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.
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).
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 |
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.