The Transportation Security Administration announced changes to its Prohibited Items List today—for instance, small knives will be allowed. Specifically, "The blade must be no more than 2.36 inches or 6 cm in length - from tip to where it meets the handle or hilt' and "The blade must be no more than ½ inch in width." The change goes into effect next month, on April 25.
Box cutters and razor blades are still prohibited, as are butcher knives. But novelty baseball bats under 24 inches or under 24 ounces will be allowed, as will lacrosse sticks, hockey sticks, ski poles and billiards cues. The TSA said, "This is part of an overall Risk-Based Security approach, which allows Transportation Security Officers to better focus their efforts on finding higher threat items such as explosives."
The TSA adds, "If a passenger is unsure if an item meets the above requirements, TSA recommends that the item be placed in checked luggage. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items through security checkpoints." Here's the Prohibited Items List.
