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TSA Warns Travelers They Could Face Massive Fines If They Pack Certain Banned Items 

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently been emphasizing that travelers need to double check what they’re packing to ensure they can avoid potentially major fines. The easiest way to make sure your luggage is protected is to check the TSA’s website for a complete list of the banned items for carry-on and checked luggage. 

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Besides the risk of having some of your items confiscated or thrown away, when an item is flagged, even if it’s technically permitted, your luggage may have to go through additional screenings. 

One of the worst case scenarios for travelers who try to bring a prohibited item through is a fine up to  $17,062 in civil penalties per violation, per person. 

This month, the TSA tweeted at travelers with children specifically that toys that are filled with more than 3.4 ounces of gel or dough are not allowed in carry-ons, in alignment with the TSA policy for liquids, gels, and aerosols. 

Squishy toys, slimes, and fidgets have grown greatly in popularity in recent years, leading to an uptick in confiscations at US airports. 

USA Today reported that many travelers also don’t realize a lot of household tools that seem fine are also banned, such as cordless curling irons and sporting equipment. 

Travel items like power banks for electronics and other lithium-ion battery devices must be kept in carry-ons as well. 

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“To avoid delays, always check TSA and airline rules before packing, keep your luggage organized, pack liquids and electronics separately for easy access, and make sure any items that could need extra screening are on top or in an easily accessible pocket,” Paul Stewart, travel expert and founder of My Baggage, told USA Today.

The publication listed out some of the items that are often confiscated by TSA that travelers may be surprised by: 

  1. Cordless curling irons – banned in checked baggage
  2. Bowling balls – banned in carry-ons
  3. Cast iron cookware – banned in carry-ons
  4. Corkscrews with a blade – banned in carry-ons
  5. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices – banned in checked luggage
  6. Foam toy sword – banned in carry-ons
  7. Gel-type candles – banned in carry-ons
  8. Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones – banned in carry-ons and checked luggage
  9. Screwdrivers longer than seven inches – banned in carry-ons
  10. Snow globes – banned in carry-ons if containing over 3.4 ounces of liquid

One exception to the 3.4-ounce rule is baby formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food, all of which are allowed in carry-ons. TSA has this rule in place because these items are medically necessary for babies and toddlers. 

Additionally, to make getting through the line easier, travelers should inform the TSA officer of the specific liquids they have, remove them from their carry-on, and store it in clear bottles. 

For a full list of banned items, be sure to thoroughly go through the TSA’s website while they’re packing their carry-ons and luggage. 

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Five Civil War-Era Cannonballs Discovered in Luggage at Alabama Airport

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A routine luggage scan at Gulf Shores International Airport in Alabama prompted a security alert this month after a Transportation Security Administration officer discovered five Civil War-era cannonballs packed inside a passenger’s checked bag.

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ICE Agents to Assist at U.S. Airports as Shutdown Strains TSA Staffing

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As long security lines continue to frustrate travelers during a busy spring travel period, federal officials are preparing to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to major airports across the country.

Tom Homan, the White House border czar, said Sunday that ICE personnel would begin assisting at airports as early as Monday. The move comes as the Transportation Security Administration faces staffing shortages amid a partial government shutdown, leaving many agents working without pay.

“It’s a work in progress, but we will be at airports tomorrow, helping T.S.A. move those lines along,” Homan said during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

According to The New York Times, ICE agents, including those from Homeland Security Investigations, are expected at 14 airports nationwide. These include major hubs such as Kennedy and LaGuardia in New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston and Phoenix.

The Department of Homeland Security said the deployment is intended to reduce wait times by allowing T.S.A. agents to focus on passenger screening. ICE agents are expected to handle other roles, such as monitoring exits and assisting in areas that do not require specialized screening expertise.

“This is about helping T.S.A. do their mission, and get the American public through that airport as quick as they can, while adhering to all the security guidelines and the protocols. We’re simply there to help T.S.A. do their job in areas that don’t need their specialized expertise.”

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The decision follows a weekend announcement by President Trump, who framed the move as both a response to long lines and leverage in negotiations with congressional Democrats over funding the Department of Homeland Security.

On social media, he wrote that agents would “do security like no one has ever seen before,” adding that the effort would include “the immediate arrest of all illegal immigrants who have come into our Country.”

In a statement Sunday night, the department blamed Democrats for the disruptions.

“Because of the Democrat shutdown, President Trump is using every tool available to help American travelers who are facing hours-long lines at airports across the country — especially during this spring break and holiday season that is very important for many American families,” the statement said. “This will help bolster T.S.A. efforts to keep our skies safe and minimize air travel disruptions.”

Still, details of the plan remain unclear. Officials have yet to finalize how many agents will be deployed or precisely where they will be stationed. Homan said airports with the longest wait times, particularly those exceeding three hours, would likely be prioritized. “When we deploy them more, we’ll have a well-thought-out plan to execute,” he said.

The announcement has drawn criticism from lawmakers and union representatives, who argue that the move does little to address the root problem—unpaid T.S.A. workers.

Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York condemned the plan, saying, “The last thing the American people need is for untrained ICE agents to be deployed at airports across the country, potentially to brutalize or to kill them.”

New Jersey Senator Cory Booker told reporters that ICE agents are “striking fear” in passengers. Booker also claimed that many airlines told him they want agents out of airports and called on President Trump to fund the T.S.A.

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“They have brought this reckless and out-of-control ICE into our airports, and have even told the American people what they’re specifically doing, and all we see them doing today is roaming around.”

T.S.A. employees and union leaders have also raised concerns about both effectiveness and optics. Mike Gayzagian, a T.S.A. officer at Boston Logan International Airport and the president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2617, questioned whether ICE agents would provide meaningful support, particularly if assigned to less critical roles.

“None of this would be happening if Congress had just simply decided to pay us,” he said.

Johnny Jones, a T.S.A. officer at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, echoed that frustration. “All we want is a paycheck,” Jones said. “We don’t need all these optics.”

He also warned that the presence of immigration agents could create tension and distractions, potentially making airports less safe.

Travelers themselves expressed mixed reactions. At LaGuardia Airport on Sunday, where wait times stretched up to three hours, some passengers welcomed additional help but remained wary of ICE involvement.

Sarah Estes, a nurse from Dallas visiting New York, said she had expected a short wait based on airport estimates but was instead told it could take over two hours.

“I don’t trust those people,” she said. “So how can I trust them to help out at the airport? But the airports do need help.”

Homan emphasized that ICE agents already operate in airport environments, handling immigration enforcement and investigating crimes such as smuggling. He added that agents are “well trained” in identification and security procedures and are continuing to receive pay during the shutdown, unlike many T.S.A. workers.

Even so, with implementation imminent, the plan remains fluid, leaving questions about how effectively the additional personnel will ease delays during one of the year’s busiest travel periods.

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Thousands Of US Flights Canceled Amid Storms And TSA Agent Shortage 

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Thousands of flights across the US were canceled or delayed over the weekend and into Monday amid powerful storms across the eastern half of the country, and a partial government shutdown impacting TSA screenings for a second month. 

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The shutdown that began on February 14th has greatly strained staffing at security checkpoints at a time where airports are crowded with spring break travelers and fans heading to March Madness games, according to reports from AP. 

This week, flights were greatly delayed and canceled at some of the nation’s largest airports due to major storms and snow throughout the Midwest and moving to the East Coast. Airports in New York, Chicago, and Atlanta were affected by high potential for heavy winds and tornadoes, the National Weather Service said on Monday. 

Specifically, over 4,400 flights scheduled to fly into, out of, or throughout the US on Monday were canceled with about 10,400 being delayed, according to FlightAware, a flight-tracking site. About 290 flights in the US scheduled for Tuesday have been canceled as well. 

“The nationwide cancellations included about 570 in and out of Chicago O’Hare International, more than 430 at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International and over 270 at John F. Kennedy International Airport,” according to FlightAware.

The current partial government shutdown impacts only the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the Transportation Security Administration. Many airport security screeners missed their first full paycheck over the weekend. 

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AP reports that Democrats in Congress have stated Homeland Security won’t get funded until new restrictions are placed on federal immigration operations after the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis this year. 

This is the third shutdown in less than a year to leave TSA workers temporarily without pay, and once the government reopens, employees will have to wait longer for back pay. 

Some airports are seeing longer security lines due to staffing shortages with TSA workers needing to take on second jobs to pay for their basic needs. Homeland Security stated that over 300 TSA agents have quit since the beginning of the shutdown. 

TSA union leaders in Atlanta held a news conference this week outside Hartsfield-Jackson where they said that air travelers could experience increasingly long wait times as the shutdown continues. 

TSA workers “are coping with eviction notices, vehicle repossessions, empty refrigerators and overdrawn bank accounts,” said Aaron Barker, a local leader with the American Federation of Government Employees. 

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Shell-Shocked Security: Man Caught Smuggling Turtle in Pants at Newark Airport

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In an unusual incident at Newark Liberty International Airport, a man from East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was caught attempting to smuggle a live turtle past security by hiding the reptile inside his pants, according to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) statement released Tuesday.

The incident unfolded last week after the body scanner the TSA used during the man’s routine screening at the New Jersey airport went off, prompting further inspection.

A subsequent pat-down quickly revealed something suspicious concealed in the passenger’s groin area. When confronted by security, the traveler reached into his pants and revealed the surprise passenger—a live turtle carefully wrapped in a small blue towel.

“Port Authority Police questioned the man, took possession of the turtle and indicated that they would contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local animal control officials. The man missed his flight and was escorted out of the checkpoint by police.”

The man told the officials it was a red-eared slider, a species well-known as a popular pet and one of the most invasive species in the world because owners often release them into the wild. Native to the Mississippi River region, according to the National Invasive Species Information Center (NISIC), these turtles, recognizable by the distinctive red stripe behind their eyes, typically measure five and eleven inches in length and weigh up to two pounds.

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They can live for two to three decades and dwell in freshwater ponds, lakes, creeks, and streams. Despite their widespread presence and invasive nature, red-eared sliders are not considered endangered. According to the NISIC, they have invaded every continent except Antarctica.

“Though small as juveniles, the turtles grow into large adults with complex needs which pet owners may fail to foresee, leading to their unfortunate, and often illegal, release into the wild. The turtle can then wreak havoc on an ecosystem by spreading diseases to native wildlife.”

Port Authority Police promptly confiscated the turtle and communicated they would ensure its proper care. TSA Federal Security Director for New Jersey, Thomas Carter, reassured the public that the turtle appeared unharmed following its unusual journey.

“I commend our officer who conducted the pat-down in a very professional manner in an effort to resolve the alarm. We have seen travelers try to conceal knives and other weapons on their person, in their shoes and in their luggage. However I believe this is the first time we have come across someone who was concealing a live animal down the front of his pants. As best as we could tell, the turtle was not harmed by the man’s actions.”

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The traveler missed his flight and was escorted away by police, though authorities have not yet announced whether he will face any criminal charges.

This isn’t the first instance of passengers attempting to smuggle animals onboard flights. In 2023, officials at Miami International Airport intercepted smuggled Amazon parrot eggs and live birds that had just hatched, hidden in a duffel bag, after hearing chirping sounds.

According to CBS News, in 2024, TSA agents stopped someone from boarding with a bag full of snakes. Shortly after, the TSA posted about the incident on its Instagram page.

“There’s nothing ssssssensational about choosing to hide danger noodles in the pants you’re wearing. You could say, our officers at Miami International Airport weren’t enthused with this adder-ition to the screening process. We’d never want you to scale back on your asp-irations of traveling with pets, but would like to slither in this small bite of information. Never attempt to play hide a pet in your luggage, or on your person, and always rattle out an answer with your airline about what kind of pets they’ll allow.”

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2022 Thanksgiving Travel Expected to Top Pre Pandemic Levels

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Despite rising airfares due to inflation, many Americans are taking to the skies to spend the holidays with loved ones and celebrate the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The number of travelers in just the few days leading up to this Thanksgiving has surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

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Gun Found Stuffed Inside a Raw Chicken at Florida TSA Checkpoint

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A Florida air passenger attempted to smuggle a gun onto a flight using a raw chicken on Monday. Transportation Security Administration officers at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport caught the firearm at one of its checkpoints, wrapped in thin paper packaging inside a Kikiri Quirch brand baking hen. 

The passenger had stashed the chicken in his carry-on and was headed to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, according to Sari Koshetz, a TSA spokesperson for the Gulf region. 

The official TSA Instagram account shared a post on Monday containing a photo of the raw chicken being examined inside the security area alongside the gun. It was captioned, “There’s a personal fowl here…”

“The plot chickens as we barrel our way closer to Thanksgiving. For us, it’s a time to be thankful that our officers are always working around the cluck to keep you safe. Take for instance this ‘hen you believe it?’ find at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. We hate to beak it to you here, but stuffing a firearm in your holiday bird for travel is just a baste of time. This idea wasn’t even half-baked; it was raw, greasy, and obviously unsupervised. The only roast happening here is this poor packing choice! Feather you like it or not, there are rules for traveling with guns and ammunition. So, don’t wing it; roost over the proper packaging info through the link in our bio.”

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Passengers are permitted to transport fresh meat and seafood in their carry-ons if they follow special instructions provided by the TSA. People who want to travel with guns and ammunition must pack the firearms unloaded in locked, hard-shell containers within their checked bags. They must also declare the items at the airport ticket counter.

“The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.”

A criminal investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is ongoing. Nestor Iglesias, a spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations, told CNN he could not provide additional details since the incident is a “criminal case which has been accepted for prosecution.”

This is not the first time a passenger has attempted to conceal prohibited items using unconventional methods. According to CBS News, a “meth burrito” was confiscated in Houston last year. 

In 2022, passengers cumulatively brought more than 700 guns to TSA checkpoints at Florida state airports, a higher number of guns than in any previous year. Twelve airports set records, according to a TSA news release. 

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“The largest number of guns TSA officers have had to intercept were: 129 guns at Orlando International Airport (MCO), 120 guns at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), 102 guns at Tampa International (TPA), 83 guns at Miami International (MIA), 58 guns at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), 37 guns at Southwest Florida International (RSW), 28 at Palm Beach International (PBI), and 24 at Pensacola International (PNS).”

Koshetz said that “every passenger bears the responsibility of knowing exactly where their gun is before entering the security checkpoint” since “an accidental discharge could result in tragedy.”

“Don’t let bringing a gun to a federal checkpoint be the reason you cannot answer ‘no’ to the question often asked on job applications: have you ever been arrested? As we enter the busiest holiday travel period, remember if you are going to travel with your gun, it must be in your checked bag, but be sure you know what the gun laws are on each side of your trip or you may be heading to jail instead of to your family gathering. Guns may not be legal to transport even in checked baggage in some jurisdictions.”

Koshetz told USA Today that it was unclear whether the passenger’s gun was loaded. Passengers who violate TSA rules could face civil penalties of up to $13,910, even if they are not arrested by law enforcement. 

Demand For Air Travel Dropping Exponentially As Delta Variant Continues To Spread 

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The demand for air travel has begun to plummet as the delta variant of the Covid-19 virus continues to spread rapidly. According to reports from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), cancellations have been on the rise this month alongside less passenger loads and lower air fares. 

TSA reported that 1.7 million people were screened nationwide this Tuesday, the lowest number of air travelers in nearly two months. Southwest Airlines also claimed to see an uptick in cancellations according to their recent financial filings. 

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Southwest is predicting that the surge in cancellations will continue into September should the US not get the virus and its variants more under control. Many major US airlines were looking forward to the coming months due to an overall decrease in cases and spreading of the virus, but the delta variant has them all taking on a new attitude. 

Travel booking site Hopper claimed that the domestic demand for travel hasn’t been this low since after the fourth of July. 

“What we saw was that mid-July was one of our best booking weeks ever, so the domestic bookings were really strong in mid July, but on the domestic front we have seen bookings be pretty flat since then,” Hopper economist Adit Damodarn said.

Damodarn explained how international bookings have been hit even harder due to the increase in spreading and lack of proper vaccine rollout in many international countries. 

“I think there’s a lot going on here that’s making people think twice about traveling. One of the big concerns for people going internationally is the chances of even if you’re vaccinated or getting an infection seem to be going up.”

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“It may not be severe, but it does mean that you might not be able to come back into the U.S. for some time just because of the testing requirement. So with that I think you’re scaring some people off. And then, of course, we have the just general concern about getting sick, going to places where there is more virus,” Founder of crankyflier.com Brett Snyder said. 

Hopper also noted that more fliers have been purchasing “cancel-for-any-reason” flight insurance since the variant began spreading more rapidly in July. 

“The rate in which people are purchasing flight insurance is up about 33% when compared to last month. So I think what we’re seeing here is a little bit of hesitancy.”

Average air booking prices are currently down $76 on average as well. 

“We’re seeing a significant drop in domestic and international airfare. It’s a little bit more than the seasonality that we have seen in prior years, and so that would suggest to us that there’s both the seasonal variation coming off the peak summer travel season, as well as the impact of the delta variant,” Damodarn said.

TSA Provides Safety Guidelines For Fourth Of July Travelers 

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued out some safety guidelines ahead of the fourth of July weekend, where airports are expected to see pre-pandemic crowds. 

This past Sunday, TSA screened over 2.1 million passengers going through airport security checkpoints. This marks the highest checkpoint volume the agency has seen since the beginning of the pandemic. 

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TSA is expecting that number to be outpaced exponentially this holiday weekend, and is advising passengers to arrive at the airport with plenty of time for ticket checking, bag checking, and security screenings. Some airports throughout the country have already been reporting 2019 travel volumes. 

“It’s heartening to see the country taking to travel again and travelling to enjoy the weekend and celebrate our nation’s independence,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. 

“We continue to remind passengers to pack their patience and remain calm through the security checkpoint and onboard aircraft. TSA will not tolerate aggressive actions toward our officers; please help us make travel safe, secure and pleasant on this holiday weekend.”

The federal face mask mandate is still in effect on all planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation within the United States. Face masks are not currently required in outdoor areas of conveyance. 

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TSA recently released a set of all their recommended tips on how to remain the safest while getting through your travel experience as easily as possible. 

“Arrive early. TSA expects to see the increasing summer travel volumes to continue to rise into the holiday weekend. Although nationally our travel volume remains around 75% of pre-pandemic levels, some airports around the country have already surpassed volumes from 2019. Please arrive at the airport in plenty of time for ticketing, checking baggage, security screening, etc.”

The agency also recommends you enroll in TSA precheck to make your trip through security as quick as possible. 

“Consider other ways that might help avoid physical contact at the checkpoint. Prior to entering the line for the TSA checkpoint, take a few minutes to prepare. Place jewelry, keys and other pocketed items into your carry-on bag so they might be scanned with need for fewer bins at the conveyor belt. Have a valid ID card readily available and follow the liquids rule of 3.4 ounces or less, with the exception of hand sanitizer, which has a temporary 12-ounce limit in carry-on baggage.”

TSA has posted a full list of their guidelines and recommended travel tips for the holiday weekend on their website, you can read them here!

Airport Security

How Covid-19 Has Changed The Way We Go Through Airport Security

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The Covid-19 pandemic has truly changed the entire world and the multitude of industries that run it. One of the biggest industries that has been impacted internationally by the virus has been the travel/tourism industry. Obviously a virus that spreads through close contact in public spaces would disrupt the businesses that make their money from hundreds of strangers coming in close proximity with one another, however, now that the world has been enduring this pandemic for eight months, the industry has adjusted to better accommodate for the new normal we’re all living in. 

Specifically the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in airports have taken on a whole list of health and safety procedure protocols to protect themselves and passengers from contracting the virus as they pass through airport security checkpoints. 

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Obviously travelling seems like it should be out of the question for anyone in the middle of a global health crisis involving a virus that spreads easily, however, as America has proven if there’s an opportunity to do things normally, people are going to jump on that opportunity, especially when flights are the cheapest they’ve been in years. 

When travelers first enter the airport they’ll notice a difference in experience almost immediately. Individuals are prompted to scan their own boarding passes when they first enter the TSA area of the airport. They’re prompted to do this at every checkpoint throughout the airport, this way TSA workers don’t have to be handed thousands of passes during a given day and can reduce the risk of cross-contamination. 

In a pre-pandemic context, one of the biggest discrepancies all airport travelers could agree on was the limited amount of liquids you’re able to take with you on a plane. However, now that we’re living in a time where hand sanitizer is everyone’s best friend, airlines are allowing travelers to pack sanitizer in containers up to 12 ounces. The hand sanitizer just needs to be removed from the luggage so that it can pass through a separate X-ray screening; this is to ensure the liquid is actually sanitizer. 

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Other liquids still must be less than 3.4 fluid ounces and passengers need to be adamant about checking to make sure all liquids and aerosols meet those requirements. If not, the passengers themselves will need to remove the item to prevent cross-contamination which will just take up even more time, so be extra careful when packing any liquids or aerosols that aren’t hand sanitizer. 

Since many individuals are opting not to buy any food or drinks at the airports, TSA is allowing for any meals or snacks that one wants to take through security to go through as long as it’s removed from the luggage and in a clear plastic bag placed in a separate tray. This small measure has already been thought to decrease the possibility of cross-contamination greatly. 

TSA agents have also been installing acrylic barriers in all major airports around the country. These barriers are specifically designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 between travelers and TSA agents. They’re being placed at all TSA podiums, X-Ray areas, secondary search areas, and checked baggage drop-off locations. 

The TSA has also begun testing out self-service facial recognition technology that can immediately verify a passengers identity. The technology is currently being tested at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport where passengers are prompted to scan their own ID’s so that the machine can verify their identity and boarding information. If the technology proves to be successful in the coming weeks it will likely be implemented in all major airports throughout the country.