Woke up around 4 a.m. and couldn’t sleep so I turned on the television to a show called “How America Works”. This episode was about all the personnel required to run an airport, this time, Tampa International Airport. It is quite interesting all that goes into safety concerns running a thing that moves millions of people by air. Thank God for the Transportation Safety Board (TSA) is all I can say because without them today, you, me or someone we know would probably be at the bottom of the ocean right now. You know, along with the other 200 passengers that were on board that plane?

You wouldn’t believe how many people (still today) try and board commercial airlines with guns or other weapons, including fireworks and explosives. Apparently, there’s an amazing amount of ignorance that prevails out there. For further information on what never to bring inside an airport, check out the cases and the people profiled below on this segment:

1) An older gentleman was carrying inside his carry-on bag fireworks.
Conclusion: The gentleman was retained along with his carry on bag. A TSA Explosives Specialist was called to the scene to further examine the bag. The passenger was interviewed about whether the bag was wired to explode or not. It was not. The bag was opened, the fireworks inspected and removed. The passenger was not detained, he was sent on his way with his bag minus the fireworks. However, once he returns home, TSA will now fine him around $17,000.00 for his indiscretion… what a total dumbass!

2) A young man, probably early 20’s was found to be carrying a handgun inside his carry-on bag. Everything was stopped @ security check. He was detained along with his bag until an FBI-type Security Chief could arrive at the scene. The Investigator first verified his identity, along with his license to carry a firearm. The gun had to be put though a database to check for any criminal activity, along with the passenger. Both the passenger and gun were cleared, plus the gun was not loaded. However, he had a can of gun powder (an explosive) also in his carry-on bag which was confiscated.
Conclusion: The gentleman was able to continue onto his destination. However, he was instructed on how to pick up his handgun probably once he gets to his destination. TSA will meet his mailbox with a nice letter instructing him where to pay the $13,000.00 fine waiting for him once he returns… the kid was young, I bet he won’t try that again.

3) A scan of a checked bag indicated what appeared to be an intact hand grenade inside a suitcase, the bag was immediately isolated within the checked bag area prior to being boarded inside the plane. An Explosive Specialist was called in to examine the bag. Only one person can be within even 30 ft. of this type luggage examination just in case of detonation. The grenade was safely removed. It turned out to be a grenade with the explosive (guts) removed. It looked authentic but was a show piece really with nothing inside. I’ve seen these sold as a shelf ornament. The grenade was confiscated by TSA. I’m not certain if this guy received a fine from TSA or not, but that was one really dumb idea just the same.

If these cases don’t get your attention, nothing will. When you enter an airport, “perception becomes reality”. TSA officials don’t know you or your intentions so never assume that your actions -OR- what you have in your possession will be taken lightly, innocently. Does anyone need further explanation as to why these safety measures have evolved to where they are today? After all that has happened across the world in everything “air travel” for the past three decades? Surely not!