The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be allowing knives less than six centimeters on airplanes starting in April, after determining that knives no longer pose a threat of bringing down an airplane.
Already apprehensive about flying on airplanes, numerous passengers are fearful about this decrease in security.
“Security in airplanes should be more involved and protective because of terrorists, ” freshman KaeSea Zahir said.
There is no question that airport security should be taken very seriously. However, people need to recognize that the types of knives that will shortly be allowed on airplanes are not a catastrophic threat to the plane.
“As long as the blade is short enough and they aren’t able to do serious damage, they should be able allowed,” freshman Rebekah Fries said.
Many people feel that although it isn’t a threat to the plane, allowing the shorter knives is a threat to the passengers. However, these knives can also be used for self-defense, rather than as weapons.
According to a poll conducted by Gallup, 54 percent of people feel that the TSA handles security very well. Most people trust that planes are safe, knowing that security has increased tenfold after events such as 9/11.
Although TSA is loosening this area of security, the decision is due to the items no longer posing an imminent threat. The focus should be placed on far more likely threats to the plane.
