TSA: Small Knives Now Allowed In Carry-On Luggage

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Small knives, novelty bats, hockey sticks and golf clubs are now back on the allowed items that can be carried onto a plane, the TSA announced Tuesday.

The items will now be allowed on board, along with billiard cues, ski poles and lacrosse sticks. The changes to the prohibited items list is effective April 25.

What sort of knife is allowed in carry-on luggage? Knives that do not lock and have blades that are 2.36 inches or 6 centimeters or less in length and less than ½ an inch wide, according to a statement from the TSA.

Box cutters, razor blades and knives that don't fold or that have molded grip handles will still be prohibited.

Reaction to the changes was mostly positive among travelers interviewed Tuesday at Los Angeles International Airport.

"I figure small knives are appropriate and fine," said Becca Wong of Los Angeles. "People carry pocket knives on them daily on the street so I'm just as at risk there versus on an airplane. So I'm not really too concerned about it."

"Just a little small pocketknife that most people have isn't going to do a whole lot of damage to anybody," agreed Matt Shaw of Los Angeles. "I don't think it's that big a deal."

"I carry a pocket knife as well," said Tunde Akinyele of Los Angeles. "But I know when I travel I leave it at home. They were taking those small knives that you use to clean your fingernails — those, no. But a pocket knife, I would say, yes, that is a weapon. It can be used to harm somebody on the flight. So I would say still we shouldn't allow that yet."

The policy change got a thumbs-up from Dean Rhymer, a Junior Los Angeles Kings hockey player who strode into the terminal carrying a hockey stick. "I think it'll be helpful. It's easier to carry it on to bring it places."

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