TSA to Permit Some Knives, Bats & Sporting Equipment on Flights - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Change is coming.  However, people disagree as to whether it's change on which they can rely.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration is changing the list of prohibited items on flights.  The agency says a risk assessment committee has determined several previously-banned items are now permitted as carry-on.  They say this will enable TSA to focus on finding higher threat items.  Starting April 25th, passengers can bring aboard certain novelty bats and sporting equipment -- and small pocket knives.

"There is a little bit of a change.  The pocket knives, there's a lot of restrictions on those, so if you have one, you should make sure you look at the TSA website and get the specifics on it.  They've taken away a lot of people's little pocket knives over the years, so I'm sure there's a certain amount of people out there that are going to be happy to bring their favorite little knife with them again," says Greg Haug, Manager, Bismarck Airport.

Some travelers say it's not a big deal, since weapons of opportunity are everywhere.

Others aren't so sure.  

"Things used to be like that years ago, and honestly, if somebody was wanting to hurt you, it doesn't matter what they have, they'd still be able to hurt you if they wanted to, you know, weapons of opportunity are all over the place, no matter if you're on an airplane, or even walking down the street, or in a car.  It doesn't matter," says Calvin Edwards of Austin, Texas.

"I don't think it's a good idea with the history that we've had with it lately.  I don't know why we would think it would be okay after that.," says Alicia Ewen of St. Francis, Minnesota.

There are restrictions on all the newly-allowed items.  For example, knives can't have locking blades and there are length and width maximums.  Be sure to check the TSA website -- TSA.gov -- before flying.