Can pilots carry knives?

TSA does not allow pilots to carry knives aboard aircraft on their persons or in their carry-on luggage. Pilots who fly their own aircraft are not under the jurisdiction of the TSA so they may carry knives on their persons or in their flight kit.



No, commercial pilots are generally not allowed to carry knives in the cockpit or through security in 2026. Despite their high-security clearance and responsibilities, pilots are subject to the same TSA (and international) "Prohibited Items" list as passengers when passing through general security checkpoints. While "Known Crew Member" (KCM) programs allow pilots to bypass some lines, they are still prohibited from carrying weapons. The only exception is for "Federal Flight Deck Officers" (FFDOs)—pilots who have undergone specialized federal training and are authorized to carry a firearm (but specifically not a knife) for the defense of the cockpit. In 2026, if a pilot needs a tool for maintenance or personal use, they must pack it in their checked luggage. Carrying a blade in the cabin, even as a captain, would be a major security violation and could lead to the immediate suspension of their flying license.

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TSA rules are clear, knives of any size or kind are not allowed to be carried on planes. The only way you're getting it on is in a checked bag, or if the agents miss it during screening.

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In general, you are prohibited from traveling with sharp objects in your carry-on bags. Multi-tools (multipurpose tools) with knives of any length are prohibited. Please pack these items in your checked bags. Multi-tools (multipurpose tools) with scissors less than 4 inches may be placed in carry-on bags.

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It is illegal even to take a forbidden object to a checkpoint, much less take it on a plane. (For a list, visit www.tsa.gov.) Doing so can subject you to civil fines of up to $10,000, plus possible criminal prosecution.

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Yes, some airline pilots do carry guns in the cockpit but carry a gun lawfully they must belong to a special program called the Federal Flight Deck Officers (FFDOs). This program requires special training and pilots who enroll have strict limitations on when they can use the firearm.

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Within ten years, the program went from a few dozen air marshals to a few thousand as Congress authorized the TSA to deploy air marshals on “every [passenger] flight determined by the Administrator to present high security risks.”

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Nail clippers are also allowed on planes, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can pack them in both your carry-on and checked luggage. Similar to tweezers, it's a good idea to wrap your nail clippers or place them securely in a bag to avoid injury to others handling your luggage.

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Checked Bags: Yes Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'

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Cmdr. Becky Calder, a Navy commander, was the first female aviator to graduate from the Navy's Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, known as Top Gun.

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They're so much more. TOPGUN is known to the fleet as the Navy Fighter Weapons School, where its mission statement is simple: win in combat. It was founded during the Vietnam War after naval aviators were sustaining high levels of casualties despite superior aircraft and weapons technology.

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