On my flight from Toronto to Vancouver this morning, I was knitting along having a lovely time. (Sort of. The guy next to me needed a discussion about personal space and what exactly constituted his "dance space" but someone else will have to improve him as a person. It was too much for me.) I had a couple of conversations with the two flight attendants. Mostly regular knitty stuff like "What are you making?" or "That’s pretty." Point is that knitting was discussed with both attendants at several points during the hours and hours. (I sort of like that one of them noticed it was "actually bigger!")
At the very end of the flight, Flight Attendant A came by and told me that I would have to stow my knitting because it was "very dangerous" to have pointy things out during landing. I pointed out that really, it’s no different than a pen, and Mr. Crowdy-McCrowdsme sitting next to me had one… but she said that there were NO flight attendants on ANY flights who would EVER let ANY knitters knit during landing. I sighed. I don’t agree, and I have knit about a gajillion times during landing on this airline, but since it’s not my plane and I don’t make the rules, I stowed the knitting. (When knitters have private jets, things will be different.)
Two minutes later, with me sitting there looking at loose ends, Flight Attendant 2 comes by, stops, looks at me and says "Hey, how come you’re not knitting?"
I don’t mind the rules. I really don’t. I just wish they’d make up their minds.
Waiting for my next flight now. 
Everyone agrees you can knit in the lounge.
I travel all the time for work – and I have never had a flight attendant tell me to put away my knitting during landings. I guess there is a first for everything!
When there are private knitting airplanes, many things will be different! You show forebearance to emulate!
Good thing they weren’t the pilots!
Consistency, apparently it’s too much to ask for.
On the private knitting planes, you will be offered stitch markers with your drink. And the tray tables will have a little lip all the way around so if you lay down a DPN, it won’t roll onto the floor.
Ooh that looks pretty, I love the colour. Flight attendants are annoying when they are inconsistent but I’m in the UK where knitting on the plane is not an option as knitting needles are on the list of items not allowed in your hand luggage, ever. Rubbish!
HUGS! Yeah, seems like crazy pie to me too, that your needles would be considered “very dangerous”. I’m of the school “I’m more dangerous without my knitting than metal US size 0000 needles are” but whatcha gonna do?
Have fun lounge-knitting!
I have not flown since I was a child and that was on a military plane. So, I would have a lot to learn about flying. Pretty yarn.
maybe attendant A was having a little power trip and asked you to put away your knitting just because she could. Enjoy your knitting now it looks lovely.
my favorite is when a passenger sitting next to me asks.. “they let you bring those on the plane?” and I look at them and quietly whisper “shhhhhhhhh” and wink at them.
I have also never been asked to put away my knitting on take off or landing.
LOL – I did have one occasion where my friend (who also knits) asked me to put my knitting away when we were landing…. but then again, I had 13″ metal knitting needles & she is very safety conscious and kept thinking about one of us getting stabbed with the needles!
oddly enough, i’ve noticed they’ve started doing this with a lot of different things.
last time i was on something other than Porter, i was asked to stow knitting AND my e-reader. seriously, the e-Reader? like that’s going to hurt someone?
Stephanie, I applaud you for the patience to put up with fellow travelers, stupid rules and petty little tyrants in uniforms. This..and the likelihood that I could not refrain from commenting about such things..is why we only go where we can drive……that gives me _lots and lots_ of time to knit since I’m the passenger. And for the record..nobody at the Canadian/US border has _ever_ questioned what I was doing 🙂
For once – the first time ever, maybe – I must disagree with you.
You do not get the opportunity to finish your meal during landing. The tray has to be placed in an upright position and items stowed out of the way, under the seat or overhead. The seat returned to the upright position as well.
These safety precautions are to lessen the chance of getting hit/stabbed/whacked by something if there is a rough landing (or worse). And also so there are fewer things to trip over during an evacuation I expect.
It only makes sense to restrict knitting needles during the landing, by having to stow them as well.
I was asked to put it away only once, and that was because I was sitting in the emergency exit row. The attendant very nicely explained that if there were 90 panicked people trying to get out in the dark and smoke, it would be helpful if their legs weren’t entangled in wool. Were you lucky enough to score the extra leg room.
So where are you off to this time?
Yes, the small glimpse of whatever it is you’re knitting looks good. I love the bag shown with it!
I suspect that you didn’t really have to put away your knitting to land, and that the stewardess was just a little confused. It’s probably a good idea to have everything stowed safely on landing, though. The odds of anything going wrong on landing are astronomical, but if something does go wrong, you’ll hate yourself if your project goes flying. It might come off the needles.
Personally, I enjoy flying so much that I have to be watching out the window during landings and take offs.
At least they didn’t keep you from taking your needles on board! That would drive me crazy!
I just flew back from France last week after 2 weeks of travelling and 7 previous flights in that time. In the Paris airport they made me toss my interchangeable tips, despite the fact that I had flown in and out of the same airport (same terminal) with no problems 2 weeks earlier.
Sigh. Inconsistency abounds everywhere. To quote them, “This is France. It’s different here.” Me: “It wasn’t two weeks ago.”
Last week I was not allowed to bring my knitting aboard a British Air flight. My friend went through a different checkpoint for the same flight- and made a lot of progress on her lace shawl during the 7 hour trip. I could only watch in envy. Consistency thy name is not BA.
I’ve only knit on one flight (only been on two total) and I got so frustrated with the headband I was making, I never made it to landing.
I love that color too!
And I am with you – the lack of consistency among attendants, TSA people etc. is just frustrating and ridiculous.
Mr Crowdy-McCrowdsme should be made aware that he was sitting next to someone with pointy dangerous sharp objects. A quiet quick jab to the elbow might have increased your personal space! 🙂
Well, I mind rules which don’t exist being enforced, demmit.
(In other news? Let the record show that I predicted, almost to the minute, what would happen climatically — wet, cool summer or not — if you finished a wool shawl. Even an exquisitely beautiful ice-blue wool shawl. Still, I’m sure nobody blames the transformer blowing up on you. Not many, anyway. And I’m sure the Silk Summit has good insurance. Probably.)
Yeah, I’ve never understood the variances of what can/cannot be done. I’ve never had anyone tell me I couldn’t have my knitting out for take off and landing but I’ve had fellow passengers get all weird about the fact that I’m flying with pointy sticks and string.
As long as no one asks me to make anything for them…
Honestly, I think it’s an Air Canada thing. The last time I flew AC one flight attendant lectured us like naughty children for failing to exhibit proper attention to the safety instructions, and then repeated all the safety instructions twice more (and in English and in French) while her co-workers rolled their eyes and prepared to deal with some seriously P.O.’d customers.
I just flew back and forth across the continent, needles plainly visible to any and all flight attendants. No comments at all, none whatsoever at any point.
BTW, when are you going to stop and stay in Vancouver instead of always passing through????
Come up the front to the cockpit and you might find a knitter or two at the controls….. I have seen some sights on long haul commercial (freight and passenger), military and private flights. Nothing complicated but mindless knitting for slow aircraft and long distances.
When sitting next to pilot in small light aircraft you are often roped in to help in activities for take off and landing. An example is the aircraft door is normally left open and held by the passenger in the front seat until you have finished taking to the end of runway as this ventilates cockpit and passengers. This is necessary especially in hot countries like Kenya. Just before takeoff after all the final checks you are commanded to shut door and lock off.
My favorite was the time I wasn’t allowed to take my crochet hook on the plane but I was allowed to knit the last bit of a king sized blanket. 🙂
Very funny! I have actually stabbed myself with a knitting needle, hard enough that the needle actually stuck out of my leg, which is why I don’t fly with the 13-inch straights. But bamboo DPNs? Definitely.
I had that happen during landing as well. Take-off they didn’t seem to care about for some reason. I actually had one take out her rule book and show it to me, and not understand that this new vigilance was unique. I don’t know how many flights I’ve taken where they didn’t give a hoot what was in your hands as long as your seat belt was buckled and your tray and seat were up.
Consistency, thy name is *not* air travel.
I’ve found the same inconsistencies in flying with a baby. It’s all sorts of, “You can’t sit in that row!” and “No wearing the baby in a carrier during take-off and landings!” and then sometimes, if the baby is sleeping, they just leave you alone. Those legs are the best.
I’ve been asked to put my knitting away during take off and landings as well. >.<
Oh geez, sounds like you have had a real go of it this morning. I hope your next flight & flights home are much less eventful.
I have never tried to knit on a plane. It scares me too much the possibility that I will have to throw it in the trash at the security check point, like my husband had to do once when there were found to be *gasp* nail clippers in his pocket.
Never had to stow my needles either.
Dontcha love the Tom Bihn bag? I have the same one.
…you’re going to show us that pretty picture but not tell us what you’re knitting???
I sincerely hope you told her that the last attendant told you to stow it for safety reasons. I hate the inconsistencies. I actually print off the TSA’s information before every flight, just in case they challenge me on letting my needles on the flight. (I haven’t needed it yet, but it makes me feel better.)
I just wanted to say that, if it had not been for knitting having been allowed on my last flight (Chicago, Arizona, New Mexico), I never would have found you, your blog, or your wonderful books.
During a layover, another knitter came up to me to share her project and to ask about mine. We ended up sitting and knitting together on the plane.
During our conversation, she recommended some websites — short version of story: I am a renewed knitter (haven’t done it since the 70’s), and her recommendations helped lead me to you.
I’m proud to say that I’ve since graduated from being a “knitter with a lower case k” to being a “Knitter with an upper case K.” For all the world, I cannot understand why I waited so many years to discover how much I love to knit.
PS: My fellow knitter and I both knit until the plane landed, without a problem. So far, I’ve yet to be asked to put away my knitting. Let’s hope it continues.
PSS: You need more books in audio format. I’ve been through both of your audio formatted books, and I need desparately need another. It amuses my neighbors to watch me fling my head back and laugh out loud (LOUD) as I sit . . . alone . . . knitting on my back porch. My sun hat hides my earphones, and everyone within earshot has become quite perplexed in wondering how a ball of wool can cause such a flutter . . . although, I guess that that’s what being an uppercase Knitter does to a person.
Anyway, it is great to have found you. Thanks for all the information and entertainment you provide.
I always put my knitting away for landing, but I’m not the best flier and I like having my hands free to white-knuckle my armrests. I’m always afraid I’d snap a needle with how tense I get.
But. If it makes you feel any better, a flight attendant did once ask my mom to stow her pen and crossword before landing.
It just goes to show that you are better asking forgiveness instead of permission!
So… did the attendant who noticed your knitting getting bigger tell you to put it away? Perhaps, you’d knit your in air quota.
There’s no accounting for rules, sometimes they are simply arbitrary.
And that beautiful item you’re working on is…? Safe travel!
Put it away? The only reason that I can see to put knitting away on a plane is because the turbulence is getting to the point where you’re dropping stitches!
And to follow the line of several others: what are you knitting? What I can see is lovely!
I’m going with Charlie Brown on this one: Good Grief.
There are inconsistencies in what is permissible from airline to airline, airport to airport, so who knows!! At least landing doesn’t take that long. Love what you are knitting!!! Details???
I am in love with that yarn. Delicious.
It seems that the airlines are allowed to enforce what rules they want within reason, and unfortunately that leaves us constantly bewildered. I think we would see a lot fewer messages on the boards if every airline said either yes, you can bring your knitting or no and then all of them enforced the same rule.
Of course, I’m trying really hard not to think about not knitting during a flight. I might go stir crazy, especially if I forgot a book.
I think Flight Attendant 2 should be head attendant on all the private knitting planes once they get off the ground! In fact, she can hire the other attendants!
You had me going at Mr. Crowdy McCrowdsme and his need for improvement as a person. Feels so good to laugh my head off : ). The knitting is looking fab!
I don’t know why they don’t just make up their minds one way or the flipping other.
To knit or not to knit that is the question. Whether tis cosier in the hands to suffer the slings and crochet hooks of outrageous flight attendants and by psso’ing end them. Or something like that..
The man next to you is why headphones were invented.
Rather than letting people knit they’ll probably have an announcement asking people to put their pens away during landing and takeoff now.
You still haven’t told us what that is.
LOL! Well, you handled it with skill, it seems, while enduring two of the most irritating things about flying now: attitudes & inconsistency of TSA and airline personnel, and the plethora of Mr./Mrs. McCrowdypants that are usually my seat neighbor. A lot of (formerly common) courtesy has gone out the window, and they have removed anything that used to be fun about the experience of flying. Cheers to you, your project, and the rest of your trip! Thanks for the laugh.
I used to have the same feelings as you about knitting during landing and takeoff. But, I went through the worst turbulence ever on a flight into Vancouver a couple of months ago and almost stabbed myself in the lady bits. Things went from calm to ouch in about 30 seconds flat.
Now I stow them every time.
The only time I’ve had problems with flight attendants and knitting needles was on a flight from London to Edinburgh. Two attendants approached me. One appeared to be forcing the other one (who looked apologetic) to ask for my needles. When they walked off with my bags, a Scottish lady on my aisle asked me if I intended to knit them or purl them. We all laughed and I got my knitting bag back when we arrived.
Sorry to double post but I just sort of got stirred up by the guy next to you. Most of my trouble when I fly comes from people in front of me. Really, for a one hour or so flight is it really necessary to recline the seat all the way back so they can rest their head in my lap?
Perhaps the crowdy guy was magnificently well-endowed and needed all that extra space for his Gigantic Package.
*le sigh*
Had the same thing happen to me… first one tells me to put it away, the second walks by and asks if I’m “finished” cause I “stopped knitting so soon.”
Making up minds would be GREAT.
Kate at July 6, 2010 3:20 PM–the same thing happened to me two weeks ago. I had to toss out my needles as well. (ran right to a seat and used my plastic needle to thread a second color through the stitches. Didn’t drop a single one.)
The woman said to me, “Look dangerous!” and tried to stab herself in the hand with them. Size 6 needles–wasn’t gonna happen. My wife was so mad she made them put them in the bin BEFORE we left; she was convinced they were just doing it cause they were nice needles.
They didn’t notice the second set of circulars in my second bag, and I certainly wasn’t going to tell them about it.
Hello – what ARE you knitting? or did I miss that post? The color grabbed me and the design looks interesting as well.
How about this – TSA took my small knitting scissors, but let me keep my Signture Arts 13″ stiletto pointed metal needles!!! I thought that was odd.
i once had a flight attendant come up behind me and very loudly ask, ‘HOW DID YOU GET THOSE ON THROUGH SECURITY?!?’ she was referncing my 3.25mm dpns, wooden. brittany, so they are quie blunt. i chose those especially so i could have a reat travel sock project for the plane, on larger blunt needles. when she yelled it out, 2 rows of people turned to look at me. sooooo embarassing. after she left (she continued to grill me), the guy next to me was quite nice. he said, ‘geesh. it’s just a sock. and it hasn’t even been worn yet. what’s her problem?’
I have knit bajillions of times on the plane both during take off and landing have haven’t had a flight attendant say a word (knock on wood) but if they did I’m pretty sure I would use the same argument -they aren’t any more dangerous than a pen or what about the nasty sharp corners of a hardback book! 🙂
Knit during takeoff AND landing just yesterday on flight from Columbus to Boston. I’ve only been advised once to stow my knitting during landing and that was a couple of years ago.
I’m flying WestJet to Victoria, BC on Saturday and I’m planning to use my five hours or so on the plane to start a sock on plastic dpns. I’m sure no one would see my Valu Village plastic needles as dangerous. However, if worst comes to worst, and I have to throw them away, I have a book to read. But I’d rather knit.
I really do travel with two pencils and some yarn, just to make the “pointy thing” point. I have to say that Australia is the strictest place, and the air crew got a fit of the giggles when I put away the knitting as asked and got out my pencils! Win the small wins, keep smiling, and perhaps someone will get the “point”.
xxx
In Australia they’re really rabid about knitting needles. Took all my bamboo needles out of my carry-on…I’d got through security but then a guy saw me knitting in the lounge and got all official. Trying very hard not to be the Ugly American, I let them go as gracefully as possible.
How do you knit so quickly?
I had the same experience (well flight attendant #1, not #2) on a flight to D.C. because I was in an exit row and, “the needles might go flying and injure someone. And you might be able to assist me in an emergency.” It was all I could do not to sigh, stare into her vacant eyes and go, “really, my 1 mm DPNs are a hazard, but not my regular pen I’m now going to use on the sudoku puzzle?” When I flew back on the same airline in an exit row, I knit through the entire landing.
Remember when knitting was illegal on a plane ( just after 9/11). I bought special casein needles that wouldn’t show up on the xray to smuggle onto the flight. Then I just plain took my chances and bagged my bamboo circulars. Then over Xmas when carry on was not allowed i carried a project small enough to fit in my purse a (ok 2 but whose counting). Not knitting on the plane has never been an option for me and I haven’t devoted my entire life to the persuit of knitting. When I read your blog I started singing in my head “we will not be moved” repeatably.
AC is really inconsistent and I think we who must use their flights need to take this up with Calin Rovinescu, CEO and Susan Welscheid,Senior Vice President, Customer Service. Best AC/knitting story: flying home in an AC Dash 8 through thunderstorms and I just kept on knitting right down to the ground among the white knuckles and barf bags. On the ground, the lady across the aisle leaned over and very quietly said, “I knew that as long as you didn’t put your knitting away, we were going to make it.” The flt attendant heard her, looked at me, and said, “Amen, sister!”
Ugh, have a beer while you knit in the lounge. Fortify for your next flight.
Sooo…whatcha makin in that pretty reddish yarn? 🙂
I LOVE the idea of printing off TSA info prior to flying. I’m traveling for my sisters wedding in a couple weeks and would hate to not have my knitting with me. I also found this on the TSA website: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1252.shtm.
It explicitly states that knitting accessories are permitted. Doesn’t really deal with the aforementioned requirement to stow it for landing though. That’s just annoying.
@: Trish at July 6, 2010 4:31 PM
I just have to laugh. “lady bits” Giggle.
Oh please! I fly over 50,00 miles a year – mostly back and forth NY to LA, to see the grandkids, but also to Europe and elsewhere – and I have never been not knitting during take-off and landing!
Sorry you had to stow your project. And while I’m writing, Summer in Kansas is gorgeous, and I am very proud of myself for not casting on for one right now. You are such an enabler!
I am flying cross country (US, that is) tomorrow, and am spending more time deciding which project to take (Muir or Onerva, or a dress from Elle Tricot in Strasbourg) than what clothing to bring. Same old same old.
That has happened to me, too! I have had to put away the needles at landing. I do notice that no one EVER needs to put away their pen if they are writing; I don’t really think our needles are any more dangerous.
If you think that’s inconsistant, try traveling today with your infant in a carrier (like a baby bjorn). Any two flight attendants will have different rules for take-off, landing and even inflight on that as well. Even if you’ve done it one way the last seven flights, you still have to change for the eighth.
But, like you, I smile and follow the rules. Every darn time.
That’s pretty! What are you making?
The few times I’ve been told to put my knitting away, I smile like I don’t speak English. When they walk away, I resume knitting. Works like a charm. Next time, I’m going to pull Another Joan and tell them that as long as I keep knitting the plane won’t crash. I LOVE that story!
My husband and I fly a lot. The thought of the TSA folks stealing my needles (as far as I am concerned, that is what they are doing) gives me a lot of anxiety. I’m flying today, in fact, and I still have that chest pain from the thought that they are going to swipe my stuff. I travel with my Addi Clicks for the most part, so if they do take my needles I can use the cord connector to turn the cord into a stitch holder. I keep the tips in a pencil box right next to pens of a similar size. I’m pretty hostile when I feel unjustly harassed, and I really would love to ask why I am allowed to have “this pointy object” (the pen) and not “that one”, (the needle). Jury duty causes a similar problem for me – they tell you (on the message you have to listen to to see if you are on the hook for today) that knitting needles are explicitly not allowed. What is it with people who have never knit in their lives and their fear of old technology?
I was just last weekend told to stow away my knitting for take off, landing, and taxi. I also disagreed, but did anyhow. The kicker though, is that I was sitting next to a pilot who was commuting to his next destination and he turned to me and said “That’s weird, I’ve never heard of a request to put away knitting.” Oh well; it was just a few minutes.
I too hate the inconsistency – but I read recently that TSA (and I guess airlines and flight attendants) are trying to be MORE inconsistent, not less, so terrorists will never know what to expect, and therefore have less of a chnace of evading the system. I’m not sure how knitting needles fit in, but I guess I wouldn’t be surprised if in ten years we are all flying naked with no luggage at all.
I think she was jealous of your talent and that was her power move to remind you that she was in charge 🙂
This still hurts to tell it. I flew two weeks ago down to Cancun for honeymooning. Got there from Seattle to Huston, Huston to Cancun with bamboo circs and a giant pair of Granny’s old alunimum needles, eighteen incher sizes 8s. These things are huge, and I made it just fine.
On the way back, I packed the straights and went just with the tiney bamboo circs size 0. Meany Mexican security made me take them out of the lace hat I have in process. I did my best to protray the harmlessness of knitting as it is “como usted abuelita” (like your little grandma does). No dice. Only after the stop in Huston did I realize that I could have simply broke the bamboo tips off and tied the dang thing. It would have saved me three day of anger in picking up the yarn overs. This incident made me, shame-edly, declare that “I hate Mexico,” a statement that is completely untrue. But you understand.
In the last few years, I too have been asked to stow the knitting during only ONE landing in a multitude of flights on American to a plethora of destinations and not while in an exit row.
I always print a copy of the TSA regs and have it with my ticket. I carry a self addressed prepaid Priority Mail envelope too. But I never have had my knitting or needles even mentioned by the TSA. I also put a set of wood needles in the same size as those in my project next to the pens in my computer case. Once again,never needed to use the extras.
I think the Kindle folks need to clear with the airlines that an e reader is not going to interfere with landing, cause as I’m happily knitting the SDM(sweet darlin man) is twiddling his thumbs as his Kindle is off!
I agree with the previous posts…. these people that have issue with knitting needles clearly have never watched any of those “reality” tv shows where you see inmates stab each other with plastic cutlery.
Now 14″ aluminum needles? I can see a problem… but circular needles or dpns? someone needs a life (and to STOP adding to their needle collection by stealing from passengers on airplanes!)
I have Elite Frequent Flyer status on Continental and have never been asked to put away my knitting for landing. Silly.
My question isn’t “Why aren’t you knitting?” It is, “Why are you sitting in the lounge knitting without a beer in sight?” 😉 Happy travels!
Instead of knitters having a private jet, I think there are enough of us for a KNITTERS AIRLINE. Of course, there would be enough room to spread out, store bigger bags (plural!), complementary chocolate (extra if the attendant sees someone frogging–not just for the frogger, but for those who suffer sympathy distress), good food, drinks as needed, and only Attendant 2s will be hired. Our motto could be “It doesn’t take all kinds on Knitters Airline.”
Me, too. I want to know what you are making in that lovely color.
Think the flight attendents need to compare ‘rule list’ before they start the flight, so they are both on the same ‘plane’ there…love the pink color
Sounds like Air Canada.
I have never been asked to stow away my knitting during landing or take off. Interesting.
Lounge knitting.. my favorite. I’ve never understood why yarn shops don’t serve beer and wine… wouldn’t that just be heavenly?
Yeah, I had the same thing on the way back from Vancouver the week before, only during take-off. (No-one had said anything on the flight there other than “Wow, look at you go!” and “What are you knitting?”)
I put my work away quickly when they announced the early-landing-procedure-due-to-turbulence so that they wouldn’t have to talk to me again, but you’d think the lady next to me would at least sit down or think about putting her seatbelt on since they’d even had the attendants buckle up. She figured it out after she nearly flew out of her seat, and finally buckled up.
It’s common sense to stow things for takeoff and landing. I’d rather have to sit and stare off into space for a few minutes of a flight than to trip someone with my yarn or injure myself in the event of an emergency.
I had that stewardess once on a flight — it’s really a wonder someone hasn’t stuck a needle in her eye by now — just accidentally of course. Another shawl? Looks pretty.
Heading out on a plane trip on Thursday…spending more time packing the projects then the clothes…Husband was so proud of himself for finding a non-stop to my destination – i just thought “damn, less time to knit”
Ugh. I had worked for about an hour and half starting a circular lace shawl on double points when an airline attendant came by, sternly TAPPED MY KNITTING like a second grade school teacher, and commanded me to put it away for landing. Of course some of the stitches unraveled and I had to start over.
Australia loosened up on the knitting needles thing as of January 1 this year. I have been delightedly bringing knitting projects in my carry-on ever since, instead of having to pay $20 to stow a carry-on that has pointy things in it.
I’ve been bailed up a few times by people concerned about the multitude of DPNS (note to self: weed the project bag before travelling! – I lost my little scissors on the last trip, which was totally a fair cop, they were VERY pointy) and twice had the project bag carried away to ask a higher authority – but so far, have knitted unmolested in-air all this year. \o/
Any chance the wimp was on the flight sitting nearby and was scared of the landing? I usually put my knitting away during the landings, but that’s because I want off the plane as soon as humanly possible. I guess if there was a crash landing you could technically poke your eyes out, but really, that’s only if you have a good lace needle instead of say, clovers. And considering that your losing an eye vs the plane crashing, I’d say it’s a fair deal.
As a former flight attendant I can tell you “A” was just flexing her muscles. That rule went out in the stone age. Besides knitting isn’t done with “pointy things”, is it? 😉 But you’re right, when we get private jets, WE will be allowed to knit whenever we want!! Sorry, when I see all the other rules being broken, and this one enforced, it just burns me up!
Ok, all better now. . . 🙂
I’ve been asked to put away my knitting for the flight, the take off, the landing, and turbulence; I’ve had my needles confiscated and cut off (circulars with 400+ stitches on them, they let me cut the needles off and tie the cables to preserve the knitting). I’ve also been asked for the pattern info, taught knitting, knit thru take off, landing and the flight, had supervisors tell newbie security that it was ok, and had knitting that I just finished bought from me! And this was all on the same airline within the continental U.S. International has been no better.
Basically, I don’t expect any consistency among the airline. Its a game to see what new rule they come up with. As long as they don’t destroy or take my knitting away, I’m resigned to being nice and polite and cooperative.
I now fly with only bamboo circular needles (they don’t show on the scan and freak people out less), all plastic extras, and a small thread cutter (no scissors)
I now refuse to fly. I had to call a lawyer upon landing in California-because some idiot took exception to my knitting needles (and had the terrible manners to insult a soldier in the same breath). He changed his clothes, because he cannot simply remove his shirt because of the medals, and I escaped the airport because my representative cried harassment, demanded a search warrant, and all other manner of things. I can’t have what I hadn’t boarded with and I rented a car to drive home, and you how what? The company never asked me why, or even if I had luggage. I brought home three totes of yarn.
I travel a great deal Internationaly, once on a Delta a young male flight attendant ask me to stow my knitting until we reached 35000 ft!!
I started to read all the posts, one by one, but had to quit because I was getting too riled up!
I fly frequently (US) and have never had airline personnel tell me to stow my knitting during takeoff or landing. Have heard MANY stories from others (knitters and non-knitters) of their experiences involving the random and non-sensical enforcement of the so-called rules. But it infuriates me how the rules change depending on which airline, what airport, what flunky (airline or TSA), day of the week, time of the month, hormone levels, whim, etc. Consistency, please!!! (Rant over…BTW, your knitting looks lovely!)
I fly with my knitting in a clear bag, TSA sheet printed off their own website that says knitting needles are ok on the plane.. and a priority flat rate envelope addressed to me.. just in case…I’ve never been told to put my knitting away during landing, but so so anyway.. I am short and my bum slides off the seat when we land.. I need to focus on staying in my seat…3 cheers for short folks! I did sit next to an Army guy on one flight who said “they let you bring those things on the plane?” – I said yes, and that if something bad ever happened on a flight, I’d pass them off to the biggest brut I could find to use as a weapon, but until then he should shooosh – I don’t want the fine folks at TSA to take my knitting away from me.. I get twitchy on airplanes….he thought that was funny, and gave me a 15 lesson on hand to hand combat with and without my pointy sticks..Very cool dude.
I travel frequently with work and have never had a problem knitting since the early days after 9-11. However, since then I travel with bamboo circulars since they can’t be misinterpreted so easily.
Ah, the life of a knitter. 🙂
One time I was a gazillion feet over the Atlantic between TWO Mr. McCrowdypants and had the first and only panic attack of my life. Too bad I didn’t have my knitting! Now, since I usually fly short distances I pack my knitting and take along a book.
I would argue that I am less likely to have my knitting go flying than someone with a pen or pencil because my “pointy things” are attached to me with yarn. Theirs? Not so much. Besides, the mechanical pencil that I was allowed during landing was much, much pointier than my knitting needles.
And to those who have commented that you should stow things during takeoff and landing – only if the rule is applied consistently. Either put *everything* away or allow things that are allowed on the flight in the first place.
The flight attendant that told you to stop was just ticked off cause she can’t knit!!!
I’ve had to put mine away occasionally, usually, not. Have a good trip!
That is true every once in a while an attendant will ask me to put it away on landing, but usually not. The Rome airport wasn’t going to let me bring my knitting on (after 3 other flights in the previous 2 weeks in various airports) and I was SO distraught at the thought of my 8 HOUR flight W/O knitting that they called supervisors over and had a huge conference about it and let me bring it on. WHEW!
i’ve had exactly this same thing happen three times out of about a hundred flights — oddly, i’ve had them ask me to do it on landing but not take off and vice versa. but, it’s their plane and they can do as they like.
As a very long time knitter and a retired flight attendant, I always put away my knitting for takeoffs and landings. Takeoffs and landings are the most critical phases of flight, and impacts, rare though they are, are incredibly severe. (Although being stabbed by your Addi lace needle would likely be the least of your worries in a crash situation.)
In my 34 years as a flight attendant, I never told anyone to put away their knitting for takeoff or landing. For my own part, though, my knitting is underneath the seat until we’re up in the air or down on the ground.
Yes, I totally agree with you. I wish they would make up their minds. I rarely have trouble, but I did have one stewardess who made me put up the knitting while landing. I told her it had never been a problem before, but I got the same spiel as you.
Although I’ve never been asked to stow my knitting – I usually do (ok, I didn’t on my last trip back from Long Island, but that trip really sucked). Hurdling toward earth with pointy objects in my hands, doesn’t sound like a really good idea (note: by the time I was coming home from the LI trip, death by pointy sticks didn’t sound like a bad idea)
I was also once asked to stow my kniting on landing…a flight from Philly to Cleveland…
Hey! I have a bag like that! Guido sent it to me a couple of years ago….I love it!
I’ve never been asked to put away my knitting during a flight, but I have endured multitudes of Mr. McCrowdys hogging the armrest and leaning over into my personal space. I now have a tactic that helps. As soon as they lift their arm off the armrest for any reason, I plant my arm down firmly and do not budge. They almost always get the message, even after I eventually lift up my arm.
I ALWAYS knit during take offs and landings. I would be a very nervous girl, if I didn’t. Knitting and audiobooks are the only things that make air travel tolerable.
Ouch. As someone who does not have a filter-thingy in between brain and mouth, I would have been hard pressed-at the very least-not to make some comment that included both obscenities and a reference to pointy knitting tools and where they could theoretically be stuck. But that’s just me. Evidently, you handled the situation better than I would have. And I applaud you for that. And, lest I forget, I envy your restraint.
I agree wtih someone in the comments up there – my knitting DOES keep the plane in the air. One long over-water flight I knit ALL the yarn and had to visit a funky drugstore to pick up yarn for the flight back. Also, what is the beautiful item?
I’m just excited that I have a similar knitting travel pouch as you do! Made my day! I hook it on to my belt loop, purse, etc. I can knit while I’m waiting at the bank, on line at the store, anywhere!! Mine was made in Brooklyn by a woman who gives proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. Love your blog, BTW.
I love the “plane knitting story’! I went to Chile to visit my daughter, and “needed” to do some small quilting and embroidery. I called the airline and the Transportation office to ask if i could bring my quilting supplies with no pointy scissors. Yes. I embroidered and quilted to my heart’s content all the way to Chile. 17 hours of traveling, most on the plane. On the way back, with the same airline, I was stopped at security and was told I could not have my needles and pins. I explained that I had done the research and, yes, I could. Nope, not from there. Well, they are the gods…so I said…. please remove what you think I should not have from my sewing kit….so she did…but did not look “inside” the little bag…where I had more pins and needles…I quilted to my heart’s content all the way back to the US!
As a flight attendant for a major US carrier, I’ve been trained to kill with my bare hands so I don’t worry about your addy turbos too much. Besides if there is a catastrophic emergency, you’re pretty much done, lace knitting or no.
Honestly I wouldn’t knit during take off and landing since those are the most dangerous times of flight. If there is a problem I want to be ready to go.
And seriously in the US about 10 years ago it was actually in our FAA manuals that knitting needles had to be stowed, but that changed ages ago. Perhaps the first f/a just didn’t remember or know that. (I don’t know about Canada specifically though).
It’s amazing, isn’t it? I flew on two flights today with absolutely no comment from the flight attendants, but I’ve been on flights where I was told to stop. I looked at the US TSA guidelines last night and it simply said that knitting needles are permitted. So…today when we had to turn off battery operated devices for descent, I turned off my Kindle and pulled out my knitting. I fly again on Friday. Wonder what those attendants will say. 🙂
I have been in eight airports (several multiple times) in ten months and have not had any trouble with knitting needles in the airport or on the plane. But….Sea World detained me in Security because I was carrying a ziplock baggie with a half-done sock on…..pointy sticks. It took a while to convince them that I wasn’t going to jeopardize all my hard work on my nice sock just to stab somebody.
PS: i love how you have attendants A and 2.
You cannot, however, knit on international flights, or at least not flights from the US to Australia. I’m quite saddened by this discovery.
I travel on 4 flights per week for my job and I am always knitting. Only once has a flight attendant told me to put away my knitting during landing. When I asked her why and told her that I have never had to put them away before she said…”I care about your safety more than they do”!! Oh boy….I don’t know who made her my personal savior?
The rules always change, with everything. Rules re: children, too. Can always tell which flight attendant has kids, and who does not. The ones that do know that if you wake the baby, the baby doesn’t just go back to sleep.
I just got off of my 4th airplane in a week, no one has ever objected to my possibly getting stabbed with knitting needles while flying. And really, is it any more dangerous than knitting while being a passenger in a car? The CarTalk guys of NPR had a caller asking about that recently, I think they came down in favor of wooden needles over metal for safety. http://action.publicbroadcasting.net/cartalk/posts/list/2140657.page
Well…you can knit in the lounge as long as you get get through security with the knitting…
I’m so tired of all of these silly rules that are there to make people feel better instead of actually making us safer. Don’t even get me started on the stupidity of the 3 oz rule…
I’ve been told that you can’t take ANY knitting needles on board if you start your journey in the UK–including bamboo circular needles under 30″. So it goes in the checked luggage when I go to the US. But during the volcanic ash thing, the BBC news had a woman knitting in the departure lounge at Bristol Airport with full-length straight needles. Go figure.
You could poke your eyes out with those things!
Oh, I know! I can live with the inflexibility and the hassle of security checks and rules at airports, it’s the inconsistency that gets me! I have flown an estimated 40 times in the last 4 years, and have had my needles confiscated twice, flying from two different airports in different countries, both of which airports I had flown from several times before without encountering needle-related issues. It is infuriating, but fury is completely futile in the face of airport security…
Coming out of Europe I don’t think we would even be allowed to take knitting in our hand luggage – dangerous weapons and all that. So I for one am amazed that you can even knit at all on a flight. I just have to twiddle my thumbs and dream of knitting…..
Wouldn’t the world be different if everyone could “make up their feeble minds” as my grandmother used to say?
Over the past few years I have flown in and out of the UK at least a couple of times a year on Air Canada, BA, Air Transat, and have NEVER had my knitting commented on or forbidden. In fact, my “purse” is actually a generous knitting bag, with oodles of yarn! I gave up straight needles years ago, as they make it hard to knit in the car, and circulars and dpns (never metal) don’t seem to trigger any security response.
When they make the other passengers give up their pens and shoelaces, they can make a case for taking away knitting needles.
I’m still trying to figure out why they haven’t made the men give up their underwear. After the shoe bomber, I said – let’s hope no woman ever tries to get on with a bomb in her bra. Yes, Steph, I know it doesn’t bother you, but it will bother some of us if they make them forbidden on the plane. And I can’t wait to see them checking to see if we’re wearing them. Since we all have to take off our shoes, how come the men don’t have to remove their undies?
Scenario: airplane kitchenette.
Attendant 1: So which passenger do we mess with today? The woman with the baby, the guy who can’t sit still, or the knitter?
Attendant 2: The guy with ants-in-his-pants is already annoying the passenger next to him, and if we wake the baby, we have to deal with the screaming all through the flight.
Attendant 1: True, true. It’s the knitter then. I’ll tell her to stow her project…she’s knitting lace and no one I know will knit me a lace shawl…
Attendant 2: The passenger on yesterday’s flight told you it’s easy to learn to knit, she even showed you how.
Attendant 1: I don’t have the patience for that, and when would I find the time?
Attendant 2: We discussed that yesterday…do you want to make the first pass, or should I?
Yeah, I’ve been asked to stow my knitting for landing exactly once. I think the metal DPNs frightened that particular attendant, but you know, she said stow it anyway, so I did so.
Nowadays I bring knitting I can just hide in a pocket for a while and read… and once they’ve prepped for arrival and the attendants have gotten in their seats too, I haul it back out. 🙂
Seriously, if my needles are a problem then pencils are too.
Flew back to the UK over night last night and was delighted to score an upgrade -personal space not a problem but noisy snoring a big problem. The flight attendance kept waking one man up to tell him to change position because he was keeping the whole plane awake. Seriously I had earplugs in and he was so loud he kept me awake!
I fly a lot and have only once had my knitting confiscated (by Swiss airport security despite carrying the same set of dpns back and forth every week for months before that day).
I did have a long discussion with airport security at LCY one morning as they ‘tested’ my tiny toiletries for explosives. The man touched the test stick with his fingers and then laid it down on the table before doing the test – I may not be a scientist but that stick was clearly contaminated. Of course the results were negative but the point is the test was useless box ticking and in no way contributing to safety. I don’t object to following the rules like everyone else but I certainly don’t think we’re safer because of them…just more inconvenienced and grumpy.
i have never wanted to take the chance at losing my knitting needles. they are from my grandma. so i knit with chopsticks when i fly. they are easy to use, and never cause a problem.
I’ve seen it both ways on flights – sometimes things have to be stowed – other times not! I suppose the best idea is to just be prepared for either way and let it go! It really doesn’t take that long to get the stupid plane on the ground – right? Personally, I’m usually too busy jamming my feet into the imaginary floor brakes, trying to get the plan to stop! LOL
By the way – I want to say, with Lynayah that I have only recently found your blog site and books! You have been a true inspiration. I picked up knitting again after a long separation and have learned more and done more in the last few months than in the many (MANY) years previous. I love your books, and have the two available on audio that I listen to in the car when traveling to see my kids!
And besides all that, because of you I have met the love of my life – Blue Moon Fibers!
Hope this trip is a good one for you, and we get to see the beautiful coppery project in the picture!
To add to ChemKnits comment about the CarTalk guys: When my husband and I were listening to that particular broadcast, he said, “These guys obviously don’t regularly travel with knitters, so they can’t possibly know how much SAFER it is for everyone when knitters have their needles with them.” It’s taken a long time, but I’ve trained this guy pretty well . . .
Ah, all the Air Canada cynics. While I hate AC as much as the next person, I’m sorry to tell you that Porter will tell you to stow during takeoff and landing (inconsistently) too. But at least you are fortified with free booze – now there’s a novelty these days.
I don’t know what the project is, but I *love* the color.
Hey, you never know. The stowing away of the needles may have saved Mr. Crowdy McCrowdsome’s life during that landing.
I probably would have jabbed him with them “by accident” to make him leave the personal space. It’s an option. If they’re steely, pointy, replaceable-due-to-bloodletting Knit Picks options needles, so much the better.
Thanks for the laugh. My knitting group had a “discussion” about these quasi rules last weekend. Flying out of Atlanta is a NIGHTMARE and only plastic, round-tip needles seem to get by security. You know how much more dangerous wooden needles are than plastic! Ha ha. Have a great next flight.
Maybe the airlines need to find research about actual knitting needle induced injuries, and on actual airplane flying/landing injuries. Then some scientist could somehow analyze the combined data and come up with some real guidelines based on some algorithm.
BTW: the best way to find out about these injuries would be to poll your readers (polldady?) and then forward the results to TSA.
My only injuries have been to wooden sock needles that I have sat on ( and the needles fared worse than I did.) So I am guessing the worst injuries might occur by placing a sock with size 0 dps under the arse of a fellow (annoying?) passenger as he/she sits down during a rough landing.
See also: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1252.shtm
I’ve faced the same restriction, as well as on take-off, but only once in my travels. Since it was a flight between Calgary and Edmonton, it really didn’t leave a lot of knitting time in between.
I had a flight attendant tell me in no uncertain terms that I had to put away my knitting for take-off. I’ve never had anyone make me put it away to land. I have always thought that they make up the rules as they go along….. This particular flight attendant was quite annoyed that I didn’t know the “rule”…
The color you are working on is gorgeous!
The same thing happened to me a few weeks ago: i’ve always knitted from the moment i get on the plane to the moment the door is opened to get out. on a particular flight i was told i had to put it away during landing. it doens’t make much sense to me, but, like you, i did as i was told.
I travel with my Addi Turbos around my neck needles down and stuck into a blob of polymer clay like a giant bead. I wore 4 different ones at one time once… they look liked a necklace and I was never asked to remove them!
Hmph. I just returned from Germany, and not only did I get my knitting through security, both directions, with not even a comment, but not on one flight (out of the four) was I told that I must put my knitting away for take-off or landing. That flight attendant is wrong. (I will admit to being a bit surprised about not being asked to put away my knitting, but only because I know how few people in the general public really understand about knitting.)
I always am surprised that I can bring circulars on board. Seems to me they could be used to strangle someone. But at least we don’t have the rule they have in the UK.
On the upside, if she was busy harrassing you about knitting, it gave her less time to tell some nursing mother that she had to cover her child with a filthy airline blanket if she was going to do “that” (breastfeed)in public, as happened here in Vermont a few years ago.
Although to be fair, we COULD go stage a knit-in.
Well, Steph, not everyone agrees about the lounge. A few years ago when airlines were even less consistent about the “rules”, I look a set of dpn’s in my carry-on. I did not use them on the flight, but got them out during a long layover at DFW. A woman in the lounge angrily confronted me about how I had managed to get those needles through security. I used the same argument — they aren’t as sharp as a pencil. It takes all kinds!
Gosh. Attendant A musta been really uptight. I recently flew across the country on 2 flights and knit just about anytime. I didn’t have nice knitty conversations with any of the flight attendants though.
I did wonder about the guy on the aisle (I was by the window), who just slid his iPhone into his hoody pocket each time the attendant walked by when we were landing and taking off. I did mention the rule to him but in his young arrogance he said “Are you afraid?”. “No it’s the rule and I’d hate to see Homeland Security get ahold of you.” He ignored me for the rest of the 6 hour flight.
Namaste
You could have introduced Mr. Crowdy McCrowdsme to your alter ego, Mrs. Stabby McStabStab.
I’ve never been asked to put away my knitting, ever. All I’ve been asked by flight attendants and fellow passengers is ‘What are you making?’ and ‘Where did you get that gorgeous yarn?’ I do, however, put it away myself before landing, in hope (usually vain) of a speedier exit from the plane.
Dear heaven, help us.
(sigh)
On the other hand, the knitting looks fabulous!
(((hugs)))
Yet another reason to not fly if I can help it (and I have been able to help it for 11 years now).
Yup, pens should be stowed too, ear buds should have to be put away so the guy who is kindly sharing his music by cranking it loud enough for all and sundry to hear can hear emergency instructions and not need to be jabbed with kntting needles to get him to move/pay attention.
Not a plane story (no chance of knitting on flights in Europe, though my drop spindle (nice and pointy) got through. Can I risk the return of the trauma and tell you??? Here goes …. I went with a friend to the Jewish Museum, where security is understandably high, but the horror occurred when the ?Polish security guard said ‘You can’t take those in’ and PULLED THE KNITTING OFF THE NEEDLES!!!!!!!!!!!!! To do him justice, he did apologize when his heinous sin was pointed out to him in forceful terms … might have to go and lie down now to recover from the painful memories.
Many thanks to Maria on July 6, 5:07 p.m. I found the TSA page, had to use their search engine since they periodically move things around. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference and a quick print out.
Knit on, travelers!
I just wanted to say, you’re delightful.
That’s all. 🙂
A1 would probably not let you knit in the car either because the airbag might deploy and impale you!
I do have to agree with stowing the needles during takeoff and landing, though. My impression was that anything that could “take flight” in the event of a crash was to be put away…and that includes pencils and other what-nots.
you should have a private jet by now.
1. Pretty knitting.
2. Security is a pain, but at least nobody has been blown up in a while. I’m ALWAYS pulled out of line to have extra search. I’m all for a knitters’ airline.
3. Please, please, please, please, please consider having a knitterly retreat on the east coast.
“The guy next to me needed a discussion about personal space and what exactly constituted his “dance space”
Nobody puts Harlot in a corner.
I will be taking my very first trans-continental flight in a little over a week and I was hoping I would be able to knit on the way. . .alas I don’t think I will even be allowed to take the knitting needles on board with me. I guess it’s sleeping pills this time!
I love your blog by the way. 🙂
I’ve flown to many places in the U.S. and to Germany and South Africa, and I’ve never been asked to give up my needles or to put them away for takeoff or landing. Good thing, since I would be very, very, very cranky without my knitting! The flight from Syracuse to Atlanta to Johannesburg was essentially forever (Atlanta to Jo’burg was 16 hours, in reverse, nearly 17 hours) and you don’t want to put me in a knit-free environment. Especially when those people in the comfortable seats are SOOOOOO close, and yet so far!
A friend of mine had his knitting needles confiscated at Charles DeGaulle, only to notice two on his flight were knitting….Consistency? We need it!
That is exactly how my workday went today. Got a good laugh from your story. Thanks!
I have flown a fair bit for conferences and medical reasons and even once or twice for an actual vacation, but I have only had a flight attendant ask me to stow my knitting twice.
Once, we were coming into Dallas/Forth Worth through some very turbulent weather, and the flight attendant was making people put EVERYTHING away, even books and magazines. Indeed, we had a Very Scary Landing, and the pilot who was deadheading back to DFW in the adjacent seat was white-knuckling the headrest of the seat in front of him, so if a PILOT was scared… well, there was no argument from me.
Another time was for no particular reason, while the guy next to me was allowed to continue to write on a legal pad with his fancy metal pen. Go figure.
I hate it when I am squeezed in next to the sort of man who insists on “spreading out.”
What are you knitting? It looks SO pretty!
I’ve only been told to put my knitting away once and that was during take-off. Thank goodness we can knit during the rest of the flight.
I had one (male) tell me I couldn’t knit until we reached 10,000 feet because it was dangerous. Yep, just like an iPod…
Pretty lace!
When they make me queen of the world, there will be a knitters’ airline. Along with the usual refreshments on the cart, there will be yarn for sale.
“Spaghetti arms! Where’s my pleasing arch?”
Some of the commenters here (this isn’t directed at you, Stephanie) should remember that flight attendants don’t make the rules. If we tell you something, it’s for YOUR safety.
Also, I feel I need to point out that flight attendants aren’t on the plane to serve you drinks and food (when there is food), cater to you or harass you. We’re there to get your butt off the airplane in the event of an emergency. Were it not for flight attendants, no one would be flying anywhere, knitting needles or not! A little respect, please.
I had the same thing happen to me on a recent flight (air line to be kept anonymous). The flight attendent assured me that it was ‘against the rules’ to knit during take off and landing. I politely informed her that I had never been told this before and I knitted all the time on planes. She politely informed me that she had been a flight attendant for 22 years AND IT WAS NOT ALLOWED. The next flight, different attendant, and not one question or issue about this. Sigh. On almost every flight, because I like the aisle seat, at least one flight attendant asks what I am knitting and comment on it. Oh well …. that’s why I also keep at least a book or magazine handy.
I, too, had a traumatic ‘flying but not knitting’ event. Two weeks ago while going through security in San Jose, Costa Rica, I was told my carry-on had to be checked. I replied that it was just my knitting, which the security in Newark on the way down had appreciated. Not here, though – Needles pulled out, with the knitting unraveling – Tiny scissors, stitch holders, cable needle, the tiny file off of a nail clipper – all things that are allowed by the TSA. I pretty much lost it and then as we walked away my 19 year old daughter said “if it’s any consolation, I have your Signature size 1 DP needles here in my backpack”.
We’ll be flying the end of the month. I’m grateful for all the suggestions about printed TSA info and self addressed mailing envelopes. I’ve had run-ins with some unpleasant “security” people in the past and would not handle them stealing my stuff at all well, I’m afraid.
This happened to me last month. The same flight attendant who had just marveled at my daughter’s handknit sweater freaked out when she actually saw me knitting another one with my pointy bamboo needles. She said “Can you IMAGINE what would happen if we hit some turbulance??” I decided I could drop a stitch and quietly obliged her. I totally get your pen analogy. No difference.
I knit all the time on flights and have never had my knitting taken away from me. Most of my flights now are Spain to Germany, ususally via Zurich (cheaper). And no problem.
I have once been asked to stow for landing (not for take off on same plane though), and did it with a smile, it doesn’t help to po attendants, since I seem to get the same ones on occasion.
I’m waiting for the day they invent the self-driving car, so I can knit and travel at the same time!
Love it! Read it aloud to my family last night. Daughter said, “She’s a funny writer, who is she?” You are now cool not only to scads of knitters, but also to an 11-year-old kid! Knit On!
Had the same thing happen when I reported to jury duty. Mr. Deputy would not let me bring my knitting in the court house. I wanted to point out to him too that the ball point men in his shirt pocket was more pointy than my knitting needles. I don’t like the idea of being handcuffed and restrained so I kept my opinion to myself and returned my knitting to my car.
Once inside, the lady in charge of the jury pool mentioned that we could bring in books or knitting to help pass the time as we waited for jury selection. She needed to talk to Mr. Deputy at the front door.
Where’ya headed? Hope THOSE flights attendants can get their story straight.
Hate to comment twice on one post but it’s important for everybody to remember that if the TSA rules allow you to bring an item onto a plane, it’s still up to the flight crew to decide what might be “dangerous” in rough weather or a tricky landing, and they can ask you to put away EVERYTHING if they need to.
Maybe it’s because I always travel with my rather
large, perhaps intimidating husband or the fact that
he always has the aisle and I the window seat, but
no flight attendant has ever asked me to put
away either my knitting or my crochet. In fact, I’ve
had very few even comment that I was knitting at all.
And I live in the USA where stuff is weird since 9/11.
Maybe you just needto take Joe with you from now on!
I still leave my favorite needles at home, though,
cause I’ve had a few scares at security. Knit on! 🙂
I’ve ALWAYS had to put my knitting away during take off and landing…Air Canada and Westjet….
I totally agree though that it would be nice if A and B could agree…
Reading the comments, I think the only thing we can agree on is that there is no consistency! I just got back from vacation where I knit everywhere, and none of the airline people commented at all. I did attract a fair amount of attention from fellow air and train passengers though. A sampling of comments:
“What are you doing?” (Knitting a sock.)
“Is that a sock?” (Yes.)
“What is that?” (A sock.)
“That’s really skinny yarn.” (Not actually, it was sock yarn, but a bit heavier than some.)
“I’ve never seen anyone knit like that, are you lefthanded?” (No, but I knit Continental style for preference.)
“I love those colors.”
“Are wooden needles better than metal?” (No, it’s a matter of preference- I actually like metal better, but I take the bamboo sock needles when I travel to minimize the chances of security objecting.)
“My grandmother tried to teach me but I couldn’t get it because I’m a lefty.” (Try continental style, there are great free videos on the internet.)
“Is that hard to learn?” (No, not at all, just takes some practice. Great free videos on the internet.)
Granted I spent a lot of time knitting on trains this trip but I felt quite like a Knitting Ambassador-I think it’s the most attention I’ve ever attracted knitting, even on previous trips to the UK!
I have twice had a flight attendant ask me to put away knitting. Once during take-off and landing when I was sitting in the emergency exit row. The second time was on a flight with a huge amount of turbulence. In these cases, where safety was clearly the goal, I was happy to comply. Inconsistency is certainly very frustrating, though!
One time I had a ball of yarn escape my grasp, and roll backward several rows – I was mortified, but with a little team work, the yarn was returned to me. Then everyone wanted to konw what I was knitting!
The worst flying knitting experience I have ever had was going through security in Mexico City where they do not allow knitting needles onto planes. The security person asked if I would check the needles, and I agreed. So far, so good – but as I began to step out of line and reorganize so that I could check the bag with all my knitting gear, he picked up the knitting (a lace shawl on a circular needle), and pulled the needle completely out! Yikes – now I know never to take knitting in a carry on in Mexico!
knitting is very dangerous. very VERY even. That flight attendant saved everyones lives! XD
Well, that is interesting. We had this discussion just yesterday when I was taking my daughter’s knit group to the grocery to buy koolaide.
One of the young women had seen a medical episode where a woman with knitting needles stumbled up the steps to her home and impaled herself on them. They must have been plastic, because they broke off.
We were oooing and yucking and trying to decide if that would actually happen. The consensus is yes to aliens, no to stabbing yourself with knitting needles, yes to stabbing aliens with knitting needles.
So what are you knitting???? Love the color! Can you tell us the yarn? Consistency is what the world needs.
Not relevant to this blog entry, but
http://www.sheldoncomics.com/
online comic strip for 7/8.
I fly at least once a month… and I’ve never been asked to stow my knitting for take-off/landing~ I’m not a nervous flyer- but if I were and I was a knitter- it would make me feel better~ and isn’t the tutelage of flying- that its safer than driving? does that mean i should stop knitting when I’m in the passenger seat- because of the potential danger it poses?
Also… on my flight yesterday… the man next to me… was sleeping when the flight attendant brought me my drink… which she placed on the arm rest, mr seat-mate woke up- and drank my JUICE! rawr~ I always get seated next to the odd ducks~
Handy trick as someone who flies constantly and experienced the identical inconsistency you describe: just momentarily lay the knitting beside you as the flight attendants are doing their checks up and down the aisles. You’re not “hiding” anything, you’re just not knitting at the time they go by… It removes all opportunity for inconsistency and you only have to pause for max 30 seconds.
Ripping needles out of your knitting?!?!? It seems that putting a lifeline in your work before checking in would be a great idea.
for Debbie at July 8, 2010 9:16 AM: Love the “ball point men” ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
I agree about the ‘rules’ of knitting and flying. I always get nervous that they will not let me take my knitting on a plane, but so far I’ve not had any problems. I don’t fly that often either.
“when knitters have private jets” — cracked me up! love it.
My challenge, personal I guess since I didn’t sign up for the Tour, is to spin up the four bundles of fluff that I picked up at Great Lakes Fiber Fest in May. I have 2 balls of Polworth roving dyed by Briar Rose they are about 5 oz each and two 8 OZ braids of BLF top from Frabjous Fibers. I’m currently on a color experiment of spinning singles from two very different colorways (usually from the same dyer)and then plying them together to come up with a new color. I’ve been getting some interesting yarns from this.
I tried to find the bag you have pictured but can’t. I think it was one you gave a URL for awhile back. Can you repost the URL? Love the bag!
Judy
The lack of consistency regarding when you can or can’t knit on a plane drives me nuts, but I agree, you have to abide by what the attendant asks of you. I’ve knit on almost all flights I’ve taken in my adult life and only once was I asked to put my knitting away during take-off. And on that flight I voluntarily put it away on the landing just to keep the attendant happy.
We flew to LA on July 1st. I require and take a portable oxygen concentrator. This is not oxygen, not flammable; it simply converts air into extra oxygen that my lungs need. Some officious woman made my husband and me get off our flight b/c I didn’t have a letter from a doctor saying I could take this equipment. They wouldn’t even reschedule us until they had a fax from our doctor saying I require this. I’ve never had to have this letter before, and I’ve flown this route many times. Coming back home from LA yesterday, no one asked for this letter or made any comment at all about my use of an oxygen concentrator. The right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing. There will be letters written! I hope you write one, too!
It continues to amaze me how knitting needles are more dangerous than pens, pencile, styluses for pda’s, and myriad of other pointy things that make it onto airplanes all the time. For heaven’s sake, you could even use the headphone cords as garrottes! Ah, well, I suppose there’s no point in fighting it.
The answer to all in flight dangers: All passengers will fly naked. Actually, that’s my HUSBAND’s answer to terrorism. I think he may have an ulterior motive.
I was actually pleasantly surprised that I was allowed to bring my 13″ metal straights on a recent flight. The male passenger next to me seemed surprised too…and just a tad wary? I just love scaring them with my knitting! It lends a whole different feel to the “joy of knitting”. 🙂
Your flight attendant sounds like she may have once worked for the US Postal Service. They have a lot of “rules” that vary depending on which post office you go to and which individual employee you talk to.
I travel constantly and I have also never had anyone tell me to stow my knitting for landing. They are more likely to make me stow my earphones (I guess because I wouldn’t properly be able to hear the announcements).
I was once asked to stow my needles as well, but in that case, it was because I was sitting beside the emergency exit. I guess I could see their point in that case. It just wouldn’t do for me to accidentally pop the blow-up escape slide. Could you imagine the new headlines if that happened?
Use the pens next time. Or the pencils. I like your views on improving others. I’m taking it to heart.
I agree about knitting-no-dangerous-than-pens, but I also don’t want to make what must be a stressful job harder by arguing with them. And when a recent flight attendant asked me to put the knitting away during landing I did. And when, after I’d left the plane, she found my kindle tucked way down in the seat pocket and personally mailed it to me the next day, I can’t express how karma-riffic it felt.
I’ve just written to KnitPro (http://www.knitpro.eu/Symfonie_Wood.aspx?ch=NEEDLE&left=WO) to see if they might consider looking into shops that would stock their interchangeable wooden circulars in airports after you’ve cleared security–you can carry anything onto the plane so long as you buy it airside.