Federal Aviation rules regarding folders

Barry H

Barry H

Joined
Nov 3, 1999
Messages
1,692
I am planning to drive a car to Massachusetts and return to Minneapolis/St. Paul via Northwest or US Airways. What kind of hassle will I encounter if I travel with my AFKC? Will I have any less problems if it is packed in my carry-on?
Thanks for the tips!
Barry H.
 
You could try putting it in with your toiletries bag in your carry on. I got a serrated Endura through Burbank check in that way.

It's really the luck of the draw though. Whatever security is thinking that day. There are several threads on this. I started one about a month or so ago. Do a search on "Airports".

Good luck. Let us know how it works out.

Dean
 
just put it in the change tray when you go through the metal detectors and don't act concerned. try to look respectable when you do it. No offence, just advice. I don't know what you usually dress like. I usually wear camo's and t shirts and getting onto an air plain like that with a knife would be stupid. you may still get through, but not worth losing a knife oner. I read something similar on an other post that the airport security only has a few seconds to judge you so try ot impress them most terrorists don't wear business suits. anyway just don't look like you are going to do something wrong and they'll believe it.
 
I work on large commercial airliners for a living and have spent most of my adult life on airports. What will go through a security checkpoint (and what won't) is pretty much the luck of the draw.

The FAA has security regulations and guidelines for airports. The enforcement of these regulations is up to the local authorities who, at their discretion, can add their own little quirks to the mix. In the end, it all boils down to the whims of the security person manning the checkpoint you happen to be passing through at the time.

Very few people in a position of authority, including the Airport Police, will argue with the security person who took away your 1 1/2" SAK because they really don't know what the federal, state and local laws will allow. Not very encouraging, but a fact of life. I've seen a baggage handler walk right through a checkpoint with a 5" fixed blade hunter on his belt, while a passenger in the next line was having the 3" folding sissors taken out of his shaving kit. One day I watched while a city police detective (who was going to an arrival gate to pick up his wife) was told that he could take his gun with him, but had to leave his Benchmade 970 with security. Figure that one out!!!

Do yourself a favor, put your larger blades in your checked luggage and carry a small, plain edged folder on your key-chain for the flight.

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Blackdog
ffca0608.gif.orig.gif
 
Blackdog is right on target. I try to stay fairly inconspicuous, don't wear T-shirts that say, "Kill `em all, let God sort `em out!", be polite and say hello, that sort of stuff, and I haven't had a problem with either a micarta Calypso Jr., a carbon Dragonfly, or a small Sebenza. I usually use the "money clip" approach as well. It seems most security personel are a bit reluctant to touch other people's money, for fear of recriminations concerning theft. That's just my personal experience, though.

Here's a great one. We flew from Detroit to Denver and back for an extended five day weekend over the holiday. What set off flags and questions? A rectangular black about 6" long, 4" wide, and 2" thick, all wrapped fairly tightly in alumunum foil. C-4 or other plastique, you ask? No, just your innocent, everyday Rice Krispie Treats. LOL! Go figure.
smile.gif
Of course, based on the shape and the wrapping, I can see where they might want to just check for themselves just to be sure.

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Don LeHue

Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings...they did it by killing all those who opposed them.
 
Just last weekend I flew from LaGuardia (NYC) to Norfolk, VA & back w/ a serrated Spyderco Navagator as a money clip & a Spyderco Jess Horn in my shaving kit. No problem- But then again, both flights left at 6:45 am & looking at the state of awareness of the security personnel, I could have walked through with an M1 Garand at port-arms & not have drawn a stare. Not enough coffee I guess...

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Runs With Scissors
AKTI# A000107
 
How about a Cold Steel mini culloden with a 3.5" spear point blade?? a fixed blade?? will tyhat pass??
 
Nick:

I travel a lot and never have I known a fixed blade to be let through. I've seen airport security relieve passengers of large screwdrivers and knitting needles.

As for folders, the SAK is the only one that has made it through everywhere I've gone. Watch out in Europe for locking folders. They are often not allowed. My Leatherman Sideclip has never been challenged either.
 
It seems to me one would have to carry a copy of the regulations with them for the uneducated guards.Does anybody have a copy of official FAA regulations or whomever regulates what may be brought onboard a plane?I may start carrying a copy of the NY penal code with me in my car,I mean this is scary,people enforcing laws that are not even correct or don't even exist.I mean you can't just make stuff up as you go along or if I get up on the wrong side of the bed today nobody gets through the airport with a SaK.This is ridiculous,my two cents,Ralph
 
For US domestic travel ...

You can't carry a copy of the FAA security regulations because the FAA doesn't give copies to just anybody. Those who have asked have been told that the limit is a 4" folder - no fixed blades, no switchblades, and nothing that is "menacing." If the security person on duty that day feels menaced by a 2 1/2" knife that looks like a baby crocodile, you'll have to put it in your checked baggage.

On the way back from the Blade Show, I had a security person go through a dozen knives in my carry-on to make sure they were all under 4". She knew the rule - that is good. I sent the fixed blades and the dinky little autos back to myself by Federal Express.


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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
 
Oh, if you want the FAA regulations, you can get them through the Freedom Of Information Act. The problem is that "4-inch, folding, non-serrated" is not a law or regulation of any sort. If is simply a guideline that the FAA publishes. The FAA allows each airline to make its own policy on what to allow. Check with whatever airline you will be flying on well ahead of time, and get their policy in writing. Of course, local laws at any particular airport (no, airports aren't federal facilities, as some have said) may also play a factor. The bottom line is that you must check with your airline to find out what you may carry.

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
A few weeks ago, I went through security not realising that I had a serrated GT knife in my carry on luggage. They saw it in the x-ray. They acted like they were thinking about letting me get on with it, but then made me put it in checked baggage. It was a big inconvenience, but at least there was no trouble. This was in Phoenix AZ though. They seem to be more relaxed about stuff like that. If it were New York or Boston, I could have had more trouble.

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Rick Lord
Desert Lord Enterprises
http://www.desertlord.com
 
There are published regs and unpublished guidelines provided to the airport authorities. The regs say any folder 4 inches or greater is forbidden. An unpromulgated guideance document includes anything "menacing". There are no directives concerning serrations, tanto points, etc., as pointed out the locals can interpret the rules in more, not less, restrictive directions.

I've checked any knife larger than a Delica. I've been questioned in Detroit, very politely and passed on when I explained the work I do, and had by briefcase searched extensivly in Denver. I've yet to have a knife banned from entry.

If you want to carry a knife on a plane carry something smaller than 3 inches without serrations that you throw into the tray with your keys, change and flashlight.

Take care,

Mike
 
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