TSA relaxes restrictions of carry on items
You may have heard about the Transportation Security Administration allowing items that have been restricted since 9-11 to again be allowed on aircraft. The primary changes have to do with tools and scissors. Metal scissors with pointed tips and a cutting edge four inches or less as well as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers and other tools (7 inches or less) will be permitted effective December 22, 2005.
Of course the Association of Flight Attendants and other groups consider this move a big step backwards in Aviation Security and are supporting S. 2083 and HR 4452, the so called ‘Leave All Blades Behind Act‘ that Reps. Markey and Crowley have introduced into Congress. If you would like to know the specifics on exactly what you can and cannot carry on board aircraft, look at this updated TSA document.
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On a recent trip to Southeast Asia I had a small (very small) Swiss knife in my carryon. It went through 7 different security checks before the 8th took it from me when departing Hanoi International terminal (tho it had been through that security before.) I gladly gave it up. Didn’t even realize that it was with me (I have a ready-to-go bag that I take on trips.) The point is: how secure is security?
Security is random that way, I had nail clippers taken and some conference schwag shaped like a wrench, then at other airports, not.
Agreed—the TSA is not known for its uniformity…they will actually issue different security levels for different airports across the country—even differnet security directives for concourses at the same airport. This makes for some frustration for the traveler. The real problem is human error on behalf of the Transportation Security Officers (previously screeners).
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