protect baggage handlers.

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Details

• Checked luggage:
• All knives permitted, including pocket knives, Swiss Army knives, chef’s knives, combat knives, and hunting knives.
• Must be properly sheathed or securely packed to avoid injury to baggage handlers.
• Carry-on restrictions:
• No knives of any type allowed, regardless of blade size.
• Only butter knives with round tips and plastic knives are allowed.
• Special knives:
• Throwing knives, switchblades, daggers, and collectible knives are also permitted in checked luggage.
• Box cutters and razor blades must also go in checked.
• International flights:
• Most countries allow knives in checked baggage, but customs laws may restrict importing certain types of knives.

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TSA Knife-in-Checked Rules Summary

Knife Type	Carry-On	Checked
Pocket knives / Swiss Army	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Kitchen / chef’s knives	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Hunting / combat knives	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Throwing knives / daggers	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Box cutters / razor blades	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Butter knife (round-bladed)	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Plastic knives	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Sheath required: Always pack knives in a case, sheath, or bubble wrap to prevent accidents.
• ✈️ Customs limits: Some countries restrict bringing certain knives (switchblades, butterfly knives) even in checked.
• ✈️ Collector’s items: Rare or valuable knives should be packed with extra care to avoid theft/damage.
• ✈️ Checked luggage risk: If your bag is flagged, TSA agents may inspect knives for proper packing.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Knives)
• FAA – PackSafe: Sharp Objects

Quick Answer
❌ No. TSA prohibits all Swiss Army knives in carry-on, regardless of blade size.
✅ They are only allowed in checked luggage.
⚠️ Even the smallest keychain versions with tiny blades are banned from cabins.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• TSA bans all knives in cabins, including Swiss Army knives.
• No exceptions for small blades, corkscrews, or other attachments.
• Checked luggage:
• Swiss Army knives of any size are permitted.
• Must be packed securely to prevent injury to baggage handlers.
• Multifunction tools:
• If the tool has any kind of knife blade, it cannot be in carry-on.
• TSA does allow multitools without blades (pliers, screwdrivers, bottle openers).

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TSA Swiss Army Knife Rules Summary

Knife Type	Carry-On	Checked
Classic Swiss Army knife	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Keychain-size version	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Large Swiss Army knife	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Multitool without blade	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ No blade exceptions: TSA rules apply even to 1-inch blades.
• ✈️ Souvenir knives: Swiss Army knives bought in airport shops (before security) must go in checked baggage.
• ✈️ International rules: Knife bans in cabins are nearly universal worldwide.
• ✈️ Best practice: Always check Swiss Army knives — don’t risk confiscation at TSA.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Knives)
• FAA – PackSafe: Sharp Objects

Quick Answer
❌ No. TSA prohibits all pocket knives in carry-on luggage, no matter how small.
✅ Pocket knives are only allowed in checked bags.
⚠️ Even blades under 2 inches are not permitted in carry-on.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• All types of pocket knives, Swiss Army knives, and folding knives are banned.
• TSA made a proposal in 2013 to allow very small blades, but it was never implemented.
• Only plastic cutlery and round-bladed butter knives are permitted.
• Checked luggage:
• Pocket knives are permitted in any size.
• Must be securely wrapped or sheathed to avoid injuries during baggage handling.
• Multitools:
• Multitools with knife blades are banned in carry-on.
• Multitools without blades (pliers, screwdrivers) are allowed.

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TSA Pocket Knife Rules Summary

Pocket Knife Type	Carry-On	Checked
Standard pocket knife	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Swiss Army knife	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Folding knife	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Multitool with blade	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Multitool without blade	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Even tiny blades banned: TSA confiscates pocket knives of any size.
• ✈️ Collectors beware: Rare or valuable knives must go in checked — risk of confiscation if in carry-on.
• ✈️ International flights: Same rule worldwide — knives not allowed in cabins.
• ✈️ Multitools check: If your multitool has scissors only (≤4 inches), it’s fine. If it has a knife blade, it must be checked.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Knives)
• FAA – PackSafe: Sharp Objects

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Knives)
• FAA – PackSafe: Sharp Objects

Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows scissors in carry-on if the blades are ≤ 4 inches (10 cm) from the pivot point.
✅ Any size scissors are allowed in checked luggage.
⚠️ Scissors with blades longer than 4 inches are prohibited in carry-on.

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Details

• Carry-on:
• Scissors with blades ≤ 4 inches are allowed.
• TSA measures from the pivot point (where blades connect) to the tip.
• Craft scissors, nail scissors, and school scissors usually qualify.
• Checked luggage:
• All scissors, including large or sharp ones, are permitted.
• Special types:
• Safety scissors (rounded tips) are always fine.
• Sewing and embroidery scissors are fine if under 4 inches.
• Large kitchen or fabric scissors must go in checked bags.

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TSA Scissor Rules Summary

Scissor Type	Carry-On	Checked
Safety / children’s scissors	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Nail / craft scissors ≤ 4 in	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Scissors > 4 in blades	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed
Kitchen / fabric scissors	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Blade length confusion: TSA measures from the hinge to the tip, not just blade size.
• ✈️ International flights: Many countries follow the same 4-inch rule, but always confirm.
• ✈️ Gate agent discretion: Even allowed scissors may be flagged if they look threatening.
• ✈️ Best practice: For travel, bring compact scissors under 4 inches or pack larger ones in checked.

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Sources

• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Scissors)
• FAA – PackSafe: Sharp Objects

Quick Answer
⚠️ Champagne is a liquid and counts as alcohol.
✅ In carry-on, bottles must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Full-size bottles are only allowed in checked luggage or if purchased duty-free after security.
✈️ FAA rules: Champagne is under 24% ABV, so there is no federal quantity limit in checked luggage.

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Details

• Carry-on (before security):
• Only containers ≤ 3.4 oz are allowed.
• Standard 750 ml bottles are not permitted at TSA checkpoints.
• After security:
• Duty-free Champagne (sealed in tamper-evident bags) is allowed on board.
• Risk: bottles may be confiscated if you re-clear security at a layover.
• Checked luggage:
• Champagne is ~12% ABV, well under the FAA’s 24% threshold.
• No federal limit, but airlines may set their own baggage rules.
• Carbonation increases the risk of bottles bursting — pack securely.
• International flights:
• Customs typically allows 1 liter duty-free. Extra may be taxed or seized.

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TSA Champagne Rules Summary

Champagne Type	Carry-On	Checked
Champagne ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Standard bottle (750 ml, 1 L)	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed (no FAA limit, under 24% ABV)
Duty-free sealed bottles	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Carbonation risk: Bottles may pop or leak in checked bags. Wrap well in padded sleeves.
• ✈️ Duty-free trap: Sealed bottles can still be confiscated if you re-clear security at connections.
• ✈️ Customs rules: Most countries limit travelers to 1 liter of alcohol duty-free, even for Champagne.
• ✈️ FAA reminder: Drinking your own Champagne on the plane is prohibited.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Alcoholic Beverages)
• FAA – PackSafe: Alcoholic Beverages
• CBP – Bringing Alcohol into the U.S.

Quick Answer
⚠️ Brandy is a liquid and counts as alcohol.
✅ In carry-on, bottles must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Full-size bottles (750 ml, 1 L) are only allowed in checked luggage or if purchased duty-free after security.
✈️ FAA limits alcohol in checked bags: up to 5 liters per passenger of spirits between 24–70% ABV. Anything stronger than 70% ABV is banned.

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Details

• Carry-on (before security):
• Only containers ≤ 3.4 oz are permitted in your liquids bag.
• Standard bottles cannot pass TSA checkpoints.
• After security:
• Duty-free brandy in sealed tamper-evident bags is allowed on board.
• Warning: re-screening during connections may lead to confiscation.
• Checked luggage:
• Brandy is typically 35–50% ABV → falls under FAA’s 24–70% alcohol rule.
• Up to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per person allowed in unopened retail packaging.
• International flights:
• Customs usually allows 1 liter duty-free. Extra may be taxed or confiscated.

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TSA Brandy Rules Summary

Brandy Type	Carry-On	Checked
Brandy ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Standard bottle (750 ml, 1 L)	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed (≤ 5 L, 24–70% ABV)
Duty-free sealed bottles	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Brandy > 70% ABV	❌ Not allowed	❌ Not allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Duty-free trap: Brandy bottles may be seized during connecting flights if you must re-clear security.
• ✈️ Overproof brandy (>70% ABV): Not allowed on planes, in carry-on or checked.
• ✈️ Glass bottles risk: Use padded sleeves to protect bottles in checked luggage.
• ✈️ FAA reminder: You cannot consume your own alcohol on board — only crew-served drinks.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Alcoholic Beverages)
• FAA – PackSafe: Alcoholic Beverages
• CBP – Bringing Alcohol into the U.S.

Quick Answer
⚠️ Gin is a liquid and counts as alcohol.
✅ In carry-on, bottles must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller inside your quart-sized liquids bag.
✅ Full-size bottles (750 ml, 1 L) are only allowed in checked luggage or if purchased duty-free after security.
✈️ FAA limits alcohol in checked bags: up to 5 liters per passenger of spirits between 24–70% ABV. Anything stronger than 70% ABV is banned.

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Details

• Carry-on (before security):
• Only containers ≤ 3.4 oz are permitted.
• Standard gin bottles are too large for TSA checkpoints.
• After security:
• Duty-free gin in sealed tamper-evident bags is allowed onboard.
• Warning: if you have a layover with re-screening, bottles may be confiscated.
• Checked luggage:
• Gin is typically 37–50% ABV, so it qualifies under the FAA’s 24–70% alcohol rule.
• Up to 5 liters per person permitted in unopened retail packaging.
• International flights:
• Customs often allows only 1 liter duty-free. Extra bottles may be taxed or seized.

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TSA Gin Rules Summary

Gin Type	Carry-On	Checked
Gin ≤ 3.4 oz	✅ Allowed (quart bag)	✅ Allowed
Standard bottle (750 ml, 1 L)	❌ Not allowed	✅ Allowed (≤ 5 L, 24–70% ABV)
Duty-free sealed bottles	✅ Allowed	✅ Allowed
Gin > 70% ABV	❌ Not allowed	❌ Not allowed

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Gotchas / Common Issues

• ✈️ Duty-free risk: Bottles can be seized during connecting flights if you re-clear security.
• ✈️ Overproof gin (>70% ABV): Not allowed on planes at all.
• ✈️ Glass breakage: Always use padded sleeves or travel protectors in checked luggage.
• ✈️ FAA reminder: You cannot drink your own gin on board — only alcohol served by the crew is permitted.

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Sources

• TSA – Liquids Rule
• TSA – What Can I Bring? (Alcoholic Beverages)
• FAA – PackSafe: Alcoholic Beverages
• CBP – Bringing Alcohol into the U.S.