Knit for Brains dot Net

Knitpicks.com just released their new Options Zephyr Acrylic Interchangeable circular needles. They are CLEAR and light and slightly flexible, and they say they are allowed on airplanes. You may have heard of TSA agents confiscating knitting needles. Here’s what the TSA web site had on it today about traveling with you pointy things:

Transporting Knitting Needles & Needlepoint: Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage.  However, there is a possibility that the needles can be perceived as a possible weapon by one of our Security Officers.  Our Security Officers have the authority to determine if an item could be used as a weapon and may not allow said item to pass through security.  We recommend the following when bringing knitting needles on an airplane:

• Circular knitting needles are recommended to be less than 31 inches in total length
• We recommend that the needles be made of bamboo or plastic (Not Metal)
• Scissors must have blunt points
• In case a Security Officer does not allow your knitting tools through security it is recommended that you carry a self addressed envelope so that you can mail your tools back to yourself as opposed to surrendering them at the security check point.

Most of the items needed to pursue a Needlepoint project are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage with the exception of circular thread cutters or any cutter with a blade contained inside.  These items cannot be taken through a security checkpoint. They must go in your checked baggage.

So remember that padded postage paid envelope for your stuff if you can’t get your deadly needlecraft on the aircraft. The Zephyrs may be easier to pass, but don’t it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are going to be away for a while you might send your knitting tools ahead by UPS or such, then ship it back.

Here are the new needles:

In the Ravelry SMACK (Straight Men Also Crochet and Knit) forum there is a thread on air travel with knitting. Some airlines and countries are very strict, such as Australia and their airline Quantas. Canada is supposedly very easy.

And some posters said they have even prepared pencils to knit with by coating the tips with clear nail polish. Others have successfully got onboard with bamboo dpns, stashing them among  a few pens and pencils.

Note: also be aware that if you have large metal stitch holders you may not get them on board. Find an alternative.