Carrying Penknifes on board

Jim, That was an interesting article! It seems that the authorities in Switzerland aren't as concerned with that aspect of airline security as other jurisdictions. It doesn't make a lot of sense, as a Swiss Army Knife (especially one with a locking blade) can do a lot of damage! Hopefully they'll be reviewing this policy and will focus more on the side of safety rather than on "sales". Cheers!

It is not about sales for the Swiss, it's about following the rules! The Swiss are almost religious about following the rules. The EU rules, which have been agreed by all, states that a 6cm blade is allowed, they are following the regulation, so complaining about someone who is following the rules sounds like nonsense to them. If the rule is wrong, then change the rule, but don't complain about people who are following the rules, that is how they are going to see it. At home, if the Swiss government did anything other than comply with the rules, it would be seen as a denial of people's rights and the people could face a national referendum on the issue - 100,000 signatures is enough to force a referendum on the country. In general the Swiss take a very negative view on governments who exceed their authority and will vote to defeat it on principle.

I'll be happy when we can carry our Swiss Army Knives out of the U.S. again. I used to always pack one; now I buy one when I get there and give it away before I fly home (A Keynesian would probably say the ban is good for the economy). Funny that the article used the term "brandishing". The term implies something menacing. The actual photo looks like your average young reporter, holding knives in about the least threatening way possible.

Pocket knives pose no hijacking risk, not with fortified cockpit doors. A passenger might be able to stab a fellow passenger or cabin crew member, but he won't bring down the plane with a pocket knife. Ban knives on planes and I could still be stabbed in a bar, restaurant, Wal-Mart or church. Why do airline passengers and flight attendants merit extra protection? Bartenders and convenience store clerks are at greater risk.

The article concentrates on the UK and Swiss situation, anyone know what the other EU countries are doing? It is kind of hard to imagine 'the boys' meeting up in Brussels and deciding one thing, only to go home and do some thing else.... With the UK it is to be expected, but the rest???

"A passenger might be able to stab a fellow passenger or cabin crew member, but he won't bring down the plane with a pocket knife." So, only one flight attendant or passenger gets killed. Maybe only three or four more gets stabbed if the person acts quickly and is skilled with a knife. That makes me feel really comfortable.