A routine security screening at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) turned extraordinary on Sunday evening, 15 December 2024.
TSA officers uncovered an unprecedented collection of prohibited items in a single carry-on bag, raising serious security concerns during the peak holiday travel season. The shock find surprised even the longest tenured and most experienced TSA officer.
A Shocking Find
The discovery occurred around 10 p.m. at Terminal 4, when an X-ray screening revealed multiple suspicious objects in a passenger’s luggage.
Upon opening the bag with the female passenger present, TSA officers found an alarming array of items: 82 consumer-grade fireworks, three knives, two replica firearms, and a canister of pepper spray.
The passenger had been scheduled to fly to Philadelphia, though her travel plans were immediately disrupted by the discovery.
LAX TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages expressed serious concern about the incident. “Finding so many prohibited items in one carry-on bag is extremely troubling,” he stated.
“This serves as a crucial reminder to all travelers, especially during the busy holiday season, to carefully inspect their bags before arriving at the airport. Our longstanding advice remains: unpack your bag completely before packing it again to ensure compliance with security regulations.”
Airport Authorities Response
The incident prompted immediate action from airport authorities. Los Angeles World Airport police officers arrived to question the passenger, while the LAWA bomb squad secured and confiscated the fireworks.
The discovery caused minor delays at the security checkpoint as officials conducted a thorough investigation to ensure passenger safety.
A Call for Passenger Awareness
The Los Angeles LAX event highlights important air travel safety guidelines that all passengers should follow. Fireworks, classified as explosives, are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage due to their potential to cause catastrophic damage during flight.
Knives and replica firearms must be packed in checked baggage only, as they could pose security risks in the cabin.
Regarding pepper spray, passengers may pack one 4-ounce container in checked baggage if it includes a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge.
However, sprays containing more than 2 percent tear gas by mass are not allowed, and some airlines completely prohibit pepper spray transport.
Summary
For travelers uncertain about permitted items, the TSA provides multiple convenient resources. The MyTSA app features a helpful “What Can I Bring?” tool that offers instant answers about specific items.
Alternatively, passengers can send item photos to @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger for immediate guidance from TSA representatives. Text messaging “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872) provides another easy way to get answers about permitted items.
These resources are available 24/7 to help US travelers avoid security delays and ensure a smooth airport experience.
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