We’ve all experienced the adventures of going through airport security. It can be an adventure. Water bottles? Off limits. Oversized toothpaste tubes? Out of the question. Pocket knives? Well …
Ever since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, knives of all varieties — even small ones — have been big no-nos on commercial airplanes. But starting in April, the Transportation Security Administration (the good ole’ TSA) will allow pocket knives as carry-on items. Interesting change for those of us in the aviation world.
Among those objecting the change are congressmen, pilots, flight attendants and air marshals. But TSA administrator John Pistole is standing his ground.
Pistole announced last month that pocket knives with blades up to 2.36 inches long will be allowed starting April 25. Also allowed for the first time in 12 years: Small bats, hockey sticks and golf clubs.
To back up the change, Pistole wrote that 3 billion passengers have flown on domestic airlines since small scissors and knitting needles were OK’d on planes “without a single reported disruption from these objects.”
So what do you think? Should pocket knives be allowed on commercial planes again? Or are you simply happy to be flying a hobby plane and not having to worry about the security circus.
For more on the changes, check out this story in USA Today.