BOISE, Idaho – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today displayed a collection of the Top 10 prohibited items found by security screening officers at two different Idaho airports – Boise Airport and Idaho Falls Regional Airport - in 2022. Each of these items was discovered during routine X-ray screening in the security checkpoint.
Here is a description of Idaho’s Top 10 prohibited items for 2022:
|
#10 |
Idaho Falls |
Knife necklace |
You may think you look sharp in this necklace, but it is a “no fly” at the security checkpoint. Knives, even those in necklaces, must travel in checked luggage. After wearing the necklace to the security checkpoint, the passenger chose to surrender this jewelry to TSA. |
|
# 9 |
Idaho Falls |
Collapsible baton |
This isn’t a hit with TSA officers, so please stick it in a checked bag. Guaranteed – there is no need for it in the cabin of the aircraft! |
|
# 8 |
Boise |
Replica ammunition and Whiskey Stones |
We don’t need six bullet points to explain where to pack this item. These replica bullets are actually whiskey stones stored in a replica revolver barrel. |
|
# 7 |
Idaho Falls |
Belt knife |
Don’t waist your opportunity to place this in a checked bag. And, now you can understand why travelers are required to remove belts during screening. |
|
#6 |
Boise |
Bowling pin |
It’s incredi-bowl that this item came to the security checkpoint. Items that could double as a bludgeoning device are not allowed in carry-on luggage. |
|
# 5 |
Boise |
Grenade |
Throw the idea of bringing this item to the airport as far away as possible. Grenades, inert grades and replica grenades all look the same on an X-ray screen. The traveler who brought this one to the security checkpoint bought it at an army surplus store and was unaware these are not allowed anywhere near a plane. |
|
# 4 |
Boise |
Training firearm |
This training replica firearm arrived in the carry-on bag of a firearm instructor. Maybe this instructor needs a little more training on how to properly pack realistic replica weapons. |
|
# 3 |
Idaho Falls |
Stun gun |
A stun gun that doubles as a flashlight? Are you shocked it is not permitted in a carry-on bag? Stun guns should travel in checked baggage and be disabled to avoid accidental discharge during transport. |
|
# 2 |
Boise |
Nail gun |
Nail this down… power tools belong in checked bags. Every time. Every flight. |
|
# 1 |
Boise |
Ceremonial sword |
This work of art disguised as a knife was in a carry-on bag and an easy to spot on the X-ray image. Sword of a poor packing choice to bring it to the security checkpoint. |
When a TSA officer discovers a prohibited item in carry-on luggage, they offer the traveler the opportunity to place that item in checked luggage, turn it over to a non-traveling family member of friend or return it to their vehicle if it is parked nearby. If the traveler opts not to do any of the above, they can abandon the item to TSA for disposal.
TSA officers are never permitted to allow a prohibited item into the sterile area of the airport. If the item is illegal locally, TSA will notify airport law enforcement to resolve the matter. Some items are not allowed to travel on an aircraft because they are considered an explosive or hazardous materials.
TSA officers encounter prohibited items daily at the security checkpoint and each discovery slows down the security screening process for all travelers. In late December, TSA announced its annual Top 10 list of items discovered during screening at airports nationwide. One of the featured items was discovered at BOI in September of 2022. It was two hair scrunchies that contained several illegal pills inside.
In addition to these prohibited items, TSA officers discovered a record number of firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage at two airports in Idaho in 2022. Every one of these firearms was discovered during the routine X-ray screening of carry-on property in the security checkpoint.
Below is a summary of TSA firearm discoveries statewide and nationally for the past four years:
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
|
Boise Airport (BOI) |
21 |
19 |
22 |
34 |
40* |
|
Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) |
3 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
8* |
|
Pocatello Regional Airport (PIH) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport (LWS) |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Magic Valley Regional Airport (TWF) |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Idaho total: |
27 |
24 |
24 |
40 |
49* |
|
National total: |
4,239 |
4,432 |
3,257 |
5,972 |
6,500+** |
* Notes record number of firearm discoveries.
** Final number for 2022 not yet available.
In addition to potential criminal citations for bringing a firearm in carry-on luggage, travelers face civil penalties of up to nearly $15,000. TSA evaluates each firearm incident on a case-by-case basis. Among the factors TSA considers when determining the civil penalty amount include whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition. Even if a traveler has a concealed weapons permit, firearms are not permitted in carry-on luggage.
Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and placed in checked baggage. Any type of replica firearm is prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be transported in checked luggage.
At the airport during the check-in process, a passenger needs to go to the airline ticket counter to declare the firearm, ammunition and any firearm parts. Prior to traveling, passengers are encouraged to check gun laws and regulations at their destination to ensure they are in compliance with local and state laws. TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements.
TSA has additional traveler information specifically related to the transportation of firearms and ammunition. A full summary of TSA’s civil penalties for prohibited items is also available.
“Highlighting prohibited items and discussing new records for firearm discoveries at Idaho airports underscores the challenge we have at TSA. We are asking the traveling public to look at these examples and statistics and pledge to be aware of the contents of their carry-on bag moving forward,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho Andy Coose. “I want to extend my thanks to the TSA officers who work every day to ensure that security threats of any type don’t make it into the cabin of the aircraft. The transportation system is more secure due to their ongoing efforts.”
TSA has multiple resources available to passengers to help them determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage or not at all. Travelers can use the “Can I Bring?” feature on the TSA website or on the TSA mobile app, myTSA. Travelers can also Tweet or Message “@AskTSA” if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance daily from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. MST.