Put your knives back in their wee little scabbards, folks: The temporary suspension on a new policy that allowed travelers to carry small knives in airplanes has now turned into a permanent decision. The Transportation Security Administration has announced that it listened to criticism from flight attendants and the public and decided not to ease restrictions on the little weapons.

TSA head John Pistole, who had been behind the loosening up of rules regarding what kinds of knives passengers could bring with them onboard, told Reuters that he’s scrapping the changes after considering feedback from the airline industry and fliers.

“After extensive engagement with the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, law enforcement officials, passenger advocates, and other important stakeholders, TSA will continue to enforce the current prohibited items list,” Pistole said.

Criticism leveled at the eased restrictions called up the fact that the hijackers involved in the September 11 attacks were armed only with small boxcutters or knives.

Pistole and the TSA had declared in March that the agency would permit knives with blades that were 2.36 inches or less on planes, as well as allowing passengers to carry hockey sticks, golf clubs and billiard cues.

U.S. security agency scraps plan to allow small knives on planes [Reuters]

 

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