The TSA Blog: Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

TSA Prohibited Items List Changing - Small Pocket Knives and Some Sporting Goods Items to be Permitted

TSA established a committee to review the prohibited items list based on an overall risk-based security approach. After the review, TSA Administrator John S. Pistole made the decision to start allowing the following items in carry-on bags. The implementation of the change has been delayed, but when implemented, the following items will be permitted:

Small Pocket Knives – Small knives with non-locking blades smaller than 2.36 inches and less than 1/2 inch in width will be permitted
Small Novelty Bats and Toy Bats
Ski Poles
Hockey Sticks
Lacrosse Sticks
Billiard Cues
Golf Clubs (Limit Two)

This is part of an overall Risk-Based Security approach, which allows Transportation Security Officers to better focus their efforts on finding higher threat items such as explosives. This decision aligns TSA more closely with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

These similar items will still remain on the prohibited items list:

Razor blades and box cutters will remain prohibited in carry-on luggage.
Full-size baseball, softball and cricket bats are prohibited items in carry-on luggage.

Visit TSA.gov for more information on small knives permitted in carry-on luggage and sporting equipment permitted in carry-ons.

Click on Images to Enlarge

A knife is allowed if: • The blade is no longer than 2.36 inches or 6 centimeters in length The blade width is no more than ½ inch at its widest point • The knife does not have a locking or fixed blade • The knife does not have a molded grip

A knife is prohibited if: • The blade is longer than 2.36 inches or 6 centimeters in length • The blade width is more than ½ inch at its widest point • The knife has a fixed blade or locks firmly when in use • The knife has a molded grip

 The blade length is measured as a straight line extending from the tip of the blade to the forward - most aspect of the hilt or handle.  The blade width is measured from the edge of the blade to the back of the blade at its widest point.

Sports Equipment Allowed • Lacrosse Sticks • Pool Sticks/Cues • Golf Clubs (limited to 2) • Hockey Sticks • Ski Poles

Novelty Bats Allowed • Bats that are more than 24 inches and more than 24 ounces are prohibited in carry - on. • Bats more than 24 inches in length and less than 24 ounces are permitted in carry - on luggage.

Bob Burns
TSA Blog Team

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