Since 9/11, I have packed my knitting bag inside my suitcase, which I check. On my last trip, I spent three count 'em three hours in the Cincinnatti Airport, and some fool searched my checked bag, without my knowledge. It was "that time of the month", so it was REALLY embarassing. But the strange thing was that the yarn needle, a two inch long blunt ended sewing needle that is used to finish knitting projects, was missing from the bag. I swear I packed the thing. I'm working on a pair of socks. Times being what they are, I wouldn't DARE knit an afghan.