Woman’s Carry-On Contains Alarming Number of Banned Items at TSA
Transportation Security Officers at Los Angeles International Airport were “astonished” when they discovered a wide range of prohibited items packed in a woman’s carry-on last week, including numerous fireworks, imitation weapons, and blades, as stated by the agency.
“The incident on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) astonished even the most seasoned TSA officers,” a statement released on Friday noted.
At approximately 10 p.m. in Terminal 4, a TSA officer identified a bag belonging to a female passenger, who was heading to Philadelphia, after observing “multiple banned items” on the X-ray scan.
Upon closer examination, the officer found 82 consumer fireworks, three knives, two replica guns, and a can of pepper spray, according to the announcement.
“The large quantity of prohibited items found in a single bag is deeply troubling,” remarked Jason Pantages, the Federal Security Director of TSA at LAX, in the statement.
The TSA contacted the Los Angeles World Airport Police Department (LAWA), whose officers spoke with the passenger. The LAWA bomb squad was also called in and confiscated the fireworks. TSA did not reveal whether the woman was taken into custody or clarify why she had so many banned items.
“This passenger should have followed the TSA’s well-known guidance – check your bag before you pack to ensure you’re not carrying any prohibited items to the security checkpoint,” Pantages added. “During the busy holiday travel season, security checkpoints will be crowded everywhere. This incident should remind all travelers to carefully review their bags before arriving at the airport.”
The TSA emphasized that fireworks are classified as explosives and are completely banned on airplanes, whether in carry-on or checked baggage. Knives, replica guns, and a four-ounce pepper spray container with a safety cap are only allowed in checked luggage. Self-defense sprays with more than 2% tear gas are not permitted in checked luggage either, and some airlines may prohibit these items entirely.
