The Transportation Security Administration is looking to hire 6,000 new security officers ahead of an expected surge in summer travel. Veuer’s Maria Mercedes Galuppo has the story.
Next time you travel, make sure to leave your dead shark at home — that is, if you don't want to make the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)'s list of top 10 catches of the year.
On the list of bizarre items TSA workers found during luggage inspections, a dead baby shark came in at number six, right after a live smoke grenade.
The shark was discovered by TSA agents at Syracuse Hancock International Airport in the fall, floating in a jar of liquid chemical preservative.
And it was this liquid chemical — not the shark — that TSA had a problem with.
"The chemical was deemed to be considered a hazardous material and as such, was not permitted to be carried through the checkpoint," TSA said in a release.
On the list of bizarre items TSA workers found during luggage inspections, a dead baby shark came in at number six, right after a live smoke grenade.
The No. 1 item on the list is even more surprising
Other items on the list included a slingshot, a book holding concealed knives and an assault rifle.
TSA prohibits carrying guns, knives, bludgeons, self defense devices like pepper spray — and any replicas of these items — onto planes.
Closer to the top were other commonly known non-negotiables — drugs and explosives. Marijuana stashed in a shampoo bottle came in at number four, and a handmade solar panel with explosive potential made second.
But topping the 2020 list is a less traditional TSA catch.
At number one, two TSA canine handlers at Newark Liberty International Airport "caught" each other, and married in the presence of their Explosive Detection Canines, Obelix and Proto.
"The two canines not only detect explosives but also detect love when they see it," TSA said in an Instagram post.
In 2020, love came out on top for TSA, leaving grenades and dead sharks in the dust.
Should you need to bring a shark on a plane, though, just make sure it's swimming in water, not chemical solution, the TSA said.
And, as always, cartoon baby sharks are allowed.
9 things you shouldn’t pack in a checked bag for a flight
9 things you shouldn’t pack in a checked bag for a flight
Lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are allowed only in carry-on baggage.
Lithium-metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to two grams of lithium per battery, while lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to 100-watt hours per battery (the average traveler easily meets these requirements).
Some smart carry-on suitcases, from brands such as Away and G-RO, have removable chargers, so if you end up needing to check your bag, don’t forget to take out the charger and carry it onto the plane.
Electronics
Large electronics with lithium batteries should be kept out of checked luggage in accordance with lithium battery restrictions.
But even electronics without lithium batteries should be carried on, too, as they’re far more likely to be damaged or potentially stolen in cargo.
Medication
Although you’ll have to put any medication over the 3.4-ounce liquid limit into checked luggage, you’ll want to keep medications on hand, because luggage does get lost or delayed.
No one wants to start their vacation with an emergency call to their doctor.
Matches and some lighters
One book of safety matches is allowed in carry-ons, while strike-anywhere matches are strictly prohibited from all luggage.
Electronic lighters are also forbidden from airplanes, but disposable and Zippo lighters without fuel are allowed in checked bags.
Travelers that have lighters with fuel can check them if they’re in a DOT-approved case.
Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices
Ever-popular e-cigarettes and vapes are banned from checked bags. Keep them in your carry-on.
Jewelry
You’re free to put as much jewelry into your checked bag as you’d like, but we recommend keeping anything valuable in a carry-on, to avoid any chance of losing it, whether permanently or temporarily.
Alcoholic beverages over 140 proof
Wine and some alcohol can be packed into checked luggage, though you’ll want to safely keep wine bottles to prevent them from breaking.
But any alcohol over 140 proof is banned. This means Everclear (190 proof), Bacardi 151 (151 proof) and Hapsburg Gold Label Premium Reserve Absinthe (179 proof) should be kept at home.
Film
Film is allowed to be checked, but because X-rays from the security scanners can potentially damage it, it’s best to pack it in your carry-on.
When going through the TSA security checkpoint, ask for the film to be scanned by hand.
Flammables and some firearm-related objects
You’d expect weapons to be banned in carry-ons, but some aren’t allowed in checked baggage either.
Gun powder and flares are prohibited, as are flammable items like fireworks, flammable paints and hand grenades.
Firearms, rifles, starter pistols and pellet guns are all allowed to be checked, but check the TSA website for the specific way they must be packed.
