TSA Ohio officials discussed packing smart and displayed prohibited items during a media event at John Glenn Columbus International Airport on Tuesday. (TSA photo)
COLUMBUS – Ahead of the summer travel season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reminding travelers departing John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to leave prohibited items out of their carry-on bags to ensure an efficient screening process at the checkpoint.
Examples of prohibited items frequently seen at the checkpoint include oversized liquids, gels, and aerosols; knives; and tools bigger than 7 inches. In addition, firearms are never allowed in a passenger’s carry-on bag. So far this year, 18 firearms have been stopped at CMH checkpoints, all of them loaded. The total number of firearms stopped in 2022 was 40.
“Although it’s extremely troubling when passengers make this careless, expensive mistake, the general public should feel safer knowing that the TSA officers in Columbus continue to perform their jobs exceptionally well and are stopping these firearms from going past the checkpoint,” said Ohio TSA Federal Security Director Don Barker. “When dangerous items such as loaded guns are brought to a security checkpoint, it represents a serious security and safety concern. Remember that a concealed carry permit or enrollment in the TSA PreCheck® program are not exemptions from this policy."
Passengers are permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage if they are unloaded, packed separately from ammunition in a locked hardback case and declared at the airline check-in counter. Firearm possession laws vary by state and locality. Travelers should check for firearm laws in the jurisdictions they are flying to and from.
TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website. Travelers should also contact their airline as they may have additional requirements for traveling with firearms and ammunition.
TSA recently announced that the penalty for bringing weapons to the airport increased and can reach as high as $14,950, depending on the circumstances. TSA determines the penalty amount for a violation based on the circumstances in each case. TSA will continue to revoke TSA PreCheck eligibility for at least five years for passengers caught with a firearm in their possession.
Travel advice
TSA continues to ask travelers to arrive early and prepared for the screening experience to allow for timely completion of every step of the travel process. To help things go smoothly, please follow these tips:
Follow the rule that limits liquids. Liquids, gels and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on baggage. The general definition for this rule is that if you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then the carry-on quantity is limited.
Leave prohibited items at home. To reduce the likelihood of physical contact with TSA officers at the checkpoint, be familiar with the TSA prohibited items list for carry-on bags. Travelers can check for prohibited items by using the “What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov and by downloading the free myTSA app, which has a helpful “What Can I Bring?” feature.
Give yourself plenty of time. Travel volumes are expected to be higher than they have been and some are traveling for the first time in quite a while. Extra time may be needed for parking, rental car and airline check-in counters, and at the checkpoint.
Empty your pockets when you get to the checkpoint. Place items inside your carry-on bag instead of into a bin so that you reduce touchpoints and not leave anything behind.
Contact TSA with your questions. Tweet your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can also call the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST or 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
Enroll now in TSA PreCheck®. “Travel with Ease” by enrolling in TSA PreCheck and avoid removing shoes, belts, liquids, laptops and light jackets. Most new enrollees receive a Known Traveler Number within five days, and membership lasts for five years.