TSA Relaxes Regulations: Pocket Knives Allowed on Planes

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Kate Nagle, GoLocalWorcester News Team

The TSA appears to have halted its decision to allow knives back on planes - for now.

On the heels of the recent announcement of JetBlue's arrival at Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) to begin service to Florida this fall, the Transportation Security Administration was due to relax rules which would allow pocket knives to be carried on to planes once again following 9/11.

However, as of late Monday, the TSA has appeared to halt its decision in order to investigate the matter further.

The TSA looks to have decided to delay the controversial new ruling that would have allowed small knives to be carried on passenger aircraft. Bats, golf clubs and other sports equipment were set to be permitted under the new rule as well, but will also stay banned for now.

The new rule for small blades — shorter than 2.36 inches in length and less than 1/2 inch in width — had been set to go into effect April 25th. A new implementation date has not been set.

Prior to the 11th hour decision to halt the ruling, Massport spokesperson Matthew Brelis told GoLocalWorcester, "Massport is responsible for perimeter security, having a comprehensive ID system, and making sure there is law enforcement on the airport. Passenger screening is a federal function and the State Police, as they do in every instance will evaluate the circumstances and will use their discretion in determining whether there has been a violation of a state statute."

Divided Opinion on Pocket Knives

In March 2013, the TSA posted a blog post entitled, "Pocket Knives: More Support Than You Think", outlining reasons for allowing pocket knives.

In the blog, it states that TSA Administrator John Pistole testified on Capitol Hill, "We know the aviation threat is from nonmetallic improvised explosive devices such as the liquids explosive plot we saw from the U.K. in 2006, the bomb used by the so-called Underwear Bomber on Christmas Day 2009, the toner cartridge printer bombs from Yemen placed onto our air cargo flights destined for Chicago in October 2010 and most recently, the improved next generation underwear device also from Yemen intended for a passenger jet on its way to the U.S....”

We have yet to see a single incident where a passenger was injured using a knitting needle or scissors. Small knives have been permitted in Europe for some time now, with no incidents that we are aware of. In fact, the GAO published a report that said there had been zero security incidents where these items had been used aboard an aircraft."

Opposition to Proposed Rule Challenges May Have Proved Strong

In a recent nationwide survey, Travel Leaders Group asked Americans across the country if they are in favor of the change -- and 73% of those polled did not want pocket knives allowed in airplane cabins. Also, a vast majority (nearly 80%) indicated they did not want fellow airline passengers to have the ability to make cell phone calls inflight. The survey included responses from 1,788 consumers throughout the United States

“The results are very clear. Most Americans would prefer the status quo with regard to cell phone use inflight. Because so many planes are flying at near capacity and many passengers already feel a lack of personal space within the airplane cabin, it’s understandable that they want to continue to have some amount of peace and quiet whether they are on a short commuter flight or a flight that lasts several hours,” stated Travel Leaders Group CEO Barry Liben. “Hopefully officials who are studying the idea listen to what the public has to say. The same is true for pocket knives in carry-on baggage. This is a real hot-button issue. The TSA’s rationale is that they are aligning their policy to match international rules. International air carriers have different rules for the allowable size and weight of carry-on bags – we don’t follow those guidelines. The rationale doesn’t make sense when so many consumers and flight crew members are opposed to the idea.”