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TSA To Allow Pocket Knives On Plane

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- For years, TSA has confiscated all kinds of personal property, like baseball bats, golf clubs, and of course, knives.

But soon some of the rules will change.

"Over the course of our existence, we have been making changes to the screening processes and the items that passengers may or may not bring on board an airplane," TSA spokesman David Castelveter told KDKA money editor Jon Delano.

After allowing passengers to bring on board nail clippers and cigarette lighters, TSA is now moving to conform America's restrictions to international standards.

Beginning April 25th, some sports equipment like two golf clubs, ski poles, lacrosse sticks, pool cues, and hockey sticks will be allowed through security, along with novelty bats less than two feet in length, and small pocket knives -- although not those with a fixed blade, a wide blade, or a locking blade.

Sharp objects like razor blades and box cutters used by the 9-11 terrorists will continue to be prohibited.

Most passengers had no problem with the changes.

"As long as it's something you can defend yourself from -- if somebody is coming at me with a golf club, I'm pretty sure I could fend them off. I don't know about a pocket-knife," said Travis Tuttle of Bridgeville.

While TSA may be making small changes to allow you to bring a pocket knife on board the aircraft, they are not making some common sense changes that many would like.

Some TSA changes have put travelers into sticky -- or embarrassing -- situations when going through security. One couple told their story on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.

Caller on TSA

How about allowing people to bring the normal size of shampoo, or shaving cream, or even toothpaste through security -- or even water?

"A bottle of water would be nice and also smaller liquids -- it would be nice if you could go over the three ounces," added Kat Lewis of Indiana, Pa.

But don't count on that change soon.

"At the end of the day," said Castelveter, "we still know that bad guys are still trying to do bad things to the American people, and we have to rely on intelligence and we have to rely on science to say what presents the greatest threat."

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