Did you know the TSA has a "Scissors Hall of Shame"? Not really, but I imagine it: confiscated crafting shears, embroidery scissors, and that one pair of kitchen shears someone thought was "artisanal." In 2019, the TSA reported finding over 4,000 scissors in carry-ons per month. That’s a lot of people who forgot Glamma’s sewing kit.
Can You Bring Scissors on a Plane? The Ultimate Guide - Can You Bring It?
Here’s a wild twist: Medical scissors—like the ones for cutting bandages—are usually allowed, even if they’re a bit longer. The TSA likes doctors more than they like quilters, apparently.
And if you’re a lefty? You’re doomed—left-handed scissors are rarer than a polite gate agent, but they follow the same rule. Just know that your scissors will be searched more often because they look "suspiciously backwards."
What Happens If You Mess Up?
Let’s say you get to security and realize your scissors are basically machetes. You have three options: check your bag, mail them home, or give them to a TSA agent who will add them to a personal collection of hundreds of sad scissors.
The TSA also suggests you put scissors in a clear, accessible pouch—like a plastic baggie—so they don’t have to wrestle your entire toiletry bag to find the pointy menace. Be kind to the agents; they’ve already seen three people try to bring a snow globe onto a plane today.
Pro tip: If you’re a crafter, just buy cheap scissors at your destination and leave them there. No one wants to have a heart attack over a pair of $2 kindergarten scissors.
