pocketknife blade length for air travel

What do you need the knife for in Europe? Picnics? Buy a cheap knife at a grocery or hardware store and leave your special knife at home. One forgetful moment or unexpected security check at a site and you'd lose something you're really fond of. Don't ship it, add stress or risk it. Just my opinion as one who has seen her husband lose more than one precious knife in Europe...

You really love that knife, don't you! Leave it at home and buy a cheap knife and a corkscrew there.

Carry on regulations are in a constant state of flux and what is ok today might be taboo tomorrow. If you like the knife and want to keep it, leave it at home. Buy a cheap corkscrew (and pen knife) there if you must. Why risk losing an old friend?

RS sells a great picnic set of very durable plastic utensils which include a knife with a serrated blade which we take to Europe every year and have never had need for anything else. I would suggest you leave your prized knife at home and either get a set of utensils from RS or wait until you get to your destination in Europe to buy some including a cork screw.

Leave it home. Get a cheap one there. From first hand experience with my knife that my uncle gave me I when I was in the sixth grade back in sixty six. I almost lost it in vienna 7 years ago. I begged with the guy at the airport security there. He caved and let me carry it on the plane. You might not be lucky as me.

Regardless of the official rules, bladed devices could be confiscated as happened to me. Once, a pair of folding travel scissors were confiscated. I bought a replacement and no problem since.

And if you are stopped by the police in Copenhagen with a knife in your pocket you might get a fine.

Knives are not allowed on the streets of Denmark.

I feel your pain. Many years ago (the year just after 9/11) I flew to Italy with only carry-on luggage and bought a Victorinox knife in Siena to use on my trip. It has been a constant travel companion ever since - but only on trips where I check a bag. I agree with the other posts. There is too much of a risk of confiscation if you bring it as a carry-on. I don't think U.S. carriers allow for any length knife (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/prohibited-items). I don't know about other airlines.

Good luck!

I used to always carry a Swiss Army Knife as part of my carry on. It was great for any trip - corkscrew, bottle opener, tweezers, scissors, screwdrivers, fingernail file, toothpick, and a couple of blades. Plus if I ever survive a plane crash in a remote location - strictly Air Force survival school thinking - it would be invaluable.

I was in Europe on 9/11, on NATO orders, and accidentally flew home with the knife - not as big of deal there because they tend to focus more on the person than exactly what's in your bag.

Since then I haven't carried it. Instead I buy a Swiss Army knife when I get to Europe and give it away before I fly home.

My RS corkscrew was confiscated at Schipol three years ago.