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Corkscrew / Wine Opener

Corkscrews without a blade are allowed in carry-on; ones with a foil-cutting blade must be checked.

Carry-on

Allowed with conditions

Checked

Allowed

Carry-on details

Allowed with conditions. A basic corkscrew (just a screw, lever, or winged opener with no blade) is allowed in carry-on. If it has a small foil-cutting blade attached — common on "waiter's friend" style openers — that blade makes the whole tool a carry-on knife, and it's not allowed.

Checked-bag details

Allowed. Any corkscrew, with or without a blade, can be packed in checked baggage. Cover an exposed blade so it doesn't injure baggage handlers.

Special instructions

It's the small foil-cutter blade found on waiter's-style corkscrews that TSA objects to, not the screw itself. For a carry-on-safe option, look for a corkscrew that uses a foil-cutting wheel or has no blade at all.

Related rules

FAQ

Can I bring a wine key with a foil cutter in my carry-on?
No. If the corkscrew has a small blade for cutting foil, that blade is treated like a knife and it must go in checked baggage. Blade-free corkscrews are fine in carry-on.
How can I tell if my corkscrew is carry-on safe?
Check for a small hinged blade near the screw — that's the foil cutter. If there's no blade, just a screw and lever or wings, it's allowed in carry-on.

Related items

Source: TSA — What Can I Bring? · Last verified: 2026-07-30

Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.