Delta CEO Richard Anderson yesterday joined the growing opposition to the new Transportation Security Administration policy that allows passengers to carry small knives onto planes.

The new rules allow passengers to carry knives with blades 2.36 inches or less, as well as pool cues, hockey sticks and ski poles.

“If the purpose is to increase security checkpoint flow, there are much more effective steps we can take together to streamline the checkpoints with risk-based screening mechanisms,” Anderson wrote.

Critics have bashed the new policy since it was announced earlier this week, including several unions made up of pilots, air marshals and flight attendants.

“We believe the [terrorism] threat is still real and the removal of any layer of security will put crew members and the flying public unnecessarily in harm’s way,” said Coalition of Airline Pilot Associations president Mike Karn.