A woman flying from Los Angeles to Philadelphia was put on the TSA's blacklist after an officer found a stash of 90 illegal items in her carry-on.
A Transportation Security Administration officer flagged the woman's bag during X-ray screening at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday after seeing items that appeared to be prohibited, officials said in a statement.
The officer opened the bag in front of the passenger and was shocked to see what was inside: 82 rounds of explosives, three knives, two model guns and a can of pepper spray – none of which are allowed in carry-on luggage.
Although TSA officials are used to spotting strange items in passengers' luggage, officials in the news release said the discovery surprised even the most senior official.
“The large number of contraband found in a single carry-on bag is very concerning,” LAX TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages said in a statement. “Let this incident serve as a reminder to all travelers to double check the contents of your bag before coming to the airport.”
A TSA officer contacted Los Angeles World Airports police, who arrived at the Terminal 4 checkpoint and interviewed the passenger. The airport's bomb disposal squad also responded and seized the explosives.
Fireworks and other explosives are not allowed on the plane, according to the TSA. On the other hand, replica guns and knives are allowed in checked baggage.
Pepper spray is more complicated. One 4-ounce container with a security cap is generally allowed in checked baggage, but large cans of self-defense spray containing more than 2% by weight of tear gas are not allowed, according to the TSA.
Some airlines do not allow any type of pepper spray, so travelers should apply theirs prior to travel.
Travelers who are confused about what is OK to put in their checked or carry-on bags can consult “What Can I Bring?” feature in the MyTSA app. They can also send a photo of the item to @AskTSA on X or Facebook for help.
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