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Sharp objects

🔧 Multi-tool (Leatherman, Swiss Army knife)

💼 Cabin bag

Depends

Multi-tools with a blade: prohibited. Plier-style tools without any blade: generally permitted.

✈️ Hold (checked)

Yes

All multi-tools permitted. Sheaths or wrapping recommended.

💡 Tip: Any multi-tool containing a blade must go in checked baggage in all regions. Plier-only multi-tools without a blade are generally permitted in carry-on.

Airline-specific rules

🌍All airlinesMulti-tools with a blade (e.g., Leatherman) are banned from cabin baggage on all major carriers.
🇺🇸American AirlinesMust be in checked baggage; TSA rules prohibit any multi-tool with a knife blade in carry-on.
🇮🇪RyanairNot permitted in cabin; must be placed in checked baggage.
🇬🇧EasyJetAll multi-tools must go in the hold regardless of blade size.

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.

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.

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