TSA to maintain ban on small knives on planes

Washington – The Transportation Security Administration will continue to enforce a ban on small knives in carry-on luggage for flights, the agency announced June 5.

TSA announced it would allow the items on planes beginning April 25, but on April 23 announced it would delay the changes to allow time for further input from the aviation industry and other stakeholders.

The Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, which opposed lifting the ban, praised TSA’s recent announcement and said the decision will protect passengers and crew in the air and in secure airport areas. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA also praised TSA’s decision and requested that Congress pass the Keep Knives Out of Our Skies Act, which was introduced in the Senate on May 22. The bill would permanently ban small knives on planes.

At press time, the legislation had been referred to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.