TSA officers discovered knives, replica firearms and more in the traveler's carry on at LAX on Dec. 15
It takes a lot to shock airport security -- but one recent flyer managed to do just that.
After a passenger attempted to board a flight at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Sunday, Dec. 15 with a bag brimming with prohibited items, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) shared a photo of its contents as a "visual reminder of what not to bring to the security checkpoint."
The agency also explained the circumstances of the contraband-filled carry-on in a press release.
While TSA officers are "used to seeing a variety of usual and unusual items brought by travelers in carry-on luggage during routine X-ray screening in the security checkpoint," the events that unfolded at LAX earlier this month "surprised even the longest tenured and most experienced TSA officer," the agency said.
At about 10 p.m. local time, a security officer flagged a piece of luggage at Terminal 4 for a bag check after an X-ray revealed that its contents included "multiple prohibited items," TSA said. "When the bag was opened with the passenger present, the TSA officer was shocked at its contents."
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The carry-on, which belonged to a female passenger traveling to Philadelphia, contained 82 consumer-grade fireworks -- and that was just the beginning.
Also among the "gamut of prohibited items" packed by the passenger were two replica firearms, three knives, and a canister of pepper spray, according to TSA.
Upon discovering the prohibited items, TSA notified the Los Angeles World Airport police department, who confiscated the woman's fireworks and interviewed her. The agency did not share any further details about the passenger or why she had the items in her luggage.
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"The sheer number of prohibited items discovered in a single carry-on bag is extremely concerning," LAX TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages said in the statement.
"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," Pantages continued. "We are in the midst of the holiday travel season when security checkpoints will be busy everywhere."
The security director added that he hopes this incident serves as a reminder to "double-check the contents of your bag prior to coming to the airport."
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Also in the press release, TSA issued reminders about the specific items uncovered in the LAX incident.
As a type of explosive, fireworks "are never allowed on board an aircraft in carry-on or checked luggage," TSA stated. Knives and replica firearms, meanwhile, "should travel in checked baggage."
As for pepper spray, one 4-ounce container is "permitted in checked baggage provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge."
"Self-defense sprays containing more than 2 percent by mass of tear gas," however, "are prohibited in checked baggage," the agency stated. "Some airlines do not allow for transport of pepper spray, so travelers are encouraged to contact their individual airline."