U.S. security agency scraps plan to allow small knives on planes

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

By Deborah Charles
WASHINGTON | Wed Jun 5, 2013 2:41pm EDT

(Reuters) - The top U.S. transportation security official said on Wednesday that he had decided not to permit passengers to carry small knives on airplanes, after receiving a drumbeat of criticism from flight attendants and the public that easing restrictions would increase flight dangers.

Transportation Security Administration head John Pistole, who had proposed to loosen rules put in place in the wake of the September 11 hijackings, told Reuters he had decided to scrap the changes.

"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," Pistole said.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/05/us-usa-transportation-knives-idUSBRE95419W20130605

[onehandle]

1. Darn. There goes my plan to make a suit composed of nothing but small knives. nt

[sinkingfeeling]

2. Finally, a sign of intelligence.

[Ash_F]

3. I could not take my deodorant on board, and then this...

Of all the things they ban, they were thinking of allowing the one item that enabled the 9/11 attacks?

[Skeeter Barnes]

6. The Bush administration enabled the 9/11 attacks.

[hlthe2b]

4. So, I don't suppose they could allow us one more tiny ounce of shampoo?

TSA is a joke-- a very unfunny one.

[handmade34]

5. So...

my daughter the TSA agent just this morning had her annual testing and in the pat down found a small knife in the woman's pocket... thank goodness she confiscated it...

[Lamonte]

7. Priorities?

Changing his ruling is not enough. He should be fired. His choice to allow any knife on flights is so strange. How many passengers really need this item? Something is wrong with him. They take away my water even though I am willing to drink some of it, but he is unwilling to change that insane rule.

[Eric J in MN]

9. I'd prefer the TSA focus on bombs.

A knife isn't more dangerous on a plane than elsewhere. Passengers aren't going to allow a hijacking just because the would-be hijacker has a knife.

Also, they give passenger's knives to cut their steaks.

[DaveJ]

8. It annoys me that they get to keep all that stuff

Sometimes people forget. It wouldn't be difficult for them to create a system where they put the stuff in bags or something for you to pick up later. For a small fee, they could make a little money, but no they need to be jerks and keep it all.

[cosmicone]

10. I'm shocked! Sanity at the TSA? What? n/t

[christx30]

11. I don't like this.

I should be able to take my sword on a plane. What if I'm my way to a wedding at the Crossing of the Twins. I have my mom and pregnant wife with me. Shouldn't I be able to defend myself?