Billiard Cues Still Banned
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) delayed the implementation of changes to the Prohibited Items List that would have permitted travelers to include billiard cues in carry-on luggage. Along with billiard cues, the TSA would also have allowed passengers to carry-on small novelty baseball bats, skit poles, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks and two golf clubs.
The changes were due to go into effect on April 25, but controversy arose because the changes also allowed passengers to carry-on certain pocket knives with blades less than 2.36 inches in length. A backlash over the changes allowing knives from a variety of parties, including the airlines and the airplane screeners union, caused the TSA to delay the implementation of the changes. Unfortunately, the TSA delayed all of the changes, not only those related to pocket knives. As a result, billiard players, hockey players, skiers, lacrosse players and golfers are still not able to carry-on their sports equipment.
The TSA is now studying the proposed changes. For the TSA statement delaying implementation, see http://www.tsa.gov/press/news/2013/04/23/prohibited-items-list-implementation-delay. For more information on the proposed changes, see http://blog.tsa.gov/2013/03/tsa-prohibited-items-list-changing_5.html.