TSA Says You Can't Bring Knives On Planes, After All

The TSA confiscated these knives from carry-on baggage at Newark.

In March, the TSA announced that small knives would be allowed on airplanes, though more than three ounces of Herbal Essences Totally Twisted conditioner still posed some sort of bomb threat. Today, though, the TSA put out a statement saying knives won't be permitted in your carry-on luggage, after all.

The TSA's new Prohibited Items list, which permitted knives with blades no larger than 2.36 inches in length and ½ inches in width, elicited quite an outcry, with 145 members of the House of Representatives signing a letter asking that the old list not be amended. The TSA also removed novelty baseball bats, lacrosse sticks, hockey sticks, ski poles and billiards cues from the Prohibited list, which concerned critics who felt the items could be used as weapons. Now, the TSA says these items will stay on the Prohibited list. "TSA strongly values the input of our partners and traveling public, and appreciates the varying points of view shared throughout the review process," a TSA spokesperson told us today. "After extensive engagement with the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, law enforcement officials, passenger advocates, and other important stakeholders, TSA will continue to enforce the current prohibited items list."

So, sadly, your grandfather will have to leave his Swiss Army knife at home next time he tries to board a plane to Miami. But legislators seem relieved that the TSA came to its senses: "It seemed obvious to most travelers and airline employees that the decision to allow knives on planes was wrong, and we’re glad the TSA, after further review and input, has seen it our way," NY Senator Chuck Schumer, who introduced an anti-knife bill with Kirsten Gillibrand and NJ Senators Robert Menendez and the late Frank Lautenberg, said. Here's a list of all the TSA's prohibited carry-on items; note that you'll have to check your cattle prod, but snowglobes are A-OK!