U.S. Transport Administration will allow passengers to carry small knives on planes

As of April 25, passengers flying to or within the United States may carry pocket knives, golf clubs, lacrosse sticks, pool cues, ski poles, hockey sticks and other items in carry-on luggage. The items previously were banned by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) after 9/11 as potential blunt weapons.

The measure brings the U.S. in line with international standards for screening procedures, TSA said on its website.

However, razor blades, scissors and box cutters like the ones used to hijack planes during the 2001 terror attacks will still be prohibited.

Airline passengers going through U.S. airports will be allowed to take on board small Swiss Army-type knives, provided the blade is no longer than 2.36 inches (6 centimeters) and does not have a locking fixed blade or a molded grip. “This will bring U.S. airport carry-on security rules within International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and our European counterparts,” TSA statement reads.

The ruling has drawn sharp criticism from airlines and unions representing flight attendants, air marshals and pilots. This week the U.S. House Homeland Security subcommittee on transportation will have a hearing regarding the decision.

Last Friday, flight attendants protested the TSA policy change by handing out fliers at various U.S. airports with the slogan “No knives, ever again.” Also the Association of Professional Flight Attendants put up a website (noknivesonplanes.net) asking people to write letters demanding their congressmen reverse the TSA’s decision.