LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — A woman traveling to Philadelphia from Los Angeles International Airport last week was stopped with several prohibited items in her carry-on, including multiple knives and fireworks.
It happened on Dec. 15 around 10 p.m. at Terminal 4 of the airport.
As the woman tried to pass through a security checkpoint, a Transportation Security Administration officer flagged her bag after spotting something suspicious in an X-ray.
The bag was put aside and searched by officers who discovered a box of firecrackers, three pocket knives, and a can of pepper spray. There were also two pistol-shaped keychains and a pair of thread scissors.
The TSA described the discovery as "shocking," even to its most tenured LAX officer, and said it was a prime example of all the things not to bring when traveling through the nation's airports.
“The sheer number of prohibited items discovered in a single carry-on bag is extremely concerning,” said LAX TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages. “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 said security checkpoints across the globe are already busy due to the holiday travel season, and urged any travelers to "double-check the contents of your bag prior to coming to the airport.”
The TSA notified local authorities who interviewed the traveler and confiscated the fireworks.
Fireworks and other explosives are federally prohibited from being packed on any flight; knives and "replica firearms" are only allowed in checked luggage.
TSA regulations allow for a single 4 ounce container of pepper spray in checked luggage as long as it's equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent any accidental discharge. Any self-defense sprays that contain more than 2% tear gas are strictly prohibited on all flights.
Some airlines, however, prohibit the transport of any pepper spray, TSA said.
If a traveler is unsure if they are allowed to bring a specific item on a plane, they can download the MyTSA app, reach out on social media or text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872) for answers.
