Bowie Knives and Airplanes

Unless one is on a private plane, it’s probably against the law and airline policy to carry a weapon in the crew or passenger areas. A Bowie knife is not something that can be carried on because it serves another function, such as a nail file or a book of matches. A Bowie is a weapon by design and has been so since the first one was manufactured. Carrying weapons on planes can be done, but with some special accommodations.

A Bowie knife requires special accommodations when one is flying. No airline will allow one to carry a blade or such dimensions onto an airplane. It can, however, be taken in one’s luggage. The relevant issue is access. The airlines are fine with transporting such items in a cargo hold but will not transport them in areas where travelers could access them in transit. The luggage must be packed in a way that is up to airline standards, as well.

The Bowie knife will be subject to any laws that apply once it and its owner are back on the ground. Remember this and check ahead to make sure that the knife is even legal where one is headed. There are some places where certain weapons are specifically against the law. It is not the airline or the TSA’s responsibility to inform passengers of the laws in other places, so be sure to be informed ahead of time.

Packing the Bowie knife must be done securely and according to procedures. The knife must be in its sheath within the bag. Loose blades will be taken away. The knife cannot be sent along on its own, outside a bag, and it may not be brought into the passenger area in any carryon luggage. The knife should not be taken out of the suitcase until one is off the premises of the airport and, depending on where one lands, until one is in an area where it is permitted.

A Bowie knife, if it is a particularly expensive model, may be better shipped than taken on a plane. While most airlines provide excellent security, there are incidents when items are taken out of passenger’s luggage, particularly on international flights. A Bowie has all the qualities of something desirable to a thief: light, expensive and easy to sell. Luggage cannot be locked on a flight, so shipping may be more secure than baggage.

Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie knives store featuring hunting knives.