If you can carry a pair of scissors with a 4 inch blade, why do you need to remove the needle? The only issue is that you can only take one piece and carry on. If you are planning to have just the machine it should be no problem. Also, I know is called a feather weight but I don't find it light. Can you lift it up into the cabinet and then back out? Often I find that you can get easy help getting it up but when the plane lands most people grab their bags and run. The attendants may be able to help you but you have to wait until the plane is empty.