Can You Bring a Knife on a Plane?

No. All knives — regardless of blade length — are prohibited in carry-on luggage worldwide. This applies to pocket knives, kitchen knives, hunting knives, Swiss Army knives, craft knives, and multi-tools with blades. The only safe option is to pack knives in checked luggage.

The Rule: All Blades Prohibited in Carry-On

Before 2001, small penknives with blades under a certain length were allowed on flights in some countries. That changed after September 11, 2001. All aviation security authorities worldwide revised their prohibited items lists, and knives of any size were banned from cabin baggage.

TSA (US): The What Can I Bring tool confirms knives are prohibited from carry-on regardless of blade length. No exceptions for short blades, folding knives, or sporting knives.

UK (CAA): Any knife or bladed item capable of causing injury is prohibited in the cabin.

EU: Knives and cutting instruments with blades of any length are prohibited items in carry-on baggage under EU Regulation 2015/1998.

Australia (CASA): All knives are prohibited in cabin baggage, including penknives and pocket knives.

Canada (CATSA): Knives of any kind are prohibited in carry-on bags.

The rule is consistent worldwide. There is no country with a legitimate blade-length exemption for knives in cabin baggage.

What Is Prohibited in Carry-On

These items are banned from carry-on worldwide:

• Pocket knives and penknives (all sizes and blade lengths)
• Folding knives and lockback knives
• Kitchen knives and chef's knives
• Hunting knives and survival knives
• Bowie knives and fixed-blade knives
• Craft knives (X-Acto, Stanley box cutters, scalpels)
• Swiss Army knives with blades
• Multi-tools containing a blade (Leatherman Wave, Victorinox SwissTool)
• Letter openers with metal blades
• Throwing stars and other martial arts bladed items

The Swiss Army Knife Question

Swiss Army knives deserve a specific mention because they are so commonly carried and the rules are genuinely confusing.

If it has a blade, it is prohibited in carry-on. This includes the most popular models like the Victorinox Tinker, Compact, Hiker, and Climber. The blade itself — even a small 4 cm blade — makes the entire multi-tool prohibited from cabin baggage.

If it has no blade, it may be allowed. The Victorinox Classic SD (nail file, scissors, screwdriver, toothpick, key ring) has no knife blade and is often permitted through security. The Victorinox Manager and Ambassador also lack blades. However, the scissors in these tools may be subject to separate scissors rules — see our scissors guide.

Check your specific Victorinox model at TSA's What Can I Bring tool or the relevant security authority's website before travel.

Multi-Tools Without Blades

Multi-tools that contain only pliers, screwdrivers, wire strippers, and similar tools (no knife blade) may be allowed in carry-on at some airports. TSA guidance suggests these may be permitted, but individual officers retain discretion.

The safest approach: if your multi-tool has any blade component at all — check it.

Checked Luggage: All Knives Allowed

Any knife can go in your checked bag. Kitchen knives, pocket knives, hunting knives, Swiss Army knives — all are permitted in hold luggage without restriction.

Best practice for packing knives in checked bags:

• Wrap blades securely in clothing or a blade guard
• Place in the middle of the bag rather than near the top where inspectors may reach in
• Do not lock a bag with a knife directly accessible to any opening

TSA (and equivalent authorities) may open checked bags for inspection. If they find a knife inside, they will inspect it and repack it. This is normal and does not cause problems as long as the knife is legal to possess at your destination.

Penalties and Confiscation

If you arrive at a security checkpoint with a knife in your carry-on, it will be confiscated. You will not be allowed to return to check it — you lose it.

In most cases, no further action is taken for accidental violations. However, repeated or deliberate attempts to bring prohibited bladed items through security can result in fines. In the US, TSA can issue civil penalties for carry-on violations.

Pre-9/11 Historical Note

Prior to September 2001, many countries allowed small penknives in cabin baggage. The US, for example, had allowed folding knives with blades under 4 cm. These allowances were eliminated globally in the weeks after 9/11 and have not been restored. Any information suggesting small knives are currently allowed in carry-on is outdated.

Summary

Knife Type	Carry-On	Checked Bag
Pocket knife / penknife	Prohibited	Allowed
Kitchen knife	Prohibited	Allowed
Swiss Army knife (with blade)	Prohibited	Allowed
Swiss Army knife (no blade)	May be allowed	Allowed
Multi-tool with blade	Prohibited	Allowed
Multi-tool without blade	May be allowed	Allowed
Craft knife (X-Acto, Stanley)	Prohibited	Allowed
Butter knife (plastic or round-bladed)	Usually allowed	Allowed