US to allow small knives to be carried on flights

US airline passengers will be able to carry small knives on planes.

The Transportation Security Administration said travellers can soon bring small pocket knives on board airplanes for the first time since the Sept 11 attacks, sparking outrage from flight attendants who said the decision would endanger passengers and crew.

The TSA said that effective from Apr 25, it would allow knives with blades that are 2.36 inches or less in length and less than ½ inch wide. Other items that will be allowed on board again include billiard cues, ski poles, hockey sticks and lacrosse sticks.