Are Pocket Knives Allowed on Planes?

Short Answer? yes!

Well, it seems pretty straightforward, ever since 9/11, pocket knives have been considered an obviously restricted item on airplanes. We know why, let's not get too into that here.

But here’s where people get tripped up: pocket knives are not banned from planes altogether. They’re just banned from carry-on luggage.

The Real Rule (Not the Assumed One)

You cannot bring a pocket knife in your carry-on bag. Full stop. Even a tiny slipjoint, a Swiss Army Classic, or a keychain blade will get flagged at security. Size does not save you. Sentiment does not save you. TSA does not care how harmless or nostalgic the knife feels to you.

However, you can bring a pocket knife in your checked baggage.

That means:

• If it goes under the plane, you’re good.

• If it goes in the cabin with you, you’re not.

That’s the entire distinction.

Why People Still Get Confused

A lot of confusion comes from outdated rules, myths, or “I got away with it once” stories. Some people flew pre-2001 with small knives in their pockets. Some people slipped through security years ago with something that should’ve been caught. None of that matters now.

Current screening rules are strict, consistent, and enforced without much discretion. If a blade is discovered in your carry-on, your options are usually:

• Go back and check a bag (if time allows)

• Surrender the knife

• Miss your flight

None of those are fun.

What About Multi-Tools?

Same rule. If it has a blade, it goes in checked luggage. Even blade-less multi-tools can be questionable depending on design, so if you care about it, check it.

The Bottom Line

Pocket knives are allowed on planes, just not where most people instinctively want to carry them.

If you’re flying with a knife:

• Pack it deliberately

• Put it in checked baggage

• Don’t try to outsmart security

• Don’t assume “small” means “okay”

Air travel doesn’t erase knife ownership. It just changes where the knife has to ride.