Transportation Security Administration officers made what they described as an ‘extremely concerning’ discovery at Los Angeles International Airport.
An unidentified woman who was flying from Los Angeles to Philadelphia was flagged at the security checkpoint during a routine X-ray screening on December 15, after an officer noticed what appeared to be several prohibited items in her carry-on, the agency announced.
When the officer then opened the bag in front of the traveler, he was shocked to find 82 fireworks, three knives, two replica firearms and a cannister of pepper spray – all of which are prohibited in carry-on luggage, the agency announced.
‘The sheer number of prohibited items discovered in a single carry-on bag is extremely concerning,’ LAX TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages 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.’
Following the discovery, the TSA officer contacted Los Angeles World Airports police, who arrived at the Terminal 4 security checkpoint and interviewed the passenger.
The airport police bomb squad also responded, and confiscated the explosives.
It is unclear whether the woman was arrested or charged with any wrongdoing in the aftermath.
Transportation Security Administration officers made what they described as an ‘extremely concerning’ discovery at Los Angeles International Airport
The agent found 82 fireworks, three knives, two replica firearms and a cannister of pepper spray – all of which are prohibited in carry-on luggage
Fireworks and other explosives are never allowed on an airplane, while replica firearms and knives are permitted on checked baggage.
A single four-ounce container with a safety seal of pepper spray is also generally allowed in checked baggage, but large canisters containing more than two percent by mass of tear gas are not.
Some airlines, though, do not allow any kind of pepper spray, so the TSA recommends travelers contact theirs before they fly.
Travelers can also consult the What Can I Bring? feature in the MyTSA app, or send a picture of a questionable item to @AskTSA on X or Facebook.
