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The Transportation Security Administration announces new rules allowing passengers to carry small knives and some sports equipment aboard airplanes. This new rule shall allow the TSA Officers to better focus on finding higher threat items such as explosives.

The blades can be up to 6 centimeters (2.36 inches) long and no more than 1.27 (½ inches) wide. When it comes to sporting equipment miniature bats, wiffle ball bats, billiard cues, ski poles and hockey and lacrosse sticks will be permitted. Nevertheless, bows, arrows, cricket bats and spear guns will continue to be prohibited. Martial arts equipment is prohibited on board of airplanes but allowed in checked bag. When it comes to tools the rules are a little diverse: axes, hatchets, cattle prods, crowbars and so on are prohibited as carry on items but permitted in checked baggage. Permitted on board: screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers less than 20.3 centimeters (7 inches) in length. Flammables items will continue to be prohibited as carry on and in checked bags. Guns and firearms are not allowed as carry-on items but allowed in checked bags, except for flares and gunpowder.

You will find a list of prohibited as carry-on and checked items here: http://www.tsa.gov

However, it is still not allowed to carry a bottle of water aboard. The “3-1-1” rule still applies. Liquids, gels and aerosols must be no larger than 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) and they all have to fit in a one-quart clear Ziploc-style bag. Larger containers can still be carried in checked luggage.

Organizations like FlyersRights.org criticize the new rules. On one hand the rules might slow down airport security and on the other hand terrorists can bring on board knives as sharp as the then-permitted box cutters used by the 9/11hijackers.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20130308_TSA_new_rule_on_knives_still_drawing_reaction.html#ixzz2MxkniffS

Author: Melanie Schmitz, Legal Trainee BridgehouseLaw Charlotte