Small pocketknives are to be allowed onboard U.S. flights for the first time since their prohibition after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, following an announcement by the Transportation Security Administration on Tuesday.

The new rules, to come into effect on April 25, will allow passengers to carry non-fixed blades of less than 6 cm in length and 1.3 cm in width. Happily for sports enthusiasts, golf clubs, ski poles, hockey sticks and baseball bats will also be permitted.

Attracting its fair share of criticism from disgruntled passengers, the TSA has in recent years alternated between tightening and loosening the regulations for what can be brought onboard an aircraft. In 2006, the government agency decided to ban large amounts of liquids and gels following a thwarted bombing attempt, but in 2007 rescinded an earlier ban on cigarette lighters.

By John Power (john.power@heraldcorp.com)