Former TSA Chief Says 'Battle Axes and Machetes' Should Be Allowed on Planes

A former Transportation Security Administration chief said he supports the TSA's decision to allow small knives on planes and he believes items such as battle axes and machetes should also be allowed.

Former TSA chief Kip Hawley thinks that knives are not capable of bringing out a plane anymore and that searching for them at security checkpoints is a waste of time as there are more harmful weapons out there.

"In retrospect, I should have done the same thing," Hawley told CNN about the TSA's decision to allow small knives and sports equipment on board. "They ought to let everything on that is sharp and pointy. Battle axes, machetes ... bring anything you want that is pointy and sharp because while you may be able to commit an act of violence, you will not be able to take over the plane. It is as simple as that."

He approves to move to allow knives and believes it should go even further.

"So my position would be, bravo on the 2.6 inch knife. But why not take it all the way and then really clean up the checkpoint where officers are focusing on bombs and toxins, which are things that can destroy an airplane. And it would smooth the process, cost less money, and be better security."

Hawley wasn't joking when he said that he thinks battle axes and machetes should be included in the new policy.

"I really believe it. What are you going to do when you get on board with a battle ax? And you pull out your battle ax and say I'm taking over the airplane. You may be able to cut one or two people, but pretty soon you would be down in the aisle and the battle ax would be used on you."

He pointed out that anything could be used as a weapon on planes.

"You can commit acts of violence on an aircraft with what is allowed now. With a Coke can, a key, a ruler, and some duct tape, you can make a 12-inch razor-sharp sword. And every eighth-grader would be able to do that."

Hawley was the head of the TSA from 2005 to 2009 under the George W. Bush administration. While he was the head, the TSA became less strict on items like cigarette lighters, matches and small scissors. The liquid limit was also set during this period.