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FORT MYERS, Fla.-

Newly announced Transportation Security Administration policies are raising some concerns with frequent flyers across the country and here in Southwest Florida.

 

Tuesday, TSA announced it will now allow small knives on airplanes as carry on items. Starting next month, there will be a change to the prohibited items list and you can carry small knives on board. A TSA spokeswoman said "this is part of an overall risk based security approach which allows Transportation Security Officers to better focus their efforts on finding higher threat items such as explosives."

But the new policy isn't sitting well with many nationwide flight attendant unions.

"I think it's an unnecessary risk for all the flyers and we believe that the TSA's change of policy is dangerous to the public as well." Stacy Martin, President of the Transportation Workers Union local 556 representing Southwest Airlines flight attendants said.

The new policy comes with some restrictions. A knife is only allowed if the blade is less than 2.36 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. It can't have a lock or a molded grip.

Some travelers don't mind blades on board.

"Swiss army knives are kind of handy and I don't think anybody is going to do much damage to me with a Swiss army knife." Gary Mizer said.

But others said if the rules aren't broke, don't fix them.

" There are lots of people that aren't mentally stable we've had a lot of problems with that and guns so if that sort of person had even a little knife, they could do some damage." Linda Meyer said.

TSA will now also allow you to carry on certain sports equipment like hockey sticks, pool cues, ski poles and golf clubs. The new rules will take effect April 25th.