TSA Rules · Updated October 4, 2026
Can You Bring a Corkscrew on a Plane?
Depends on the blade. A plain corkscrew flies in your carry-on. A waiter’s corkscrew with a foil-cutting blade must go in checked baggage.
The rules
Carry-on essentials
Move through the airport fast and keep everything in its place from gate to gate.
Every corkscrew, one look
| Corkscrew type | Carry-on | Checked | The rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain screw or winged | Yes | Yes | No blade, no problem |
| Waiter’s corkscrew with foil blade | No | Yes | The small knife blade sends it to checked |
| Electric bottle opener | Yes | Yes | No blade; allowed in the cabin |
| Air-pump wine opener | Yes | Yes | No blade; carry on freely |
The official word
Straight from TSA
“Corkscrews with a blade must be packed in checked bags. Corkscrews without a blade are allowed in carry-on bags.”
TSA, What Can I Bring · verified July 2026
Before the checkpoint
Three calls that matter
That tiny fold-out blade on a waiter’s key is a knife to TSA, and knives are cabin-banned.
Winged, electric, and air-pump openers all skip the blade and clear the checkpoint.
A quality waiter’s corkscrew is worth wrapping into a checked bag rather than surrendering.
FAQ
Quick answers
Can you bring a corkscrew on a plane?
Why is a waiter’s corkscrew not allowed in carry-on?
Are electric wine openers allowed in a carry-on?
Can you bring a corkscrew in checked luggage?
Sources: TSA: What Can I Bring · Reviewed July 2026