South Bend International Airport's TSA speaks about prohibited items

Airport security keeps us from traveling with certain items in carry-ons and checked luggage, but that doesn't stop some people from trying.

During one month, Transportation Security Administration at South Bend International Airport gets about 25 to 30 pounds of prohibited items that are forfeited at checkpoints.

Liquids, gels, and aerosols over the 3.4-ounce limit, are the most common confiscated items. 

The second most common are knives. 

Mark Howell, TSA Regional Spokesperson, explains that options are given to travelers who are asked to forfeit an item.

What's going to happen whenever we have a prohibited item at the checkpoint, is we're going to go through the options of them getting rid of it before they can proceed through the check point.  We have to go through the option of them putting it in a check bag, taking it to their car, giving it to a loved one, and then we're going to have to rescreen that passenger.  So think of each one of these items on the table as an additional person in line in front of you and in a busy time of day that can really stretch things out.

To save yourself and other passengers time, TSA agents say to take a few extra minutes to check your bags to make sure everything you have is approved.

Share this article: