Items allowed on planes

Nail clippers are fine, even the big toe nail clippers are acceptable. The trimmer is ok. Just don't want any blades or knifes of any shape.

If that goatee trimmer or hair clipper has a cord or a charger there might be another, non-TSA, issue regarding voltage. There's a thread a day on the adapter/converter/dual voltage subject.

Thanks guys. Battery operated so don't think there will be a voltage issue, but good point. What about my Leatherman multi-tool? Does that fall under the "screwdriver or tools under 7 inches" allowance?

Hi Chad, Remember you have to go both ways - it is not just TSA that you need to keep in mind. I've been told more than once boarding in Europe that I can't take my small Swiss army knife on board and my wife has had a small nail clippers confiscated at Dublin airport as has a colleague's wife at LHR... My wife was very upset over her clippers as it was a particular favourite, so now we just take some thing cheap that will do the job, but if security decides to confiscate it, it is not end of the world. Jim.

Read the small print on short tools - - it says something like 'unless otherwise . . . ' Otherwise include knives of any kind. Multi-tools have knife blades. Check it or lose it. It ain't getting on the plane with you. Also, anything's up for grabs. My wife has accidently traveled with a metal nail file with a pointed tip, but had one with a rounded tip snatched - - both at our home airport.

Great info, thanks guys. Hadn't considered that TSA rules don't apply everywhere. Thanks for the heads up!

I don't know if this is the site you checked, but this is where I go for any questions... TSA Prohibited Items

Allen, yes that's the site I checked. Kinda vague on the "unless otherwise prohibited" stuff, but the other posters seem to have filled in the gaps for me. Thanks for the tip though, appreciate it

What has me baffled is why screwdrivers, wrenches, scissors and pliers under seven inches are ok, but the 1 inch knife on a Multi Tool is not. It all seems so poorly thought out and arbitrary. I'd venture to say a 6 inch pair of scissors or a screwdriver would do alot more damage then a 1 inch Multi Tool knife, but then again Im not blessed with the infinite intelligence and wisdom of the Dept Of Homeland Security...

No one except the TSA has ever suggested that there is any logic or reasoning as to what they do. They once took away a 2.3 oz stick of solid deodorant because it looked too big but clearly marked on the plastic body 2.3 oz. Parting words - we cannot be too careful.

No Doubt Frank, and Im sure someone on that same flight had something slightly more dangerous then deodorant with them that the TSA let through. Ah well, it is what it is. It will be interesting to see what I have to go through since I haven't flown since before 9/11.
I'm really bummed about my Multi Tool. I know some might think Im crazy, but that thing has come in useful more times then I can count. Im thinking I may just ship it to my friend Im visiting in Germany and then have him ship it back when I leave. Does anyone know if stuff like this banned on the trains too?

Chad, As previously mentioned, you WON'T be able to take the Leatherman multi-tool. You could also consider checking one item of luggage, which would give you more flexibility on what to bring. I always check my main Pack, and take a Day Pack for carry-on. The large Pack includes a full size Swiss Army Knife. That method has worked well for many trips, and it's not really that much of an inconvenience to wait at the Carousel for a few minutes to collect my gear. Happy travels!

Hi Chad, There is no problem having this kind of stuff on the train, but rather than shipping the tool back and fourth, why not simply check in you main bag with it inside or just get your friend to pick one up for you in Germany? Jim.

Hi Chad, Here is a link for buying the tool in Germany: http://www.arbeitsschutz-sigel.de/Leatherman-Micra-rot-mit-Laser-Gravur-inklusiv. Jim.

Hi Jim, thanks. Those are good ideas, but my I paid 100.00 bucks for my Leatherman, so not really wanting to buy a new one. I'm either going to ship it to my buddy, or check my bag which I'd rather not do, but I will if I have no other option. Thanks for the suggestions

With a couple of excepting, there is no security check for trains. When there is, it is very light and specifically oriented to carrying of multi-pound explosive devices. It is hard to hijack a train and redirect it to somewhere else.

Chad, One additional note regarding travelling with cutting implements on trains. One of the few trains that has regulations on that sort of thing is the EuroStar (London - Paris - Brussels). Passengers have to go through airport-style security before boarding, including the usual X-Ray inspection. If you're not planning on using that, there shouldn't be a problem on trains. Cheers!

TSA requirements are like the Spanish Inquisition; surprise is their one main weapon (according to Monty Python). There are a lot of seemingly illogical things on the list. I think they come from intelligence/responses/public reactions to certain threats. No outside liquids came from a plan to use explosive liquids in water bottles - but then got softened to allow bottles of breast milk. Shoes off through security comes from the shoe bomber but has been softened for certain regular travelers. I was really dreading the response to the underwear bomber. I normally pack a trimmer the size of a pencil and have no problem. I have a bigger rechargeable trimmer, with different attachments, that I prefer to use at home but don't pack it.

Plan on any screening to be consistantly inconsistant.