TSA To Permit Knives On Planes Starting April

by Breanna Fuss, Reporter
March 05, 2013 6:08 PM


The U.S. Transportation Security Administration made an announcement Tuesday that has people talking. Starting in April people will be allowed to bring some restricted items like small knives onto airplanes.

It’s an announcement that has come as a shock to some, and a no-brainer to others.

"People are carrying them everywhere else, just maybe not on planes, so does it really matter,” asked Shelley Monnens, Brandon.

“ I don't agree with that,” said Brian Olson, Sioux Falls.

Since 9/11 TSA has been limiting what passengers can bring on planes. But on Tuesday the administration announced that beginning April 25th items like small knives will be allowed on planes once again.

Small knives such as Swiss army knives, with blades less than 2.5 inches long, and it has some travelers concerned.
    
“I just don’t think knives are very safe on a plane,” said Kiara Borkhuis, Watertown.

Twelve-year-old Borkhuis was flying for the first time Tuesday; she said she may be young, but she knows that knives and planes could be a dangerous mix.

“I don’t know what people are using them for, so I don't want to be in danger on a plane, when I am already afraid to fly,” said Borkhuis.

For Olson, he just doesn’t see the point.
   
"I just don’t think there is any need for a pocket knife of planes,” said Olson, Sioux Falls.

But for Monnens, an avid traveler, she said letting people carry small knives on planes is fine. After all she said, they aren’t the only thing can be used as a weapon.

“Anything can be utilized as a weapon if you want it to. I mean you can take a computer out and hit someone over the head,” said Monnens.

And for John Baize, he said he trusts the decision the U.S. Transportation Security Administration has made.

“And so I think the case they've made is to move forward. And until someone gives a good reason I don’t see why they wouldn’t continue,” said Baize, Washington D.C.

Other items you can now bring onto a plane starting in April include, ski poles, hockey sticks, golf clubs and even wiffle-style ball bats.