Yes. Not in carry-on. Pocket knives and Swiss Army knives are banned from carry-on bags whatever the blade length, but allowed in checked bags if sheathed or securely wrapped.
TSA prohibits pocket knives and Swiss Army knives in carry-on bags, including small keychain models; there is no minimum blade length.
Allowed in checked bags. Wrap or sheathe it in checked bags so baggage handlers and TSA inspectors can't get cut.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Carry-on: no pocket or Swiss Army knives, any blade length
- Checked: allowed, sheathed or securely wrapped
Packing tips
- Check your keychain before you leave home; tiny keyring knives are among the most commonly forgotten items.
- Look for a Swiss Army-style tool sold without a blade if you want something for your carry-on: TSA allows multi-tools without blades.
- Canada now allows knives with blades up to 6 cm on some flights, but never on flights bound for the US.
Outside the US
- UKKnives with a sharp or pointed blade or a blade longer than 6 cm are not allowed in hand luggage. Source
- CanadaCATSA allows blades of 6 cm or less in carry-on on domestic and international flights, except flights to the US; spring-assisted or automatic-opening knives are banned in all bags. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
Can I bring a small swiss army knife on a plane?
Only in checked luggage. TSA does not allow Swiss Army knives in carry-on bags, regardless of size.
Can I put a pocket knife in my checked bag?
Yes. Pocket knives are allowed in checked bags if sheathed or securely wrapped.