Knives, box cutters, wrenches, power tools among dangerous items found at the scanners
FLINT -- Over 2 million people go through airport checkpoints in the US on a normal day. On holidays even more. About 1.33 million Michiganders alone are expected to travel this thanksgiving weekend. Many people packed in a hurry, either anxious to get where they are going or just wanting to maximize time. What some of these hurried travelers have left in their carry-ons or even in their pockets, however, will shock and amaze you. NBC 25 was able to get a rare look inside at some of the items left at Flint's Bishop International Airport, courtesy of TSA.
"For the most part passengers understand the rules," says TSA spokesperson Jim Fotenos, "they show up they know the process they get through quickly but we do have some interesting items that end up at the checkpoint."
Some of the items we saw surrendered include brass knuckles, knives, power tools, shanks and even a sword hidden in grandpa's cane. All of these items surrendered just this fall. How does this happen? TSA says usually by accident! If what you bring is an accidental weapon airport officials say you can expect to be chatting with police. But if you bring something more innocent like a power tool, you can take it to your vehicle or surrender it. If that means missing a flight, many people, we're told, just hand the item over. Sometimes people end up parting with expensive items and familiy heirlooms. Fotenos says this can all be avoided with a little preparation.
"The biggest stress component of travel is time the more time you allow to get your boarding pass get through security and get to your gate the better you'll be. Passengers who come prepared make it easier on themselves and those around them," Fotenos tells us.
But if you accidentally bring a prohibited item, you will at least know someone that day probably screwed up worse than you. Fotenos tells NBC 25 that about 2 guns per day are surrendered at airport checkpoints nationwide, usually brought on accident and without hostile intent.
The amazing thing is most of these items are allowed in checked baggage that are held in the planes luggage compartment, but airport officials say the best thing to do is just leave the weapons at home.
