It's not enough to simply ask the airline. Twice now, domestic and international, I have had no trouble leaving the country. The return is different. The customs/security check is not affliliated with the airline. It is in control of boarding in that airport. Twice I have travelled out bound with needles, sewing, scissors (yea you read that right) and hand knitting. It was attempting to board for the return journey everything was confiscated. Regardless of the airline rules, the security personel trump everything. So don't try to take anything you aren't prepared to lose.
MaryKatherine