Air travelers in for changes over holidays

US Airline passengers soon will be allowed again to take small scissors and screwdrivers aboard planes for the first time since the &to=http://english.pravda.ru/society/2002/01/26/26019.html' target=_blank>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.