We can’t make this up! Yes, that is pepper spray that was inside a passenger’s inhaler. The passenger attempted to pack this pepper spray in their checked bag, but it didn’t meet the guidelines and wasn’t allowed to fly. Instead of surrendering the item, taking it to their car or giving it to someone not flying, the passenger decided to conceal it in their inhaler and carry the item through the checkpoint. TSA officers gasped when they discovered the pepper spray inside the inhaler. This incident happened at Glacier Park International on January 29.
On February 6, Austin Bergstrom International Airport TSA officers discovered a stiletto knife attached to a passenger’s prosthetic leg. After the passenger alarmed the AIT machine, a TSA officer conducting the pat-down of the passenger’s leg discovered a knife. The passenger stated that he always carries the knife and forgot about it. Let’s get to the point: knives are not allowed through the security checkpoint, but can easily be packed in checked bags.
A Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport passenger stated they didn’t know inert grenades weren’t allowed on an aircraft. Really!?? ICYMI they are not. Let’s all learn from what has to be an embarrassing and costly mistake. When TSA officers discover what appears to be an explosive device, we call in an explosives specialist. This takes time and can lead to delays or missed flights. Not to mention, a pretty stiff civil penalty. Real, fake, or replica explosive devices aren’t allowed at all!
Firearms
Between January 27 and Feb 9, TSA found 152 firearms. Of the 152 firearms, 131 were loaded and 50 had a round chambered.
And if you’re keeping track with our 2020 resolution, we’ve found 16 less firearms this year compared to 2019! Let’s keep it going!
You can see all firearm discoveries from January 27 to February 9 by clicking here.
This is a big deal. The consequences of forgetting your firearm in your carry-on bag can be severe. You could miss your flight. You may be arrested or cited. You can expect a civil penalty from TSA, up to $13,333. Oh, and if you paid for TSA PreCheck™, you will lose your status. That means, you’ll have to start taking your shoes off again.
If you need to travel with your firearm, please pack the heat in your checked bags! Check out our transporting firearms and ammunition page to learn how to properly travel with a firearm. And get this, if you still have questions send us a message on Facebook or Twitter and you may just be shocked by how fast we respond.
Employee Stories
Passenger screening hits all-time high in Miami after Super Bowl
The big game brought big crowds. TSA officers at Miami International Airport screened a record number of travelers with the longest wait time of 17 minutes. Read how TSA got passengers attending the Super Bowl home safely.
Earthquakes rock Puerto Rico – TSA shows support
Our TSA team in Puerto Rico continue to experience large earthquakes. TSA is family and we take care of each other. Read how TSA is continuing to support our employees in Puerto Rico!
Travel Tips
Got injured on vacation? Need to travel with some medication? Have a question about a medical device? See our Special Procedures page for answers.
Be prepared! For a list of prohibited items, check out our What Can I Bring? tool. Not only does it tell you what you can bring it gives you tips on where to pack it!
Have a question about the security process? Check out our Security Screening page for information about our security screening methods.
If you still need help you can contact us or reach out on Twitter or Facebook. Our AskTSA team will be happy to answer even the most outlandish travel-related questions.
Plugs
We found 4,432 firearms in 2019. Visit our 2019 Year in Review for more information.
Watch a video highlighting TSA’s Top 10 Finds of 2019.
Want to get to know us better? You can follow us @TSA on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and on YouTube.
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
Jay Wagner
