ALBANY, N.Y. - For the first time since 9-11 small knives will soon be allowed back on
airplanes. That was the announcement made Tuesday by the Transportation Security Administration, and it's not all
that they're letting back on board.
Starting April 25, 2013, knives with a blade no longer than 2.36 inches or six
centimeters in length and no more than half an inch at its widest point will be
allowed as a carry-on item. The change does not allow for knives that have a
fixed blade or which locks firmly when in use, and it prohibits knives with a
molded grip.
Razor blades and box cutters, which were used by 9-11
highjackers, are still off limits.
But even permitting smaller knives on
board have some passengers concerned and have them questioning the
logic.
"If you're going to allow any blades, I think you have to allow
some of the other things less dangerous," said Malta resident Bob
Holbrook.
"They got people taking off their shoes, and so now they're
going to let them have knives now. And it's a little knife, but it can do damage
and hurt somebody," said Altamont resident Marcia Scott.
The TSA defended
it's decision, saying after reviewing the PIL and using a risk-based security
approach, it is unlikely any of the items will result in catastrophic desruction
of an aircraft.
The last time the TSA announced a change to their PIL was
last summer when they began allowing small snowglobes on board. By making these
most recent changes, officials said it will allow them to better focus their
efforts on finding higher-threat items like explosives.
But knives are
not the only items soon to be allowed on airplanes. Some sports equipment,
including lacrosse sticks, pool cues, golf clubs, hockey sticks, and ski poles
will be okay as well as certain novelty bats.
When NEWS 10 asked a TSA
official when we can expect to see changes to the amount of liquids allowed on
board, we were simply told the administration is constantly evaluating the
situation.
NEWS10 ABC
