BEIJING, Dec. 3 -- US Airline passengers soon will be allowed again to take small scissors and screwdrivers aboard planes for the first time since the September 11 terrorist attacks four years ago.

    Transportation Security Administration chief Kip Hawley announced the new policy in Washington, Friday.

    "The items we are mentioning here today are not a risk for our transportation system." he said.

    He says it is part of a broader effort aimed at having screeners spend more of their time searching for explosives rather than small, sharp objects.

    Among the items no longer prohibited from airliner cabins: scissors with blades of 4 inches or less, and tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers that are smaller than 7 inches.

    Box-cutters and small knives will remain on the list of banned items.

    Under the new plan, more passengers will likely be subjected to secondary screening and "pat-downs", which will include the arms and legs as well as the torso.

    More specially trained dog teams will also patrol airports. Passengers can also expect a more random pattern of checks at security gates, so as to prevent would-be terrorists being able to predict what they will encounter.

    But flight attendants and some lawmakers say the changes undermine security.

    Airlines generally support the plan. So do most passengers.

    "I don't think it will be easy to take over a whole plane with just nail clippers, so I think it was a good idea." said one passenger.

    "I think it is a very good idea. Terrorists aren't going to take over a plane with little nail clippers." another said.

    The change is expected to take effect at the end of this month.

    (Source: CRIENGLISH.com)