knitting & crochet on flights within Australia

[squid]

  Does anyone know if we are allowed to use knitting needles & crochet hooks on dommestic flights now?
I have read that in the US & UK they have lifted most of the restrictions dependant on mm size of the needles.
As a knitter / crocheter I have always felt a bit insulted that those in charge (probably non-knitters) would think that someone who loves yarn, would use their precious needles for anything other than creating a wonderful fabric.

Can anyone give me some info???

[angelfire]

Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure you still cannot take knitting needles in carry-on luggage on our domestic flights - am not sure about crochet hooks - probably depends on who's on the inspection gate at the time  I've flown to Adelaide a couple of times a year for the last few years to visit friends, and I still see all manner of things being "confiscated"....love to know what big black hole they go into ! I would suggest contacting your local Airport Security office ( by email if possible, so you can print out their response if its positive ) and ask what the latest is.  It is a real shame as I used to love knitting to pass the time on a flight........
~angelfire~
P.S. Please let us know if you get some good news from the airport !

[yorkshirepudding]

Hey Squid,
Is it really true that they have lifted the restrictions on UK flights?  I am due to fly home (England) to see my Mum in November and would love to take a small project with me to pass the time, I could do a 24 hour knit-a-thon for charity  .  Where did you read that they had lifted the restrictions and how do I find out more info?  Would love to find out.

Happy knitting

Mel

[angelfire]

Hi folks,
The Aviation Security website for Sydney Airport ( and other Aust. Int'l airports ) http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport/security/aviation/lag/index.aspx details the restrictions on fluids and medicines. If you wanted to specifically check restrictions on knitting needles you could phone or email them via their Contact Us link.  You also ask the airline you book with, tho I would think they would be governed by local airport rulings.
Its a shame to restrict such an enjoyable activity especially on such a long flight........if anyone hears any good news about being able to knit on flights - please post it here 
BTW, one of my very best friends is from Yorkshire - Wakefield - the whole area is known for its yarns and mills, isn't it ? Have a great trip !
~angelfire~

[yorkshirepudding]

Hi Angelfire,
                  Thanks for the info, I am going to ask my travel agent about it and will definitely post what I discover.  Yes Yorkshire is very well known for it's wool mills Cleckheaton woolmill was transported from Cleckheaton in Yorkshire well the equipment and such.  Rowan have their head office in Holmfirth in Yorkshire, I am told by the Rowan Consultant at one of my local shops that it is beautiful. 
In days gone by knitting was a cottage industry done by men and women and they wore a special pouch to carry their work around according to a knitting history website I found whilst idling around on the internet.  I am full of useless information like that, sadly unable to commit to memory anything of any use. .

[yorkshirepudding]

Sad news  I have needed to bring my flight forward and so I contacted Melbourne airport and no they won't let you take any knitting needles even bamboo circulars, apparently you could still inflict pain on someone with them  .  I explained that I was less likely to want to inflict pain on anyone when I am knitting as I find it a soothing pass-time but alas, to no avail.

[angelfire]

Thought that might be the case, yorkshirepud, sorry it was confirmed for you tho......and unfortunately, in the current climate.......I can't see it changing.     Very sad.....its such a useful way to pass the time ( and I do love my reading as a teacher/librarian ), but its nice to have choices, isn't it ?  Have a great trip anyway !
~angelfire ~