See what authorities have said about ‘can you bring scissors on a plane?’
For professional hairstylists, scissors are an important tool – almost like an element of extended self. If you are a professional hairstylist and travel frequently, you might be faced with the troublesome question: Can you bring scissors on a plane? Obviously, you don’t want the airport security to take your hair scissors. This article will answer all your questions regarding taking scissors on a plane.
American Regulations for Carrying Scissors on a plane
Different countries have different regulations when it comes to carrying scissors on a plane. To start with, the United States has relaxed regulations. If you are carrying a scissor on a plane bigger than 4 inches, the airport authorities might ask you about them but they can be carried safely in the checked-in bags.
Australian Regulations for Carrying Scissors on a plane:
Australian authorities are tough in terms of airport security and home affairs may ask you to put shears above 2 inches in your checked-in bags. It is a good practice to put your shears in the checked-in bags instead of putting them in carry-on bags.
Pro tip: Always put your shears in a good quality shear case when traveling to prevent nicks or scratches.
Professional hairstylists should be mindful of the fact that although some countries and airlines might allow you to bring small scissors on a plane, the majority of the professional shears are above 4.5 inches. Most point-cutting shears are 5.0 inches and above. Similarly, good quality texturizing shears like the Hanzo HH6T Kime Texturizer is a six inch tool. To avoid frustration at the airport, follow the following steps:
- Either put sheaths over the shear blades OR place all the shears in a professional case.
- Put all your shears in your checked bags.
- Avoid carrying your beloved professional shears in your carry-on.
- Enjoy your flight.
TSA Regulations: Can you Bring Hair Cutting Scissors on a Plane?
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the body responsible for airport security in the United States. Officers are known to confiscate items from the passengers and your beloved professional shears can also suffer from the same fate if you try to bring scissors on a plane.
TSA allows the passengers to bring scissors on a plane in both checked baggage and carry-on baggage if the shear blade length is under 4.0 inches. TSA, however, requires the shears to be properly wrapped or sheathed to prevent handling injuries. Despite these measures, the final decision rests with the TSA officer to allow scissors on a plane or not. TSA has specific guidelines for packing scissors as well. Make sure to check those out too if you are carrying your professional hairstyling shears without a case.
Click this link to see the TSA list of prohibited items.
How to Pack Hair Cutting Scissors in Carry-on Bags?
According to the guidelines published by TSA, you can carry scissors as long as they are under 4 inches in length from the pivot size. The length of shear can be greater than 4 inches but blade length over 4.0 inches is not considered safe. As a professional hairstylist, you should have ample information about the shears you are packing. Make sure that no shear you carry has a blade length greater than 4.0 inches.
NOTE: The Federal Law restricts TSA officers from returning any prohibited items. Losing a shear is a hairstylist’s worst nightmare come true – stay safe and follow the instructions.
How to Pack Hair Cutting Scissors in Checked Bags?
According to TSA regulations, you can pack any sized hair scissor in your checked baggage without having to worry about it. It does not matter if the blade length is greater than 4.0 inches. As long as the shears are wrapped properly or sheathed, the TSA will approve of it. The TSA does not specify the material of the sheath. Any material can be used for covering the shears up. You can use one of the following materials:
- Thick cloth that does not slip
- Leather
- Thick and hard to peirce paper
- Paper towels
- Washcloth
If you are a professional hairstylist and DIY sheaths are not good enough for you, try out these good quality sheaths.