TSA permitted items list changing
Posted at: 03/05/2013 5:02 PM
| Updated at: 03/05/2013 6:14 PM
By: Joangel Concepcion | WHEC.com
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How would you feel if you knew people on your flight could be carrying a knife. It is possible, now that the Transportation Safety Administration relaxed some of its rules on what you can bring on a plane. But don't be alarmed, there are still a lot of restrictions.
When it comes to knives, blades must be shorter than 2.36 inches and can't be more than a half inch at its widest point. The knife also can't have a locking blade, fixed blade, or molded grip.
This is the very first time TSA will allow small pocket knives on board since 9/11. They will also allow sporting equipment like golf clubs, hockey sticks and certain bats. TSA says they are just catching up to international standards and that these items do not pose a security threat.
Knives longer than 2.36 inches or 6 centimeters in length are prohibited. Also, it can not be more than ½ inch wide. A small knife would not even be allowed or knives that do not have a lock, fixed blade or a molded grip. Other items that will be allowed are lacrosse sticks, pool sticks, golf clubs and hockey sticks. Also, novelty bats will be allowed, but it can not be more than 24 inches or 24 ounces.
TSA screens $1.8 million passengers on a daily basis. They say they want to weed out items to make the process smoother. TSA representative Lisa Farbsteen told us why TSA is no longer banning these items and we asked her if passengers should be concerned about their safety
Lisa Farbsteen, TSA Representative said, “Well obviously they have been on the prohibited list all this time and what we do is that we have re-assessed that. We think that at this point and times we are ready to allow them to be permitted come through the checkpoint.”
News10NBC's Joangel Concepcion said, “So they are not considered weapons to you guys?”
Farbsteen said, “We do not believe those items to be able to cause catastrophic damage to an aircraft.”
Box cutters and razor blades will still be banned even though they are smaller than a regular knife.
News10NBC asked passengers how they felt about the changes. Even though its been more than a decade since the September 11 attacks, the changes still cause concern to many passengers.
Melinda Goldberg said, “A golf club is metal. You can really do some damage whacking someone with a golf club.”
Bionka Jackson said, “I don't think that they should because it can be dangerous and we don't want another 9/11 to happen.”
Concepcion said, “Would it surprise you that TSA does not consider these items to be weapons?”
David Markle said, “A little, yeah, I mean because they can be used that way.”
TSA officials say the requirements go into effect on April 25. They say they will be notifying passengers of the changes within the next month and a half. If you have any questions about your carry-on items, you can actually download the my TSA app on your phone and that will help you with any questions. For more on these new changes, click here.
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