Just how many "illegal" objects are being confiscated at U.S. airports since security has gotten tighter? Would you believe almost 5 million prohibited items have been collected at the nation's 429 commercial airports.
If you think you might check out the lost and found on the way back into town from your last flight to find your favorite gold-plated tweezers snatched at check-in, think again. Instead try eBay or your local not-for-profit organizations.
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) the agency created after September 11th to protect the nation's transportation systems and to ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce, is charged with the disposal of abandoned property. Their regulations allow for state agencies responsible for disposal of such items to donate or sell these confiscated items.
Portland, Oregon's Port Authority is one such department who has recently changed its policy from donating "voluntarily abandoned items" to not-for-profit organization to selling such items on eBay with profits going to the state coffers. It remains unclear as to how long the state may continue this practice since the first auction yielded a high bid of only $15.00 (which included several batches of items including 11 Swiss-Army style knives).
To find out what the latest allowable and prohibited items are visit the TSA website. To avoid the hassle and the airport check-in delay, be sure to review the tips for getting through airport security on our website.
Warning: Civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation in addition to criminal penalties are being enforced to those passengers who knowingly attempt to carry banned items. And the fines are being enforced! Often for having a bad attitude! I can't over emphasis the seriousness of this warning. $150 to $300 for a forgotten wedding cake knife!
Help might be on the front as Oregon's U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, the raking Democrat on the House aviation subcommittee, is looking into the practices and fines levied by the TSA.
Since February 2002, the following have been intercepted at airports: (I ask this question, "what are people thinking?")
1,650 Firearms!!!!!
nearly 1.4 million knives,
nearly 2.4 million other sharp objects including scissors,
39,842 box cutters,
125,273 incendiary or flammable objects, and
5,666 clubs, bats, and bludgeons!
Source: Transportation Security Administration
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