TSA Administrator John Pistole Announces that the Proposed Changes to the Prohibited Item List Would not be Implemented – June 5, 2013
Coalition of Flight Attendants Commends TSA for Keeping Knives Off Passenger Planes – June 5, 2013

National Poll conducted on behalf of APFA: 90% of Americans Agree: “No Knives on Planes

Petition Supplement – May 21, 2013
APFA, Coalition File Petition to Keep Knives Off Planes – May 6, 2013

APFA Press Release: Congress to TSA: KEEP KNIVES OFF PLANES – May 21, 2013
A4A (Airlines for America) supports no knives on planes – May 17, 2013
The Hill reports on APFA-commissioned poll on knives – May 17, 2013
Poll conducted on behalf of APFA: 90% of Americans Agree “No Knives on Planes” – May 17, 2013
Senators Schumer and Murkowski call for IG probe into TSA’s process – April 24, 2013
Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) applauds reversal of knife policy – April 23, 2013
AA SVP of Customer Service Jon Snook asks Admin Pistole for delay – April 17, 2013
APFA’s testimony to House Subcommittee against knives on the plane – April 11, 2013
Read the open letter to TSA Administrator John Pistole from Sara Low’s family – March 28, 2013
US Airways CEO Doug Parker asks TSA Admin. to reconsider decision – March 11, 2013
Congressman Edward Markey (D-MA) asks TSA to reconsider – March 9, 2013
Delta CEO Richard Anderson opposes TSA’s plans to allow knives on board – March 7, 2013
Response from Chairman Hudson re: Flight Attendants testifying at TSA Subcommittee Hearing

KNIVES ON PLANES POSTPONED

APRIL 23, 2013 – Late yesterday, TSA announced that it will not begin allowing knives on planes on April 25, as planned. The APFA applauds Administrator Pistole’s decision to finally do the right thing by bringing stakeholders into the decision-making process. We hope those conversations will be meaningful and substantive.

Although we have succeeded in opening up TSA’s process, our work is far from complete. APFA is pushing harder than ever and bringing more supporters into our broad coalition. Pilots, air marshals, airline management, and even TSA’s own employees know this is a bad idea. Under the leadership of the Coalition of Flight Attendant Unions, these stakeholders will be pushing for TSA to keep knives off planes forever.

Additionally, the coalition will continue to support legislation introduced by Congressmen Markey (D-MA) and Grimm (R-NY) and Senators Schumer (D-NY) and Murkowski (R-AK) that supports our position to best protect passengers and crew.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, April 24, we will gather in Washington, D.C. to let the public know that we remain committed to keeping knives off of planes. Flight attendants interested in participating should arrive at DCA, Terminal C – departures/ticketing level at noon EST.

On Tuesday, March 5, 2013, the Transportation Security Administration announced that passengers will soon be allowed to carry previously banned items onto airplanes in the United States including: pocketknives of a certain size, two golf clubs, lacrosse sticks, novelty baseball bats, and hockey sticks. Flight Attendants fully support the periodic review of the list of prohibited belongings and we understand the risk-based assessment TSA employs to determine what should be allowed in the cabin, but this policy reversal is both dangerous and irresponsible. Had agency officials consulted with Flight Attendants, they likely would have come to a different conclusion regarding these items.

The Coalition of Flight Attendants is speaking out against this announcement by the TSA. The Coalition issued a press release jointly and APFA issued one independently (below) calling for the TSA to reevaluate this decision. We have published a petition online calling for signatures

We need your help. Get involved. Email, Tweet, Facebook, publish our petition link everywhere you can to counter this decision by the TSA.

Sign-in is required by this White House petition to prevent multiple click-throughs and to protect the validity of the petition. Once a certain number of signatures is reached, the White House is forced to respond. We urge you to exercise the one signature opportunity you have to register your voice against the TSA’s decision.

Email, Share, Tweet – spread the word and build pressure on the White House to make this right. Keep Knives Off the Plane.  SIGN THE PETITION

American Airlines Flight Attendants React to TSA Announcement

Euless, TX (March 5, 2013) –The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, representing over 16,000 frontline employees and first-responders at American Airlines, are asking TSA Administrator John Pistole to re-evaluate a policy he announced today. This morning, at an aviation security conference in Brooklyn, Mr. Pistole stated that the agency will permit certain knives and other items. The change, which is set to take place on April 25, will bring the US into conformance with international rules.
 
“The APFA and our colleagues at other Flight Attendant unions have enjoyed a close working relationship with TSA since its inception,” said APFA President Laura Glading. “That’s why I’m a little puzzled that such a momentous decision would be made without consulting us. In addition to being industry stakeholders, first responders, and September 11^th victims, Flight Attendants are a resource. Nobody knows what it takes to keep passengers safe better than we do.”
 
While the APFA welcomes the periodic review of items banned from being carried on the airplane, it categorically rejects a proposal to allow knives of any kind in the cabin. Additionally, today’s announcement includes relaxing restrictions of such large items as hockey sticks, golf clubs, and ski poles, a policy which could lead to a more stressful and potentially dangerous environment for air travelers and employees.
 
“Passenger safety is our absolute top priority.” said APFA Safety and Security Coordinator Kelly Skyles. “Obviously, the prospect of pocket knives in the cabin is anathema but there are other problems as well. There’s less space than ever in overhead bins and on some particular aircraft safely storing these large items will be impossible. Add to that the cramped confines of an airplane cabin, and you have the potential for passengers getting hit with these items during boarding and deplaning. It’s a recipe for disaster.”
 
APFA plans to address these concerns with TSA Administrator John Pistole and, if necessary, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano as soon as possible. “The timing couldn’t be worse, frankly,” said APFA Legislative Representative Julie Frederick. “We’re still not sure what sequestration means for airport TSA or the Federal Air Marshal Service. We must assume that enforcement of this new policy will fall squarely on the shoulders of Flight Attendants. We look forward to addressing these concerns with the Administration as soon as possible.”