T.S.A. to slacken rules on in-flight objects

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (T.S.A.) is planning on easing the rules on what objects can be allowed onto planes, the New York Times reports.

An announcement is expected this week, most likely on Friday, that will allow passengers to bring previously banned items, such as small scissors, on board flights.

The idea is that security officials can spend more time looking for more dangerous items such as firearms or bombs.

Another aim is to reduce waiting times that have soared since the introduction of tighter security measures since the September 11 attacks.

The justification for these new rules, according to the T.S.A., is that security on board flights and pre-flight screening is higher. For example, now that the cockpit is harder for a passenger to access, things like small tools are not as dangerous.