TODAY'S TMJ4

Knife Forces Frontier Flight Back To Gate

MILWAUKEE - Pilots returned Monday's Frontier Airlines flight #1173 back to the gate at Mitchell International Airport after a flight attendant found a knife on board.

"It's better to be safe than sorry, even though it's frustrating," said traveler Robert Harris.

TSA officers checked the Omaha-bound passengers, crew and luggage.

"Out of an abundance of caution, TSA rescreened the aircraft and passengers with negative findings," the TSA said in a statement. "The flight was cleared to depart for Omaha Eppley Airfield . TSA is reviewing the incident and will take appropriate action if necessary."

An airport source told TODAY'S TMJ4 that the knife that caused this problem had a blade that was less than two inches long.

Yet, even small knives violate the TSA's sharp object carryon rule.

No one's taking responsibility for the knife. No one claimed it on that flight to Omaha. Perhaps a passenger from an earlier flight left it on the plane.

Some believe the crew overreacted.

"Unless someone was maliciously waving a two inch knife around, I wouldn't be too concerned about it," said frequent flier Michael Pfeifer. "Traveling, flying is becoming harder and harder."

All passengers were allowed back on board and the flight departed for Omaha about an hour late, a Frontier spokesperson said in an e-mail to TODAY'S TMJ4.

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