Letter Opener
Letter openers with a point or cutting edge are not allowed in carry-on and must be packed in checked baggage.
Carry-on
Not allowed
Checked
Allowed
Carry-on details
Not allowed. TSA treats any letter opener with a pointed tip or a sharpened edge as a knife — even small decorative ones — so it can't go in carry-on.
Checked-bag details
Allowed. Letter openers can be packed in checked baggage. Sheathe the point or wrap it securely so baggage handlers and screeners aren't injured.
Special instructions
If you need to open mail on the road, look for a bladeless or rounded-tip design — those are less likely to be flagged, though the screening officer always has final say.
Related rules
FAQ
- Is a small letter opener okay in carry-on since it's not really a knife?
- No. Even a short letter opener with a point or blade is treated the same as a knife and must be packed in checked baggage.
- What if the letter opener has a rounded, blunt tip?
- A fully blunt, bladeless letter opener is less likely to be flagged, but the final call is always up to the TSA officer at the checkpoint — checked baggage is the safer choice if you're unsure.
Related items
Source: TSA — What Can I Bring? · Last verified: 2026-07-31
Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.