Tools

🔩 Screwdriver

Rules differ by region: US (TSA): screwdrivers under 7 inches (18cm) are permitted in carry-on. UK, EU, Australia and Canada prohibit all screwdrivers in carry-on as potential weapons or escape tools.

💼 Cabin bag

Depends

Under 7 inches (18cm): permitted. Over 7 inches: prohibited. Measure from tip of blade to end of handle.

✈️ Hold (checked)

Yes

All sizes permitted.

💡 Tip: In the US, short screwdrivers under 7 inches pass through carry-on screening. In UK, EU, Australia and Canada even small screwdrivers are typically refused — pack in checked baggage to be safe.

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Screwdriver

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Airline-specific rules

🇺🇸American AirlinesScrewdrivers 7 inches (18cm) or shorter are permitted in carry-on per TSA; longer ones must be checked.

🇮🇪RyanairScrewdrivers are not permitted in cabin baggage regardless of length; must be in hold.

🇬🇧EasyJetScrewdrivers must be placed in hold baggage and cannot be taken through the cabin security checkpoint.

🇬🇧British AirwaysTools including screwdrivers must be in checked baggage to comply with UK CAA regulations.

Common questions

In the US, a screwdriver under 7 inches (measured from the tip of the blade to the end of the handle) will be permitted through carry-on screening. A screwdriver that is 7 inches or longer will be confiscated or returned for checked-bag processing. Outside the US, most regions will turn back any screwdriver in carry-on regardless of size.

The TSA specifically permits screwdrivers under 7 inches as a practical concession for travellers carrying basic tools. The UK, EU, Australia, and Canada take a stricter view and prohibit all screwdrivers from carry-on baggage, classifying them as potential weapons or escape tools under their aviation security frameworks.

Screeners may measure ambiguous cases, but the more practical reality is that many screwdrivers are visually assessed. If yours is clearly compact, it will likely pass; if it is borderline, a screener may ask you to check it. Measuring before you leave home avoids any uncertainty.

Regardless of size, pack the screwdriver in checked baggage for any international itinerary. Even if your home airport uses TSA rules, a connecting airport in the EU or UK may pull it at a security re-screen. Checked baggage eliminates the variable entirely.