AviationTSA will continue ban on small knives

Published 7 June 2013

The Transportation Security Administration, responding to pressure from lawmakers, flight attendants, and the public, has decided to abandon its plan to relax the prohibition on passengers carrying small knives on planes.

TSA chart showing knives that would be confiscated my agents // Source: aljazeera.net

The Transportation Security Administration, responding to pressure from lawmakers, flight attendants, and the public, has decided to abandon its plan to relax the prohibition on passengers carrying small knives on planes.

“After extensive engagement with the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, law enforcement officials, passenger advocates and other important stakeholders, TSA will continue to enforce the current prohibited items list,” the agency said in a statement.

The ban, which began after the 9/11 attacks, will continue indefinitely.

The Los Angeles Times reports that in April, TSA administrator John Pistole announced the agency was lifting the ban on small blades — less than 2.36 inches long and half an inch wide — saying it would enable TSA officers to focus on bigger threats coming through airport security.

TSA officials said that small knives would not pose a security risk because cockpits now have reinforced doors, and there are more federal air marshals on flights.

Lawmakers, flight attendants, and pilots did not agree.

The TSA even received letters from families of the victims of the 9/11 attacks, criticizing the agency’s decision.

Supporters of the ban continuation are relieved.

“Passenger safety is every flight attendant’s top priority and we are pleased to learn that TSA agrees with our approach,” Laura Glading, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, the union representing 16,000 flight attendants for American Airlines told the Times.

In addition to small knives, a ban will also continue on passengers carrying golf clubs, baseball bats, hockey sticks, and pool cues.

Representative Janice Hahn (D-California) is happy that the ban will remain in place.

“I appreciate that the TSA listened to the American passengers, and particularly our flight attendants who felt uniquely vulnerable and have spoken out overwhelmingly in opposition to the knives on planes plan,” Hahn told the Times.