Steve Neavling
TSA officers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) were left “shocked” last week when they uncovered an array of prohibited items in a woman’s carry-on luggage.
The alarming discovery included dozens of fireworks, replica weapons, and knives, according to a statement from the agency.
“What happened Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) surprised even the longest tenured and most experienced TSA officer,” the agency said in a press release issued Friday.
The incident unfolded around 10 p.m. in Terminal 4, where a TSA officer conducting routine X-ray screening flagged a bag belonging to a female passenger scheduled to fly to Philadelphia. The scan revealed “multiple prohibited items,” prompting closer examination.
Upon inspecting the bag, the officer found an assortment of banned objects, including 82 consumer-grade fireworks, three knives, two replica guns, and a canister of pepper spray, the TSA reported.
“The sheer number of prohibited items discovered in a single carry-on bag is extremely concerning,” said Jason Pantages, LAX TSA federal security director.
Los Angeles World Airport Police Department (LAWA) officers were immediately notified and questioned the traveler. In addition, the airport’s bomb squad confiscated the fireworks as a precaution. However, the TSA did not clarify whether the passenger was detained or offer any explanation for her possession of the items.
“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 added.
He emphasized the importance of vigilance during the busy holiday travel season, urging passengers to thoroughly check their luggage before arriving at the airport.
The TSA also reminded the public that fireworks are classified as explosives and are strictly forbidden on aircraft, whether in carry-on or checked luggage. Knives, replica firearms, and a single four-ounce container of pepper spray with a safety mechanism are only allowed in checked baggage. Additionally, self-defense sprays with more than 2% tear gas by mass are banned entirely, and some airlines may prohibit these items altogether.
