Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Knitting on Planes, and Jamie Fraser

Recently, in anticipation of vacation, I've read quite a few posts about bringing knitting needles as cabin baggage on airplanes. Everyone has different advice about whether to carry them, display them, hide them beneath the standard-issue blanket, use pencils with thick erasers instead...


Each airline's website states varying rules. And of course, I happen to work for the one section of the United Nations that actually sets the international standards for this.

But there's no getting around the fact that a transatlantic flight is long. And sometimes - gasp! - I just can't read on the plane. Knitting would be the perfect past time, especially as, last time I counted, I've got five babies and at least three adults to knit for. And I haven't knit a stitch in at least two weeks.

What to do?

Robin's advice.

About's take on the matter.

Suggestions from a blogger with a great name: Damn, Knit and Blast It.

Air Canada says I'm allowed plastic needles, as long as I'm not flying to the UK. Well, there's that loophole scuppered.

EasyJet won't allow knitting needles of any kind. The airline calls them "blunt instruments" and puts them on par with hockey sticks, sabres and swords.

Guess it's a good thing Jamie Fraser will never travel forward in time.


(Gratuitous non-red-haired semi-inaccurate (well, it's not Ioan Gruffudd or Diana Gabaldon's choice Allen Scott-Douglas, now, is it?) Jamie image from Crazy Horse Woman. There's a good one here as well.)

9 comments:

  1. Hmmm...there's no such thing as a collapsible knitting needle, is there? [g]

    How exciting about your vacation - please report back with lots of photos & assorted adventures!

    Oh and have a great time, too, of course! :-)

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  2. I hate to say it, but I think you're best not knitting on transatlantic flights. I think I'd heard while in Canada that domestic only were accepted.
    Why don't you just pack the knitting and knit with me while you're here!! And speaking of knitting, I'm finally just starting to get the itch for it again and am almost finished that baby outfit I showed you. It's adorable!!

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  3. It *is* adorable!
    You're probably right, but I'm going to dare it anyway - with the cheapest needles I've got, in case they're confiscated...

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  4. I've recently discovered loom knitting. P'rhaps that is something you might consider? I love it, especially since the last time I un'erstood anything 'bout knitting was before I started Kindergarten... then, my gramma' moved away an' I forgot everything. *sigh*

    If you do choose to take up loom knitting, will you please figure out how to make an afghan an' then teach me? Thank you. I'm having trouble figuring that out.

    Have an amazing trip. I'm looking forward to alla' your adventures when you get back.

    Hugs,
    ~ Yaya

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  5. I'll try Yaya! I'm still trying to learn how to spin.

    Thanks Lola!

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  6. i have the same kilt! seriously lol
    popping over from karen's bbq... hope im not too late! brought some JD and steak! great blog--following!

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