The Transportation Security Administration is considering a proposal to loosen restrictions on carrying weapons onto airplanes and to speed airport security screening.
Edmund S. “Kip” Hawley, an assistant secretary of homeland security, directed his staff to propose changes in how the agency screens 2 million passengers a day. The staff’s first set of recommendations, detailed in an Aug. 5 document, includes proposals to lift the ban on various carry-on items such as scissors, razor blades and knives less than five inches long. It also proposes that passengers no longer routinely be required to remove their shoes at security checkpoints.
Agency officials plan to meet this month to consider the proposals, which would require Hawley’s approval to go into effect. — Washington Post
The proposal would also permit passengers to carry on ice picks, throwing stars, and bows and arrows, as well as make exempt from security screening members of Congress, federal judges, airline pilots, state governors, people with top secret security clearances, and others.
Reaction, of course, was mixed. K. Jack Riley, a homeland security expert with the Rand Corp., told the Washington Post that the ideas “recognize the reality that we know that air transportation security has changed post-9/11. Most of these rules don’t contribute to security.” But former Northwest Airlines head of security Douglas Laird disagreed, saying members of trusted groups occasionally abuse the privilege.
I would think it depends on who’s doing what. Do you think a terrorist could somehow obtain a top secret security clearance? It strikes me as within the realm of possibility. In any case, the passengers with their bows and arrows will certainly stop him.
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Jennifer Pezzotti
Nov 06, 2005
Nov 6, 2005 – I am a flight attendant and have recently heard on the news and from 2 air marshals that TSA is relaxing security to allow knives under 5 inches and small scissors. I must admit as a flight attendant who is the person that more than likely will have the knife or scissors used against them by terrorists finds this appalling! Every flight attendant, pilot, and air marshal I have spoken to are in complete agreement. I believe that if you relax the security measures the government is inviting the terrorists to make another attempt at taking over an aircraft.
Michael Hampton
Nov 07, 2005
Jennifer, that is correct; the TSA is considering such rules. They have been for quite a while, actually, as you can see by the date on the original posting.
The problem with not allowing knives, small scissors, etc., on board, is that terrorists, and criminals in general, tend not to play by the rules. You can disallow them all day long, but a terrorist will find a way to smuggle one on board if possible. THIS is what you should be afraid of.
With everyone else on the plane disarmed, the terrorists are at an advantage.
Allowing these sorts of items on board actually puts the terrorists at a disadvantage, as after 9/11 it’s quite likely that anyone who tries something is going to find themselves facing a hundred angry passengers with knives.
So I don’t understand why everyone is against this, as it will actually improve security.
Dec 02, 2005
Airline security prohibitions loosened; flight attendants, terrorists oppose change - Homeland Security or Homeland Stupidity
Ed O'Connor
Dec 06, 2007
On a recent trip I lost my money clip because it had a knife blade less than an inch long. I believe i had read that security was allowing baldes of less than two inches long.. I feel this rule of a little blade on a money clip being against the law to carry on is totally stupid and makes no sense.
9/11 family victim
Dec 16, 2007
if i could bring a half inch knife and slit your throat while you were sleeping on a plane you would not be happy. hmmm maybe you would. most passengers are narrow minded about these things. if i worked for them. i wish i could have tased you. your probably a southwest passenger.