A TSA illustration of knives that will be allowed on planes.
TSAA TSA illustration of knives that will be allowed on planes.
TSAThe Transportation Security Administration said today that it was delaying implementation of a plan that would allow air travelers to carry small knives, golf clubs, hockey sticks and other sporting equipment onboard aircraft.
John Pistole, head of the Transportation Security Administration, proposed the policy change last month, saying it would free up the agency to concentrate on protecting against greater threats. TSA screeners confiscate about 2,000 small folding knives from passengers every day.
The policy was to go into effect Thursday. The TSA's statement said the delay was temporary, but no new date for implementation was provided.
Since the plan was announced it has been vigorously opposed by flight attendants' unions.
USA Today reports the TSA said delaying the implementation would allow time "to incorporate the feedback about the changes to the Prohibited Items List and continue workforce training."