Should Knives Be Allowed on Planes?

Airline passengers will soon be allowed to bring small knives and some sporting equipment in their carry-on bags—if they meet Transportation Security Administration guidelines.

Beginning April 25, small knives will be allowed in carry-on luggage if their blades are less than 2.36 inches or 6 centimeters in length; a blade’s width must also be one half inch or less. But knives with locking or fixed blades or molded grips, as well as box cutters and razors, will remain on the list of prohibited items. More details on these changes can be found here.

Some sporting equipment items also will be allowed under the new changes, including small novelty or toy bats, billiard cues, hockey sticks and golf clubs. The complete list of changes related to sporting equipment can be found here.

A complete list of items prohibited by the TSA can be found here.

While travelers may feel some relief under the eased rules, some have said they’re a bit uneasy about the incoming changes. According to the Associated Press, Transport Workers Union Local 556, which represents more than 10,000 flight attendants with Southwest Airlines, referred to the changes as “dangerous” and “shortsighted.” The AP also reported that the changes have drawn the ire of several family members of victims who died during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2011. 

TSA officials say the policy changes align American standards with those used elsewhere, and will allow the agency to focus on greater threats to safety.

Do you agree with the TSA’s changes concerning small knives? What about its allowance to bring sporting equipment in carry-on luggage?

Share what’s on your mind with us, and then return here to see what your neighbors in Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties have said.