Yes. If the blades are less than 4 inches measured from the pivot point; longer scissors must go in checked bags.
TSA allows scissors in carry-on bags only when the blades are less than 4 inches long, measured from the pivot point (where the blades join). Scissors with longer blades are not allowed in carry-on.
Scissors of any size are 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: blades less than 4 inches (about 10 cm) from the pivot point
- Checked: any size, sheathed or securely wrapped
Packing tips
- Measure from the screw or rivet where the blades cross, not from the end of the handles.
- Officers can still refuse scissors that look questionable, so cheap, clearly small scissors are a safer bet than an expensive pair.
- Flying to or from the UK or Canada? Their limit is much shorter: 6 cm blades.
Outside the US
- UKOnly small scissors with blades no longer than 6 cm, or round-ended/blunt scissors, are allowed in hand luggage. Source
- CanadaCATSA allows carry-on scissors only if each blade is 6 cm (2.4 in) or less, measured from the joint to the tip. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
How long can scissors be in carry on TSA?
The blades must be less than 4 inches measured from the pivot point. Anything longer has to go in checked luggage.
Where do you measure scissors for TSA?
From the pivot point, the joint where the two blades meet, to the tip of the blade.