Yes. Small pencil sharpeners are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags on US flights.
Carry-on bagAllowed
TSA allows pencil sharpeners in carry-on bags with no special conditions, even though they contain a small blade.
Checked bagAllowed
Allowed in checked bags with no special conditions.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Pencil sharpeners: allowed in carry-on and checked
Packing tips
- This covers ordinary handheld and cosmetic-pencil sharpeners; don't remove the blade, since a loose blade is treated as a razor blade and must be checked.
- If it's a cosmetic sharpener, pack it next to your eye and lip pencils so you're not tempted to leave it behind.
Questions people ask
Can I bring a pencil sharpener on a plane?
Yes. TSA allows pencil sharpeners in carry-on and checked bags.
Is a makeup pencil sharpener allowed in carry on?
Yes. Small sharpeners, including cosmetic ones, are allowed in carry-on bags.