✋ Hand luggage
Multi-tools with a blade: prohibited. Plier-style tools without any blade: generally permitted.
🧳 Hold luggage
All multi-tools permitted. Sheaths or wrapping recommended.
Based on TSA guidance for United States. Official rules ↗
Multi-tool (Leatherman, Swiss Army knife) rules by country
How carry-on and checked-bag rules for multi-tool (leatherman, swiss army knife) compare across the 14 countries we cover.
Multi-tool (Leatherman, Swiss Army knife)
Airline-specific rules
Common questions
If the multi-tool contains a blade — which most Leatherman and Swiss Army knife models do — it will be confiscated. You may be offered the chance to return to check-in and place it in your checked baggage if time permits, but at busy checkpoints screeners will simply seize it.
Yes — plier-style multi-tools that contain no blade at all are generally permitted in carry-on baggage. The rule applies in all regions: once a blade is present, the entire tool must go in checked baggage, regardless of blade length.
The brand makes no difference — the determining factor is whether any blade is present. A Swiss Army knife with even a small pen blade is treated the same as a Leatherman with a full-size knife blade, and both must travel in checked baggage.
Always pack any multi-tool with a blade in your checked baggage, placed in a sheath or pouch to protect both the tool and baggage handlers. If you are traveling carry-on only and need tools, consider a blade-free plier multi-tool, which is permitted in the cabin.
Related items
Browse all Sharp objects →Based on official United States security guidelines. Rules vary by airline and route — always verify with your carrier before travel. · Rules last verified May 2026.