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 Tiverton-Little Compton Facebook page, many residents said they do not feel comfortable with the decision to allow knives. 

“Fine in carry-ons but not in the cabin,” said Charlotte McCarthy.

Caroline Evans agreed. “You have to wonder about people who think this is a big deal," she said. "If you care to recall.... this is mere security theater that you endure at the airport. It is pure imagination to think that they have done anything of the least real value. Now we see people who are so used to having strangers in costumes probe their nether regions they cannot imagine life otherwise. Rest assured.... the TSA is more a danger to you than any passenger. They make sure that you are totally helpless while on the flight."  

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? 

Tiverton-Little Compton Patch Editor Erin Tiernan contributed to this article.