Woman held at LAX airport with 82 fireworks in hand luggage

On December 15, during a routine X-ray screening at terminal 4, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer noticed suspicious objects in the woman's bag, prompting a closer inspection.

The search revealed a startling collection of 82 fireworks, three knives, two replica firearms, and a canister of pepper spray.

"The quantity of prohibited items found in a single carry-on bag is deeply troubling," remarked Jason Pantages, LAX TSA Federal Security Director, in a press release. He added, "This incident should remind everyone to carefully check their bags before heading to the airport."

The TSA clarified that the fireworks were consumer-grade, typically less powerful than those used in professional displays.

However, any explosives, including fireworks, are strictly forbidden in both checked and carry-on luggage.

Knives, replica firearms, and small amounts of pepper spray are allowed in checked bags on domestic flights.

Authorities interviewed the passenger, who was bound for Philadelphia, while the LAX bomb squad seized the fireworks.

This incident wasn't isolated. Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a California man allegedly tried to check two suitcases packed with 70 pounds of meth-soaked clothing, including a cow onesie.

Customs officials at LAX, noticing "irregularities" in his luggage during screening for his United flight to Sydney, searched the bags and arrested the man.

According to TSA data, 2.6 million people passed through airport security checkpoints nationwide on December 15, a slight increase from 2.5 million on the same date in 2023.