I have tried to find out a few times if I could take a needle on a plane and I keep hearing "it's up to security at the particular airport", so I haven't done it.
I too remember the days when you could cross stitch in planes- it was a great way to fill time.I suppose some looney can make a poison dart out of a sewing needle or something? The mind boggles.
As for taking a scissors through Fiji- my prediction is that it will end in tears- bring a nail clippers (one without a file, of course!) I hope you can get a needle or two through.