Washington ( CNN ) -- The U.S. government will temporarily delay a controversial rule that would again permit passengers to carry small knives on commercial flights three days before it was due to take effect . The Transportation Security Administration said in a statement on Monday it would consider additional input from a federal advisory committee that includes aviation-related interests , passenger advocates , and law enforcement experts before activating the new regulation . Airline passengers had been cleared to carry knives with small blades , including some pocket knives , beginning on Thursday . The TSA did not give a new date for the policy to take effect . Small knives were banned along with a host of other undersized sharp objects , like nail clippers , screwdrivers and cosmetic scissors , after the September 11 , 2001 , terrorist attacks on the United States . Opinion : Letting knives on planes would be insane . Al Qaeda hijackers were believed to have used box cutters to gain control of four jetliners . There has been a gradual easing of those prohibitions in recent years as planes hardened onboard security and the potential threats shifted from hijackings to attempts by terrorists to bring down planes with bombs . Knives are probably the most common items surrendered by passengers at screening points , aside from liquids . About 35 knives are seen at Baltimore-Washington International Airport on an average day and about 47 per day at Los Angeles International Airport , officials said recently . Under the plan , knives with blades that are 2.36 inches or shorter and less than a half-inch wide will be allowed in airline cabins so long as the blade is not fixed or does not lock into place . TSA Administrator John Pistole had previously told a House Homeland Security subcommittee that his decision on permitting small knives would stand . He said it would improve screening efficiency and allow security to focus on items that pose more serious threats to aviation . Knives on a plane ? Really ? But Pistole has been under pressure from congressional lawmakers , flight crews and others concerned the change dangerously relaxed aviation security and sent the wrong message to a flying public eager for more simplicity and efficiency in passenger and bag screening . Some of the nation 's biggest carriers have also opposed the policy . The TSA statement on Monday said the delay would enable security planners to weigh new feedback and continue workforce training . U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said the temporary move is a `` solid , commonsense step '' toward maintaining safe skies . `` This delay acknowledges that permitting knives on planes is a bad idea ; now the TSA should go the rest of the way and end this flawed policy all together , '' the New York Democrat said in a statement . Rep. Bennie G. Thompson , a Mississippi Democrat , also approved of the delay . `` Now TSA can go through the established process , seek input from stakeholders and consult with the ( Transportation Security Officer ) workforce -- so we can have a sensible security policy with stakeholder buy-in , '' the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee said in a statement . CNN 's Mike M. Ahlers contributed to this report .
NEW : Sen Schumer of New York says decision to delay rule is a ` ` commonsense '' move . The rule change was due to take effect on Monday ; agency says it will need new input . TSA has been under pressure from Congress , flight crews and passengers to not make the change . FAA temporarily delayed rule change allowing small knives back on commercial flights .