TSA Allows Knives On Planes, Flight Attendants Union Calls Decision ‘Dangerous’

Photo Credit: Reuters The Transportation Security Administration announced Tuesday that U.S. airline passengers will soon be allowed to carry small knives in their carry-on bags, a move that prompted swift condemnation from a flight attendants union.

The union for Southwest Airlines flight attendants called the decision “dangerous” and “designed to make the lives of TSA staff easier, but not make flights safer.”

The changes were made public by TSA Administrator John Pistole during an aviation conference in New York. Starting April 25, passengers going through U.S. airports can bring on board Swiss Army-type knives — specifically, ones with blades no longer than 2.36 inches.

This marks the first time such knives have been allowed on board since security was heavily increased in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Pistole told the audience that TSA screeners at the Los Angeles International Airport alone seized roughly 47 such knives a day over the last three months of 2012, according to Air Transportation World. “Frankly, I don’t want TSA agents to be delayed by these,” he said.

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