Tools

✂️ Scissors

Rules differ by region: The US allows blades up to 4 inches (10cm) from the pivot point, while UK, EU, Australia and Canada use a 6cm limit. Shorter is safer everywhere.

💼 Cabin bag

Depends

Blade must be shorter than 4 inches (10cm) measured from the pivot point.

✈️ Hold (checked)

Yes

Any size permitted in checked baggage.

💡 Tip: Embroidery scissors with pointed tips are borderline in most regions — pack in checked if unsure. Officers have discretion at security.

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Airline-specific rules

🌍All airlinesScissors with blades over 6cm (measured from the pivot) are banned from cabins on all major airlines.

🇮🇪RyanairOnly round-ended scissors with blades under 6cm are permitted in cabin; all others must be checked.

🇬🇧EasyJetBlunt-ended and short-bladed scissors (under 6cm) allowed in cabin; sharp or longer scissors must be in hold.

🇺🇸American AirlinesScissors with blades shorter than 4 inches (10cm) are permitted in carry-on; longer blades must be checked.

Common questions

If your scissors have a blade longer than 4 inches from the pivot point, TSA officers will confiscate them or give you the option to return them to your car or check them at the gate. Shorter scissors are allowed through, so the outcome really depends on your blade length. Officers do have some discretion, particularly with small embroidery or craft scissors.

The US allows scissor blades up to 4 inches (about 10cm) from the pivot point, while the UK, EU, Australia, and Canada all use a stricter 6cm limit. A pair of scissors that is legal to carry on in the US may be confiscated at a European or Australian airport. If you travel internationally, keeping your scissors under 6cm is the safest approach everywhere.

TSA officers do have discretion, especially with small sewing or embroidery scissors that are clearly low-risk tools. However, pointed-tip scissors that are borderline on blade length are more likely to be flagged and may be pulled for additional inspection. Being polite and explaining the purpose of the scissors can sometimes help, but there is no guarantee.

If your scissors are definitively under 4 inches from the pivot point, they are fine in carry-on in the US, but pack them near the top of your bag so screeners can see them easily if asked. For anything with pointed tips or a blade length you are unsure about, checked baggage is the safe choice and avoids any risk of confiscation at the checkpoint.