Today's Washington Post says that the TSA is set to announce security changes on Fri. that will allow sharp objects like scissors under 4" long and tools like screwdrivers under 7" long to be brought on a plane as carry-ons. Reasoning is that these items are no longer regarded as greatest threat; suicide bomb attacks are greatest threat. And TSA wants to make best use of limited resources; one in 4 bags has to be searched for scissors. The new rules have to be approved by Homeland Security.

Well, right. Because the human throat is resistant to punctures up to 3.9 inches deep.

Pis

Good for the TSA. So the next step is to hire a team of $50,000/year analysts to come up with lists of allowed and disallowed pointy objects. Hopefully box cutters will be kept in the latter category.

So I can bring a screwdriver (useless for me!) but still can't bring spray parfume or spray deodorant to avoid a "trip from smell"?

How jolly!

I've never had a problem bringing spray cans on in a carryon bag. The only restriction is on size; you can't bring the HUGE salon-size ones.

I used to carry a small screwdriver on my key chain ( it was really just the head of a screwdriver ) which belonged to my father-now deceased- and which he always carried on his key chain. It was not as long as my car key and it was less pointy than my car key - and I had gone through several security spots on my trip - but they decided to consfiscate it on a flight between Portland and Eugene. I am a pretty conservative looking middle aged women and not too threatening looking but they insisted it was a security risk and
were going to take it away. After much pleading and begging they agreed to put it in an envelope at the back of the plane and I would have it returned when we landed in Eugene. It was so ridiculous- its only a 30 min flight and there was only 1 other person on the flight- I dont know how much damage I could have done even if I had wanted to.

Anyway- glad to hear I can now carry it
safely again !!

Good news! I can't tell you how many of those mini screwdrivers (you know, the ones to repair eye glasses with) my DH has had confiscated!

What I would dearly love to know is why anyone needs an ice pick on a place.

Underhill: to pick the fat person next to you

Hmmmm, seetheworld, the number would only be one before I began stowing away such items so the experience was not repeated.

Pis

Well, Pis, we all cannot be as perfect as you

I see way too many TSA workers masquerading as 'safety/security professionals'. The whole thing is just a dog-n-pony show.

I bet that a 7" phillips head screwdriver can do more injury than a 3" penknife (still prohibited). In fact, I bet the Farber Uniball fine tip pen I carry is more a weapon than a penknife too.

Oh well - at least the agency is starting to come around.