US Airways is the latest airline to show opposition to the TSA's decision to allow small knives and other previously banned items on planes.
US Airways CEO Doug Parker wrote a letter to TSA Administrator John Pistole, asking him to to reconsider the decision to allow certain knives back into the cabins of planes.
"US Airways fully supports the continuous review and amendment of TSA policies. We also understand and support the risk-based assessment employed by the TSA. However, this review and policy amendment process is most effective when it is conducted in a collaborative way with airlines and their flight crews," Parker wrote in the later on March 11, according to ABC.
"In particular, seeking input before implementing a change in policy that might place out flight attendants' safety at risk would have provided a more thoughtful path to the desired outcome of secure and safe air travel," Parker continues.
US Airways is just one of several airlines that have shown opposition to the TSA's decision. Last week, Delta CEO Richard Anderson also wrote a letter to Pistole, expressing his concern over the policy and how it would affect the safety of flight attendants.
American Airlines also wrote a letter to the TSA recently expressing their concern. Will Ris, American's SVP of government and regulatory affairs wrote to Pistole expressing anger over the fact that the TSA did not consult the airlines before making the decision. He also asks Pistole to rethink the decision.
Under the policy, the knives that will be allowed are those that are able to fold up and have blades that are 2.36 inches or less in length and are less than 1/2-inch wide.
The TSA made this decision saying that small knives no longer present a risk to flights since cockpit have strong doors that can't be broken into. The TSA would rather focus on higher risk situations and items such as explosives.
The TSA will also allow novelty baseball bats less than 24 inches long, toy plastic bats, billiard cues, ski poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks and two golf clubs on flights. The rule is set to go into effect on April 25.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
