The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is urging the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to delay implementation of its policy of allowing passengers to carry pocket knives on planes, effective April 25.
Michael McCormick, GBTA executive director and COO, said that the new policy raises a number of issues, including safety concerns for business travelers who take nearly 40 million business trips each month.
He said that although the GBTA has long supported the TSA's risk-based security initiative, many are asking if the new policy might slow down checkpoint screening.
McCormick also said that consulting with travel industry stakeholders before announcing the policy could have addressed some of the concerns now being raised.
"GBTA urges Administrator Pistole to delay implementation and work with the business travel industry on this important issue," McCormick said.