Over 80 consumer grade fireworks, three knives, two replica firearms and one canister of pepper spray were among the prohibited items discovered by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers inside a female passenger’s hand luggage in the United States (US).
The array of worrying items were found at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on December 15, 2024, after a TSA officer flagged a bag for a check after seeing multiple prohibited items on the X-ray image.
Even the longest-serving TSA officers were said to have been shocked by the haul of prohibited items when the bag was opened during the search in Terminal 4 at LAX.
“The sheer number of prohibited items discovered in a single carry-on bag is extremely concerning,” said LAX TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages. “This traveler should have followed TSA’s tried and true advice – unpack your bag before you pack it to ensure you don’t bring any prohibited items to the security checkpoint. We are in the midst of the holiday travel season when security checkpoints will be busy everywhere. Let this incident serve as a reminder to all travelers to double-check the contents of your bag prior to coming to the airport.”
TSA notified the Los Angeles World Airport police department and officers responded to the security checkpoint and interviewed the passenger. The bomb squad also responded and confiscated the fireworks.
“The traveling public is reminded that fireworks, which are a type of explosive, are never allowed on board an aircraft in carry-on or checked luggage. Knives and replica firearms should travel in checked baggage,” TSA said in a statement.
Under US rules one 4-ounce container of pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Self-defense sprays containing more than 2% tear gas are prohibited in checked baggage.
Some airlines do not allow for transport of pepper spray, so travelers are encouraged to contact their individual airline.