Yes, metal shoe horns are allowed through TSA security checkpoints in both carry-on and checked bags. The TSA does not list shoe horns — metal or otherwise — as prohibited items.
Metal shoe horns pass TSA screening without issue because they have no blade, no sharp edge capable of causing injury, and no explosive or chemical component. TSA officers evaluate items on a case-by-case basis, but a standard metal shoe horn presents no functional threat profile. Long-handled shoe horns — the kind that reach 20 inches or more — may draw a second look simply due to size, but length alone is not grounds for confiscation.
- TSA classification: shoe horns (metal or otherwise) are not on the TSA prohibited items list.
- Carry-on status: metal shoe horns are permitted in carry-on luggage on U.S. domestic and international flights departing the U.S.
- Checked baggage status: metal shoe horns are also permitted in checked bags without restriction.
- Long-handle threshold: shoe horns exceeding roughly 24 inches may require X-ray re-screening at officer discretion, but are not banned.
- Final authority: the TSA officer at the checkpoint has final say on any individual item, regardless of general policy.