Feds delay policy to allow small knives on planes

WASHINGTON — Federal officials say they’re delaying a policy that would allow passengers to carry small knives, bats and other sports equipment onto airliners.

The Transportation Security Administration said Monday that the policy change has been delayed to accommodate feedback from an advisory committee made up of aviation industry, consumer and law enforcement officials.

John Pistole, head of the Transportation Security Administration, proposed the policy change last month, saying it would free up the agency to concentrate on protecting against greater threats. TSA screeners confiscate about 2,000 small folding knives from passengers every day.

The policy was to go into effect Thursday. The TSA’s statement said the delay was temporary, but no new date for implementation was provided.

The policy has been fiercely opposed by flight attendants’ unions.