A woman from Los Angeles left Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents stunned after her carry-on bag was found carrying more than 80 prohibited items.
The discovery took place around 10 pm at terminal 4 of Los Angeles International Airport, as per Newsweek.
TSA agents found 82 consumer-grade fireworks, three knives, two replica firearms, and one canister of pepper spray in the bag.
Jason Pantages, the federal security director for TSA at LAX, voiced serious concern over the find.
“The sheer number of prohibited items discovered in a single carry-on bag is extremely concerning,” he said.
“Let this incident serve as a reminder to all travelers to double-check the contents of your bag prior to coming to the airport.”
Soon after the shocking discovery, TSA agents contacted Los Angeles World Airport police, who quickly interviewed the woman. The airport bomb squad also arrived to confiscate the fireworks. All prohibited items were seized.
The TSA further explained that knives and replica firearms should only be packed in checked luggage, and pepper spray is allowed in checked bags only if the container is 4 ounces or smaller and equipped with a safety mechanism, according to the New York Post.
A TSA spokesperson commented on the unusual nature of the find as a passenger had multiple prohibited items in a single carry-on bag.
“It stands as a testament to the skills of our professional Transportation Security Officers in preventing dangerous items from reaching security checkpoints.”
They added that the TSA is always vigilant about prohibited items and works tirelessly to ensure they do not enter secure airport areas.
Some airlines do not permit pepper spray, so the TSA advised travellers to check with their airline before flying. Self-defense sprays containing more than 2 percent tear gas are banned, even in checked baggage.
“This traveller 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,” Pantages said.
He further added that as it is the middle of a holiday travel season, security checkpoints will be busy everywhere.
For those uncertain about what items are allowed on planes, the TSA recommended downloading the “MyTSA” app, which includes a “What Can I Bring?” feature. Alternatively, travellers can send a picture of an item to @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger for real-time assistance.
