Should Knives Be Allowed on a Plane?

Beginning April 25, several items that are currently prohibited on planes will be allowed, including small pocket knives, announced TSA Administrator John S. Pistole.  TSA said the change would align them more closely with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

The decision to allow knives has raised many eyebrows including those of Delta Air Lines’ CEO Richard Anderson who said it would increase safety risks, according to ABC news.

On the Middletown Patch Facebook page, many residents said they do not feel comfortable with the decision to allow knives. 

“I think I should be allowed more than 3 oz of shampoo before a pocket knife,” said Becky Peckham.  

Ken Gillen agreed. “Knives don't need to be on a plane,” he said.  

New items that would be allowed on planes:

• Small Pocket Knives – Small knives with non-locking blades smaller than 2.36 inches and less than 1/2 inch in width will be permitted
• Small Novelty Bats and Toy Bats
• Ski Poles
• Hockey Sticks
• Lacrosse Sticks
• Billiard Cues
• Golf Clubs (Limit Two)

These similar items will still remain on the prohibited items list:

• Razor blades and box cutters will remain prohibited in carry-on luggage.
• Full-size baseball, softball and cricket bats are prohibited items in carry-on luggage.

What do you think?  Should pocket knives be allowed on planes?