On the 12th day of Christmas, the TSA took from me — 82 fireworks, three folding knives, two fake guns and a canister of pepper spray.
The Transportation Security Administration discovered a ludicrous number of prohibited items in one woman’s carry-on luggage at LAX earlier month — which even stunned the agency’s veteran officers.
The unidentified woman was flying from Los Angeles to Philadelphia Dec. 15 when the unusual contents of her bag alerted X-ray screeners, who opened it and came face to face with her alarming stash.
The stockpile included knives, fake guns and dozens of fireworks.
“The sheer number of prohibited items discovered in a single carry-on bag is extremely concerning,” said LAX TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages.
“We are in the midst of the holiday travel season when security checkpoints will be busy everywhere. Let this incident serve as a reminder to all travelers to double-check the contents of your bag prior to coming to the airport.”
All told, agents found 82 “consumer-grade” fireworks, three knives, two replica firearms and a canister of pepper spray.
The TSA notified the Los Angeles World Airport police department, whose officers responded to the security checkpoint to interview the woman. The LAWA bomb squad also responded and confiscated the fireworks.
The agency did not specify whether the woman was detained by authorities or if she was allowed to board the plane, but reiterated its carry-on rules in a press release.
“The traveling public is reminded that fireworks, which are a type of explosive, are never allowed on board an aircraft in carry-on or checked luggage. Knives and replica firearms should travel in checked baggage,” the TSA wrote.
“One 4 ounce container of pepper spray 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 are prohibited in checked baggage. Some airlines do not allow for transport of pepper spray, so travelers are encouraged to contact their individual airline.”
Holiday travelers are also advised not to pack wrapped presents in their suitcases, wit the TSA issuing warnings it might have to unwrap the packages in the security line if any alerts are triggered by the contents of a bag.