I would like...

[jhetley]

...someone in airport security to provide a rational explanation why a 2" nail scissors is considered a weapon subject to confiscation, but 15" knitting needles are not.

Comments

[pernishus.livejournal.com]

Not to mention the truly nasty hijinks one can get up to with dental floss and a toothbrush...

[starcat-jewel.livejournal.com]

They don't even accept nail files any more. I have a nail clipper and file set which normally stays in my purse; when I fly, I have to remember to take it out and put it in my checked baggage.

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

I *THINK* - don't quote me on this, check the FAA or whichever website - that nail files are now okay. I remember hearing something to that effect. Then again, it might have been that certain types of nail *clippers* (the 'biting' kind, perhaps) are allowed. They have modified things, somewhat. It used to be that knitting needles weren't allowed.

BTW, you asked about this, I keep forgetting, and my brain is frazzled enough right now that I don't want to miss the chance: http://www.livejournal.com/users/johnpalmer/59979.html#cutid1
(The "faggots fall in love" essay)

[kightp.livejournal.com]

John's correct; both nail clippers and nail files are on the NTSB's current list of items permitted in carry-on luggage. As are knitting needles.

Pointed scissors are not permitted. Round- or blunt-tipped ones are.

However, the list is only advisory; local security people have the authority to ban anything they want. So I usually take a stamped, self-addressed padded envelope with me when I fly, just in case I have to mail anything home to myself. So far I haven't.

Oh, wait. You asked "why?"

The answer would be "because they say so."

[jhetley.livejournal.com]

"John's correct; both nail clippers and nail files are on the NTSB's current list of items permitted in carry-on luggage. As are knitting needles."

Well, the knitting needles were employed about three rows in front of us, and looked about as lethal as a Fairburn dagger. Maybe the young lady is actually a sky marshall in disguise?

Yeah. Reason is "Because they say so."

[kightp.livejournal.com]

Evidently knitting needles were only on the banned list for a very short while after 9/11. I have this mental image of an army of Ladies of a Certain Age taking their bureaucract offspring by the earlobes and saying, "If you think I'm going to fly without my knitting, junior, you've got another think coming!"

(As a recent knitting addict convert, I have to say I'm glad knitting gear is permitted, though; it makes long, boring flights pass much faster).