Watch CBS News

TSA Delays Lifting Small Knife Ban; Most Passengers At PHL Want It To Stay

By Jim Melwert

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Transportation Safety Administration is delaying a move that would have allowed air passengers to carry small knives and other items on planes.

The new policy was to go into effect Thursday, but now the TSA says they're delaying the move to get feedback from an advisory committee.

The TSA says they confiscate about 2,000 of the small pocket knives per day. They say letting those knives -- with blades of 2.3 inches and shorter -- back on planes, would allow their screeners to focus on more dangerous items, like explosives.

But, Steve Bernstein from Bucks County, isn't buying it. "No, you know what? Even then, with everything going on in the world these days, it probably makes sense. And how often do you really need a pocket knife on an airplane?"

Travelers like John from Reading, say they think TSA officers should be able to scan for both knives and explosives. "The knives, if that's the smaller of the problems, I still say keep the ban in place.  Look what they did 9-11.  I still say keep the ban in place, personally."

Mike Rodgers from Egg Harbor Township, also disagrees with lifting the ban. "Personally, I think the 2-inch blades are just as important as explosives. A 2-inch blade -- you can do a lot of damage with that. I think everything should be looked at; it's everybody's safety."

The flight attendants union has been very vocal in their opposition to allowing knives back on planes.

And while the TSA says the delay is temporary, no word on when they may lift the ban.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.