Lawmakers question TSA's knife rule - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Lawmakers question TSA's knife rule

Knives with short blades have been banned from all U.S. flights for more than a decade ever since they were used by terrorists in the 9/11 attacks.

Starting April 25, 2013, you'll be able to bring them right through the security checkpoints. The TSA will permit knives with a blade of 2.36 inches or less in carry-on luggage.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said it defies common sense.

"I think it's a mistake and I think it's something we're going to have to have a conversation about," Gillibrand said. "I'm going to call Janet Napolitano to see if there's anything that could be done to reverse this decision."

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., initially endorsed lifting the knife ban, but on Good Day New York, he sounded like he is having second thoughts.

"I'm saying right now definitely review it," King said. "Don't implement the new rules until they do a complete review, especially since law enforcement, the pilots and flight attendants and air marshals see it as a real problem."

Some airline security analysts are still surprised by the very idea.

"Absolutely ridiculous. Most security experts will tell you that we finally got it right," said Don Aviv, the chief operating officer of Interfor Inc. "Americans are finally used to not carrying these objects on board, so what's the purpose of changing it? We should not be playing politics with airline security."