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TSA lifts small knives ban on airplanes

On March 4, the Transportation Security Administration announced its new policy that lifts the ban on small knives and certain sports equipment while traveling by plane.

Several items, including knives that do not lock, and have blades that are 2.36 inches or less long and are less than 1/2 inch wide, will be taken off the prohibited list that was created after 9/11.

Despite opposition from some passengers and groups, such as unions for pilots and flight attendants, the TSA defends the changes that are still part of an overall risk-based security approach, which " ... allows Transportation Security Officers to better focus their efforts on finding higher threat items such as explosives,” according to the statement.

The changes are set to take effect April 25.

Karly Kehres wrote this story online.

Jillian is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.
Karly is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.