If packed in carry-on, they must be less than 4 inches from the pivot point. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

In 2026, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and most international aviation authorities allow scissors in carry-on luggage, but they are subject to strict size limitations. For flights within or departing from the United States, scissors are permitted if the blades are less than 4 inches (approximately 10.16 cm) long, measured from the pivot point to the tip. However, international regulations often differ; for example, many UK and European airports restrict blade length to 6 cm (about 2.36 inches). In checked baggage, there are generally no size restrictions for scissors, though it is highly recommended to sheath or securely wrap them to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. If a TSA officer determines that a specific pair of scissors poses a security threat regardless of its size, they have the discretion to prohibit it from entering the cabin, so packing specialized or expensive shears in checked luggage is always the safest option.