With new GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) legislation in effect, we just wanted to make sure you still wanted to hear from us.
To continue receiving your TravelMole newswires, please click Yes below.
If you have any questions regarding how we handle personal data, please view our Privacy Policy on our website. "
Published on Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Facing a huge backlash from the public and the Flight Attendants Union, the US Transportation Security yesterday postponed its controversial plan to allow knives on US flights beginning on Thursday.
The change would have allowed pocketknives with blades under 2.36 inches long and less than half an inch wide.
Knives have been banned since terrorists commandeered airplanes in the attacks of September 11, 2001.
A group of 133 Congressmen had signed a letter urging TSA to withdraw the plan, and the Flight Attendants Union has been a vocal opponent.
The Flight Attendants noted in a statement that in order to change a rule, TSA is legally required to issue a notice of rule-making, to allow all interested parties the opportunity to submit comments, and to fairly consider that input.
"If those procedures are followed, we have no doubt that the Administrator will conclude that knives have no place on our planes and will leave the rule barring 'weapons' in place," the union said.
A number of airline unions are working with Congressmen Ed Markey (D-MA) and Michael Grimm (R-NY), and Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), to propose legislation to permanently keep knives off planes.
In announcing the postponement, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Miss.), ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee, agreed the TSA should get input from stakeholders and transportation security experts.
A TSA spokesman in March had defended the idea of allowing knives, saying the TSA's primary mission is to stop terrorists from bringing down airplanes, which a pocketknife is not likely to do. The safety of travelers on planes is just a "tangential or residual benefit of the things we do," he said.
Thompson noted that the TSA, "paid for by the American public, must understand that its mission is to protect people—passengers and crew."
By Cheryl Rosen
Florida tourism fears as Biden mulls domestic travel ban
Alaska cruise season sunk as Canada extends cruise ban for a year
United plans to splurge USD1 billion for electric air taxis
New international Covid Travel Pass unveiled by Qatar Airways
Utah Tourism touts sustainability credentials with GSTC membership
US cruise lines require Covid vaccinations for guests
BA and American launch Covid testing trial on transatlantic flights
Current Asia/Pacific Special Edition
Should the UK have a Cabinet Minister for Tourism ? UKInbound talk to TravelMole
Travelzoo talk about 2021 prospects - what's hot and what's not
The Rocky Mountaineer comes to Colorado
Destination Marketing Campaigns explained by Brightons 'Never Normal' Team
Sri Lanka 2021 - its the place to be
You can book now your advertisement for via our online booking service or find out more.
Post your comment
Your Comments
NOTE: Comments are subject to admin approval before being posted.