As the summer solstice marks the beginning of increased travel season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is once again reminding travelers about items that are prohibited on flights. This reminder comes after two incidents at Pittsburgh International Airport where grenades were discovered at security checkpoints.
Lisa Farbstein, the TSA Northeast spokesperson, reported on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that TSA officers intercepted both an inert grenade and a smoke grenade at the airport’s checkpoint on Wednesday. Farbstein humorously noted, “Most people plan on having a blast on their trip, but this guy wasn’t thinking along those lines,” emphasizing that grenades, whether live or inert, are not allowed on planes.
Regarding the smoke grenade, Farbstein added, “Holy smokes… Had it been triggered, thick yellow smoke would have been everywhere. Yellow is just not a good look. And besides, you know that there’s no smoking on a plane!”
These interceptions come amid a concerning trend of prohibited items being brought to the airport. As of May 21, TSA agents had already confiscated 15 loaded guns at Pittsburgh International Airport in 2024. This follows a record-setting year in 2023, when officers intercepted 44 guns in Pittsburgh and 6,737 nationwide.
The TSA strongly advises travelers to consult their website for information on how to properly store items that are not permitted in carry-on bags. As summer travel picks up, it’s crucial for passengers to familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure smooth and safe journeys for everyone.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by airport security and the importance of traveler awareness in maintaining aviation safety.
CBSNews
