TSA to allow knives on planes

The Transportation Security Administration released new guidelines Tuesday, making new carry-on allowances.

Knives with blades no more than 2.36 inches in length from tip to where the blade meets the handle or hilt will be approved for carry-on. The blade must be no more than half an inch in width. The TSA also announced toy bats and sporting equipment such as hockey sticks and golf clubs will be allowed on board aircraft.

"This decision aligns TSA with International Civil Aviation Organization standards and our European counterparts," the TSA said in a statement. The changes are set to come into effect on April 25.

The Flight Attendants Union Coalition, representing nearly 90,000 Flight Attendants issued a public statement calling the decision ''poor and shortsighted."

''Continued prohibition of these items is an integral layer in making our aviation system secure and must remain in place. As the last line of defense in the cabin and key aviation partners, we believe that these proposed changes will further endanger the lives of all Flight Attendants and the passengers we work so hard to keep safe and secure. Flight Attendants are the front line safety and security professionals on board every commercial passenger aircraft in this country and must be given the tools and training to protect ourselves, our passengers and the aircraft.''

The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, representing over 16,000 American Airlines employees, questioned why ''such a momentous decision'' was made without consulting the group. APFA ''categorically rejects a proposal to allow knives of any kind in the cabin."

APFA Safety and Security Coordinator Kelly Skyles said relaxing restrictions on hockey sticks, golf clubs, and ski poles, meant ''the potential for passengers getting hit with these items during boarding and deplaning. It's a recipe for disaster."