Can You Carry A Knife In Checked Luggage?

Are Knives Permitted In Checked Luggage?

Yes, knives are allowed in checked baggage. Nevertheless, some rules must be followed. Certain types of knives are allowed in checked luggage. These include bread knives, butcher knives, carving knives, pocket knives, hunter's knives, kitchen knives, bladder butter knives, santoku knives, swiss army knives, utility knives, swords and sabers, and ballistic knives.

However, there are no specific guidelines regarding the length of the blade. You can pack any kind of knife in your checked bag. Just keep in mind that you must cover the knife with a secure wrapping material to avoid injuring anyone during the inspection.

So instead of packing a pocket knife in your suitcase, consider packing a small kitchen knife or paring knife. These types of knives are permitted in checked luggage.

That's why it's recommended that you either cover your knife with a piece of cardboard or secure it with tape. Either way, you'll avoid causing harm to anyone else while traveling.

Can We Carry Knives In Carry-On Baggage?

There are many reasons why you should avoid carrying knives in your carry-ons. First off, the TSA prohibits knives in carry-on luggage. Second, TSA agents have the discretion to prohibit anything that they deem a security risk. Finally, you may end up getting fined by the TSA if they find knives in your bag.

You don't have to worry about being arrested at the airport if you decide to travel with knives in your carry-on. However, you might face a hefty fine if you are caught with knives in your carry-on. You could receive a fine of up to $2,050 if you are found with any of the following knives in your carry-ones:

  • Axes and hatchets
  • Bows and arrows
  • Ice axes and ice picks
  • Knives with blades that open automatically
  • Knives with blades that open via gravity
  • Any double edge knives or daggers
  • Meat cleavers
  • Sabers
  • Push-button knives
  • Swords
  • Machetes
  • Throwing stars

As long as you keep your knives in your checked bags, you won't have to worry about getting arrested at the airport.

However, if you are caught with any of the above knives in your carry-oned, you could be slapped with a hefty fine.

knife in checked luggage 3

Flight Rules In The U.S.A

For those traveling outside of the US, here are some flight rules that apply.

  • All knives are prohibited in carry-ons.
  • Knives longer than 4 inches may not be carried in checked baggage.
  • A folding knife is not permitted in checked baggage.
  • You cannot carry a pocketknife in your purse or briefcase.
  • You cannot carry anything larger than 3 1/2 inches in length in your carry-on.
  • Your carry-on bag cannot exceed 50 pounds.

When packing your carry-on bag, make sure to pack only what you absolutely need. You don't want to risk getting caught with anything illegal in your bag. Also, keep in mind that if you'd put a bare knife into checked luggage, the airline staff might get hurt. So always remember to protect your knives in checked luggage.

You don't want to risk being arrested or fined at the airport. So make sure to research the local state knife laws beforehand.

Flight Rules In Other Countries

Europe, Australia, China, And India

There are four major countries where knives are not permitted in checked bags. These include Europe, Australia, China, and India. All four countries have similar rules regarding knife restrictions. However, there are slight differences between the regulations.

For instance, European airlines require passengers to declare any knives they bring onto the plane. Passengers must provide a receipt indicating that they declared the knife. In contrast, Australian airlines do not require passengers to declare knives. Instead, they ask passengers if they have any sharp objects in their bags. If the passenger says yes, they must place the item in the hold section of the aircraft.

China requires passengers to declare knives at the airport. Once the knife is declared, the airline staff will inspect it and determine whether it needs to be placed in the hold section of an airplane.

Indian airlines do not require passengers to declare knives on planes. Instead, they simply ask passengers if they have anything sharp in their bags. If they say yes, they must place it in the hold section of their flight.

Checked baggage restrictions vary widely among airlines. Some airlines permit knives in checked bags, while others prohibit them entirely. You should research the policies of the airline you plan to fly with before packing your bag.

New Zealand

New Zealand flight rules are pretty strict. You'll notice that there are no knives allowed in carry-ons, but you can pack them in checked bags if you'd rather keep them safe.

However, if you plan on bringing a knife on board, make sure that it doesn't exceed 6cm in length. If not, it will be seized at the airport.

You might think that this rule isn't very practical, since most types of knives are longer than 6cm. But it makes sense. A knife that is longer than 6cm has a greater risk of being used as a weapon. So, it's safer to keep it out of reach until you arrive at your destination.

As mentioned above, this is not legal advice. Always do your own research before packing any kind of knife on board.

The United Kingdom

There are no restrictions on knife blades in checked bags in the US. However, if you carry any kind of weapon in your bag, you may be subject to additional screening at security checkpoints. You should not bring anything that might cause harm to yourself or others.

While there are no official rules regarding knives in checked bags, most airlines prohibit knives with blades longer than six centimeters (about 2.36 inches) in carry-on bags. However, if you plan to bring a knife with a blade longer than six centimeters, you should consider checking it in your bag.

You may not realize it, but most airline regulations apply to passengers regardless of where they fly. So whether you're flying domestically or internationally, you'll still have to abide by the same rules.

For instance, the US Department of Transportation requires that all knives must be carried in checked luggage. And while the TSA doesn't require that illegal knives be placed in checked luggage, it does recommend that you place them in checked luggage instead of carrying them in your carry-on bag.

So if you're planning to bring a knife with any kind of blade, you might want to think twice before bringing it in your carry-on. You never know when you'll find yourself stuck at security and unable to retrieve your knife.

Knives That Are Allowed In Checked Baggage

There are many knives that are allowed in checked baggage, but there are others that are not. Below, we've listed some of the knives that are typically allowed in checked bags.

Pocket Knives

These include Swiss army knives, multi-tools, folding pocket knives, and other small knives. These don't include knives that open quickly by pressing a button, springs, etc., which are banned in most states.

Blunt, Antique, Decorative Knifes

Most antique knives, especially those with a blade length exceeding 15 centimeters, are considered legal if the knife is blunt and intended for decorative purposes only. However, curved knives, even if they're blunt, are generally considered illegal in some regions, depending on the laws of the specific country.

Damascus Knives

Most kitchen knives made out of Damascus steel are allowed in checked baggage regardless of the length of the blade.

Kitchen Knives

Most kitchen knife kits, including a large meat cleaver, steak knives, chef knives, carving knives, bread knives, paring knives, and other larger knives, are allowed in your checked bag.

knife in checked luggage 2

Plastic Toy Knives And Swords

Most plastic toy knives and swords are banned in checked bags, but they're allowed in checked luggage.

Balisong Trainers Knives

Most balisong trainers are allowed in checked baggage unless they contain a sharp blade.

Fixed-Blade Knives With A Shorter Blade

Most fixed-bladed knives with a blade length between 4 and 6 inches (10 and 15 cm) are allowed in checked baggage when traveling.

Knives That Are Illegal To Bring On Flights

Most airlines prohibit passengers from carrying any type of knife onto flights. Some airlines ban only specific types of knives, while others ban all knives. Regardless of the airline, the same rules apply. You cannot carry any type of knife onto a flight.

You may not realize it, but there are many knives that are considered illegal to bring on board. These include switchblades, flick knives, and spring-loaded knives, among others. If you'd travel with one of these types of knives in your checked bag, the airport security agent will most likely get in touch and you'll get into trouble.

  • Switchblades, flick knives (also known as flick knives), and spring-loaded knives are all considered dangerous because they release the blade easily. A person holding one of these knives can open it with just one hand, causing serious injury.
  • Daggers and push daggers were historically used as weapons. However, they've become more common as collectors' items than actual weapons. Because of this, they're now considered dangerous and are banned in most places around the world.
  • Swords, machetes, spears, and throwing stars are all considered dangerous weapons. Even though they might look harmless, they can still cause severe injuries if they accidentally slip out of your hands.
  • Throwing stars, death stars, and throwing knives are usually made for fun purposes, but they can also be used for self-defense. As such, they're banned in most places around the globe.
  • Butterfly knives are mostly used for recreational purposes, but they can be used as weapons too. Therefore, they're banned in almost every place in the world.
  • Fixed-blade knives with long edges are considered illegal. Long knives are especially dangerous because they can cut through anything.
  • Knives resembling other objects are also considered illegal. Pens, combs, toothbrushes, and other everyday objects contain hidden knives.

How To Pack Your Knives In Checked Luggage?

There are many ways how you could safely pack knives in checked bags, including:

Secure the blade between two cardboard boxes. If you don't have any safe place to store your knife, placing it inside a sock won't work - the end will still poke out, and may even damage the suitcase.

The best thing you can do in this case is to make a holster using cardboard. Cut a cardboard piece that's 1 inch longer than the blade, fold it around the sharp end, and secure it all using duct tape. This should keep the sharp part of your blade from poking out.

Use paper and tape to cover the sharp edge. First wrap some paper or napkin around the blade, creating a protective layer between the knife and its sticky surface. Then wrap it all with duct tape, securing it firmly in place.

Pack it inside a box. Leather or fabric holsters will also be enough to securely pack your knife in your luggage.

You could also pack your knives inside a fabric roll bag. Just make sure that there isn't anything else in the bag that might cause harm if it were to break open during transit.

About this Guide

Written By Alex
Last Updated On November 21, 2022
Reading Time 
10 minutes
Guide Views 
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Alex

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