In advance of the upcoming changes to TSA’s Prohibited Items List, effective April 25, 2013, the guidelines below on small knives permitted in carry-on luggage are provided to help passengers prepare for airport security procedures prior to checkpoint arrival.

TSA continues to evolve and strengthen its multi-layered approach to aviation security – through better technology, expanded data analysis capabilities and an enhanced understanding of current intelligence. The decision to permit certain items in carry-on luggage was made as part of TSA’s overall risk-based security approach and aligns TSA with International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and our European counterparts.

Small knives permitted in carry-on luggage must meet all of the following requirements:

Permitted:

	The blade must be no more than 2.36 inches or 6 cm in length – from tip to where it meets the handle or hilt
	The blade must be no more than ½ inch in width

Not Permitted:

	Knives with locking or fixed blades
	Knives with molded grips
	Razors and box cutters

If a passenger is unsure if an item meets the above requirements, TSA recommends that the item be placed in checked luggage.

The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items through security checkpoints.

Click here to read about other changes to the Prohibited Items List.