TSA to allow small knives on planes

For the first time since 9-11, small knives will be allowed once again on planes.

Flight attendants call the decision by the Transportation Security Administration dangerous and are asking the government to immediately take it back.

The TSA announced several security changes Tuesday. Starting April 25, small knives will be allowed on carry-ons as well as lacrosse sticks, ski poles and small souvenir baseball bats.

As far as the knives are concerned, passengers will only be allowed to bring knives on board that are less than 2.36 inches, or six centimeters in length, about the size of a sugar packet. The blade width must be no more than 1/2 an inch at its widest point. The knife must not have a locking or fixed blade or a molded grip. So no box cutter type knives used by the 911 hijackers. Those are still prohibited.

One reason for the change is the hold up in security lines. US airports average 850 pounds of voluntarily surrendered prohibited items per year. At ABIA, the number one item people leave behind are small pocket knives.

Keep in mind-when items are surrendered officers must explain to passengers why they can't take them on the plane. That can take some time.

Also, according to the TSA allowing certain knives and sporting equipment aligns the U.S. with security measures in other countries.

The Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant's Union says allowing knives is dangerous. Some passengers agree.

"I'm not comfortable with that at all. Yeah. It's pretty scary actually," said traveler Dana Farrell.

Mike Fleckenstein said, "I think it's okay. I don't think you can do a whole lot of damage with a three inch blade."

"Obviously some people are safe to carry weapons. It's more about knowing who's traveling and what they're carrying," Brian Farrell said.

James Soto said, "I feel more nervous about people having knives, just regular people on planes because you never know who they are, you know? You never know what people are capable of and terrorists come in all shapes and forms."

The security changes start April 25.

LINK:

http://www.tsa.gov/pil-sharpobjects