Preparing for Travel

It seem I have a bit of traveling to do this summer. My long awaited trim to Cape Hatteras is looming in the very new future. I am starting to count the days. I can picture myself lounging on the beach listening to the surf roll in. Hope there are no hurricanes thinking about getting fired up by then. My track record in recent years has not been good for long range planning of vacation anywhere place there could be a hurricane.

My last experience was the cruise to Cozumel that was supposed to leave from New Orleans the day Katrina stuck. I have yet to have the heart to reschedule. That trip had been planned since April. Wouldn't you know I would pick the wrong day for a cruise.

That is why I have been excited about this trip but not too exuberant. I do not want to tempt fate. Anyway I was checking the TSA regulations with regard to knitting needles, etc. Since it is not likely that I am going to a trip with no knitting. Here is what I found.

Transporting Knitting Needles & Needlepoint

Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage. However, there is a possibility that the needles can be perceived as a possible weapon by one of our Security Officers. Our Security Officers have the authority to determine if an item could be used as a weapon and may not allow said item to pass through security. We recommend the following when bring knitting needles on an airplane:

1. Circular knitting needles are recommended to be less than 31 inches in total length
2. We recommend that the needles be made of bamboo or plastic (Not Metal)
   Scissors must have blunt points In case a Security Officer does not allow your knitting tools through security it is recommended that you carry a self addressed envelope so that you can mail your tools back to yourself as opposed to surrendering them at the security check point.
3. As a precautionary measure we recommend that you carry a crochet hook with yarn to save the work you have already done in case your knitting tools are surrendered at the checkpoint
4. Most of the items needed to pursue a Needlepoint project are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage with the exception of circular thread cutters or any cutter with a blade contained inside. These items cannot be taken through a security checkpoint. They must go in your checked baggage.

I am not sure why these regulations apply to both carry-on and checked but I am sure it made since at the time to the ones making the rules. I can just visualize a knitter going off because or a dropped stitch or mistake and stabbing someone with an Addi. We are a pretty dangerous bunch.

This is something to consider for those going to Stitches Midwest 2007. I will probably definitely buy some needles while there. It make me wonder why the would not add yarn to the list of items not allowed. Some of us are so creative that we could probably fashion a weapon out of a wool nylon blend that could be deadly. Ooops! Now I have done it. They may be monitoring my blog and now they will know that there is that possibility.

On second thought naaaa, I think I am save. Why would they want to read about knitting anyway. I am sure they have better things to do.