What to carry in your luggage: can you bring pins on the plane?

Can you bring a lapel pin or other sharp items in your carry-on baggage?

People worry that sharp objects like a lapel pin will set off the metal detector or draw extra attention from the TSA agent at the airport security checkpoint. This is completely understandable, since carry-on baggage rules aren’t always easy to understand. The short answer is yes, you can carry sharp objects like a lapel pin in your carry-on baggage, but you’ll want to read on for additional information to make sure you don’t accidentally pack a prohibited item in your hand luggage.

Can you bring a lapel pin or other sharp objects on the plane?

Whether you’re packing your checked bags or carry-on baggage, sharp items are not necessarily banned. For relatively common items like a lapel pin, bobby pins, disposable razors, and nail clippers, you’re allowed to bring them in your hand luggage or checked bags. This applies to domestic flights within the United States as well as on long-haul flights. If the sharp objects you’re hoping to pack are out of the ordinary, the best way to be certain is to check on the tsa website before your next flight.

Can you bring a lapel pin or other sharp items in your checked bags?

If you must travel with checked bags, it’s always a good idea to pack your carry-on baggage efficiently. You’ll move more quickly through the security checkpoint and be less stressed about finding previous space in the overhead bins on the plane. If you don’t need your lapel pin or other sharp objects while you’re in flight, you are permitted to pack them in your checked bags. Consider covering up the sharp points so they don’t damage other items in your checked bags. Read my post, 42 Essential Carry On Items for carry-on baggage packing tips.

Will a lapel pin set off the metal detector?

We’ve all been in line at the security checkpoint when some poor person keeps setting off the metal detector. Keeping your carry-on baggage and other hand luggage organized can help to prevent this type of unfortunate event. If your sharp items can’t go in your checked bags, it’s a good idea to store them inside your carry-on baggage before you reach the TSA agent at the security checkpoint. Since sharp objects like a lapel pin, disposable razors, nail clippers, stick pins, and bobby pins are made of metal, they will set off the metal detector. No need to bring them to the attention of the security officers, just don’t leave these sharp objects in your pockets!

Can you wear a lapel pin on your next flight?

You can wear a lapel pin or other sharp items on the airplane, and you can even take them through the security checkpoint. To avoid delays when you pass through the metal detector, don’t forget to remove your lapel pin. You’ll need to stow it away in your carry-on baggage. The TSA agent will likely need to send you back through the metal detector should you forget to remove your lapel pin. There may be other sharp items similar to a lapel pin that you’d like to bring past the security checkpoint, remember that it’s always a good idea to remove them so you don’t set off the metal detector.

Can you bring decorative pins in your carry-on baggage?

Yes, just like a regular lapel pin, you are permitted to bring decorative pins on the plane. This includes those cute Disney pins that so many people like to add to their pin collections. Just remember that they might set off the metal detector, even though they are small, so remember to leave them in your hand luggage when you arrive at the security checkpoint.

What other sharp items can I bring on the plane?

It’s always a good idea to check directly with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or on the official website of your airline, but the following items are safe to bring in your hand luggage on your next flight:

• Lapel pin
• Hair pins
• Plastic knives
• Knitting needles
• Hat pins
• Decorative safety pins
• Nail clippers
• Disposable razors
• Bobby pins

Larger and potentially dangerous items like box cutters, swiss army knives could cause serious injury and should never be packed in your carry-on baggage. If you’re still uncertain, consider packing your sharp objects in your checked baggage, this way you’ll be sure to breeze through the security checkpoint.

Should you consider travelling with carry-on baggage only for your next flight?

I can’t even begin to tell you how frustrated I was the first time an airline lost my checked luggage, and much I regretted not defaulting to carry on only instead. After fumbling through a two day conference with only one change of clothes (thankfully, I’d stuffed them into my shoulder bag before leaving home), I vowed to only ever travel with items I could fit in the overhead bin from then on. Admittedly, it’s not always possible to do extended international travel or family trips with just carry-on items. But whenever possible, even last year when I did a winter Europe work trip for one week, I travel with carry on only.

What are the most essential items to pack in your cabin baggage?

Whether you’re travelling for work for the first time, gearing up for some international travel, or looking to streamline things for your next trip, a packing plan for your carry-on baggage is always a good idea. With airlines becoming increasingly strict about hand luggage limits, it’s more important than even to pack your carry-on baggage wisely. The best way to be sure that your cabin baggage serves you well is to think hard about the carry-on baggage itself. Whether your next flight is within the United States, or on long-haul flights, it’s a good idea to start with a compact backpack, this can count as your personal item. Secondly, choose a roller bag with spinner wheels, this can be stowed in the overhead bins after you board your flight. From here, you’ll have plenty of space for all your essential carry-on baggage items. Read my article, 42 Essential Carry-On Items, for a comprehensive list of the most important cabin baggage items for domestic flights and long-haul flights.

Some final thoughts before your next flight

Now that you have a better sense of what’s allowed and what’s not when it comes to sharp items in your carry-on baggage, you’re all set for your next flight. In some cases, the only way to be absolutely certain about what goes and what should be put in your checked bags is to visit the official website of your airline, or the TSA website. It’s always a good idea to do this well in advance of your next flight. You’ll breeze through the security checkpoint with your professional-packed carry-on baggage. In my experience, this is the best way to ensure that your next flight is as smooth and stress free as possible.