Steps to Take if TSA Discovers a Prohibited Item in Your Carry-On

Even the most seasoned travelers occasionally forget to check their carry-on luggage for items prohibited by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). If you get to the security screening checkpoint and the TSA agents find a pocket knife, Leatherman, or a pair of scissors in your bag, what can you do?

Must I Turn In My Prohibited Item?

The answer to this question depends on your location and how much time you have. Here are some options to consider.

Ask the TSA Agent if You Can Return to the Check-in Counter

This option will only work if your airline is willing to retrieve your checked bag (the one you already dropped off), if the item in question is allowed in checked baggage, and if you have ample time before your flight. Missing your flight to avoid turning in an inexpensive item such as a pocket knife or cigarette lighter might not be the best choice. Tip: If you have an extra bag with you that has a zipper closure, consider placing the prohibited item in that bag, assuming it can be checked. Additionally, pack an item of clothing or something else from your carry-on luggage and check the bag. You may be required to pay a checked bag fee to do this.

Take the Item to Your Parked Car

Once again, you will need sufficient time to make this option feasible, particularly if you have parked far from the terminal building. If you are traveling during extreme weather conditions, make sure you can safely leave the item in either heat or cold while you are away.

Give the Item to Someone Else for Safekeeping

Consider handing your item off to someone else, such as the person who dropped you off at the airport. This option will only work if that person is still at the airport or is nearby to return and assist you.

Mail the Item Home

Some US and Canadian airports have post offices in one or more terminals. This option will only be feasible if the post office is open when you are at the airport, you have time to find the post office and mail your item, and you have mailing supplies on hand. A few airports also offer mailing service kiosks at select TSA checkpoints. At these self-service kiosks, you can purchase a mailing envelope, typically 6 inches by 9 inches, and use your credit card to pay for your item to be sent home.

Moreover, some travelers purchase pre-paid US Postal Service envelopes or boxes and pack them flat in their carry-on bags. In the event that the TSA decides a specific item cannot pass through the checkpoint, these travelers box up the prohibited item and mail it to themselves. If you choose this option, ensure that your departure airport has a post office drop box in your airline’s terminal building.

Turn the Item in at the Security Screening Checkpoint

The TSA will collect your prohibited item and dispose of it according to Government Services Administration rules. Typically, this means your item will be discarded, but some airports do donate useful items to community organizations such as schools. In some cases, items collected at security checkpoints are auctioned or sold.

Get Creative

If other alternatives are lacking, you may wish to take creative measures, albeit with some risk. Some travelers have buried pocket knives in the potting soil of a plant within the terminal or turned their knives in at Lost and Found to reclaim them after their trip. Whether these methods would succeed everywhere is debatable, and they would certainly not work for every type of prohibited item.

US Airports With Self-Service Mail-Back Kiosks

• Akron Canton Airport
• Albany International Airport (UPS)
• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
• Boston Logan International Airport
• Bradley International Airport (in Paradies Shop)
• Charleston International Airport (at Information Desk)
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport
• Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
• Columbus Regional Airport
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
• Dallas Love Field
• Daytona Beach International Airport
• Denver International Airport
• El Paso International Airport
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
• Greater Rochester International Airport
• Indianapolis International Airport
• Jacksonville International Airport
• Kansas City International Airport
• Las Vegas McCarran International Airport
• Orlando International Airport
• Pensacola Airport
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Raleigh Durham International Airport
• Reno Tahoe International Airport
• San Francisco International Airport
• San Jose International Airport
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
• Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City

Airports With Baggage Storage / Shipping Services

Vancouver International Airport