As we approach Independence Day, it’s important to remember that fireworks are not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags. The fireworks pictured here are just some of the fireworks discovered recently. These fireworks were discovered in a checked bag at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).
TSA discovered 97 firearms in carry-on bags around the nation from June 11th through the 17th. Of the 97 firearms discovered, 85 were loaded and 26 had a round chambered. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. TSA may impose civil penalties of up to $13,066 per violation per person for prohibited items violations and violations of other TSA regulations. Repeat violations will result in higher penalties. Travelers should familiarize themselves with state and local firearm laws for each point of travel prior to departure. You can go here for more details on how to properly travel with your firearms in checked baggage. Some airlines policies may differ from TSA’s. We strongly suggest travelers contact their airline for specific firearm and ammunition policies and to check local laws related to the carrying and transport of firearms. All of the firearms pictured were discovered over the last week. See complete lists below.
If packed properly, ammunition can be transported in checked-baggage. Left to right, the ammunition pictured here was discovered in carry-on bags at BOI, ORD, BWI, ORD, ORD and PVD. You can go here for more details on how to properly travel with ammunition in checked baggage.
A knife and a small bag of marijuana were discovered concealed under the soles of a pair of shoes. They were discovered in a carry-on bag at the Boise Airport (BOI). All knives are prohibited in carry-on bags and concealed knives can lead to fines and arest. Knives may be packed in checked luggage. As far as marijuana, TSA doesn’t have any regulations that address the possession or transportation of marijuana and cannabis infused products, but under Federal law and many State laws, it’s a crime to possess or transport any detectable amount of marijuana. Having a State-issued cannabis card or other documentation indicating that the marijuana is for medical purposes doesn’t exempt you from TSA’s requirement to notify law enforcement. It’s up to the responding officer, not TSA, to determine if possession of the marijuana is authorized under State law, or whether to make an arrest or confiscate it.
We don’t know if replica or inert items are live until our explosives professionals take a closer look and eventually open the bag. That takes time and slows down the line. It can even lead to a complete shutdown and evacuation. Real, inert, or anything resembling an explosive item is prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage. Left to right, the items pictured here were discovered at PHX, PIT and CLE.
From left to right, these prohibited items were discovered in carry-on bags at BNA, BNA, IAH, ORD, ORD, ORD, RDU, RIC, SAN, SAT and TUL. While these items are prohibited in carry-on bags, they may be packed in checked baggage. However, familiarize yourself with local laws as concealed weapons and martial arts weapons are illegal in parts of the U.S.
Unfortunately these sorts of occurrences are all too frequent which is why we talk about these finds. Sure, it’s great to share the things that our officers are finding, but at the same time, each time we find a dangerous item, the line is slowed down and a passenger that likely had no ill intent ends up with a citation or in some cases is even arrested. This is a friendly reminder to please leave these items at home. Just because we find a prohibited item on an individual does not mean they had bad intentions; that's for the law enforcement officer to decide. In many cases, people simply forgot they had these items.
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Bob Burns
