WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Transportation Security Administration reportedly will let airline passengers keep small scissors and other sharp objects in their carry-on bags.
The Washington Post, quoting sources, said the federal agency thinks these objects no longer pose the greatest threat to airline security. The scissors must be less than four inches long, and tools like screw drivers less than seven inches long.
TSA, faced with a tighter budget and morale problems among its workforce, wants to make these changes to make the best use of limited resources, The Post reported. TSA officials now want airport screeners to spend more time looking for improvised explosive devices rather than sharp objects, it said.
The plans must be approved by the Homeland Security Department and the Office of Management and Budget.
One aviation security consultant disagreed with the plans, saying they could endanger passenger safety aboard planes.
Separately, The New York Times reported the rule relaxation is possible because of improvements made since September 2001, including more secure cockpit doors, more air marshals on flights and improvements in screening of passengers and checked luggage.
