When an airline passenger named Brittany boarded a plane, she never dreamed the knitting she brought along to pass the time would cause such a ruckus. It wasn’t long after the flight took off that a flight attendant approached Brittany and told her to stop knitting, even though it didn’t violate any aviation rules. The incident split social media users, with some accusing the mile-high hall monitor of embarking on a power trip, while others flocked to the flight attendant’s defense. “I don’t think she was trying to be rude,” wrote one commenter. “If the plane jerks too hard and you're holding needles near your face, you might have a worse day than everyone else on the plane.” However, Brittany pointed out in the comments that knitting needles are not listed as a prohibited item on the TSA website. She actually objected more to the delivery than the advice. “If she wasn’t comfortable with the needles, that’s fine, but I didn’t appreciate her condescending approach,” wrote Brittany. According to the TSA website, knitting needles are permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, they note that any “sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.” Experts at the travel organization View From the Wing said they believe the knitting needles posed a problem. “In truth, there’s potential risk that knitting needles could become projectiles in severe turbulence,” said contributor Gary Leff. “Sewing machines, I think, would be a greater risk than sewing needles,” he warned. “Make sure to stow those for takeoff and landing!”
