Nail files OK in carry-on; check bag with sharp knives

Q. As an infrequent flier, I’m planning a trip to Europe. Could you update me on current restrictions for baggage? Specifically items that would not be allowed either in carry-on or checked baggage: nail file, nail clipper, razor, pins (jewelry?).

A. According to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, it’s OK to put in your carry-on luggage plastic or blunt-tipped metal scissors, tweezers, nail clippers and nail files. Also OK are knitting needles, corkscrews, cigar cutters, safety razors, toy robots and weapons (if not realistic replicas), umbrellas and walking canes.

Also OK to carry on are camera equipment, mobile phones, pagers, camcorders and laptop computers.

Smokers can take two lighters or four books of safety matches, but these must be in carry-on and are banned in checked luggage.

The list goes on: Sharp-pointed scissors, knives, box-cutters, ice picks, meat cleavers and swords are OK only in checked luggage, and sharp items should be “sheathed or wrapped securely.”

As for sports equipment, bats, hockey and lacrosse sticks, pool cues, ski poles, spear guns and bows and arrows are OK only in checked luggage. Handymen can pack screwdrivers, drills, saws, hammers, wrenches and pliers, cattle prods, crowbars, axes and hatchets in checked luggage.

The list makers forgot jewelry, so you’re OK with as many hatpins as you want to carry.

The whole five-page list is available on the Web site www.tsa.gov./public/sitemap.jsp. Or call the Consumer Response Center at (866) 289-9673.