TSA Seizes Smoke Grenades at Pittsburgh International Airport Checkpoint

TSA officials at Pittsburgh International Airport thwarted attempts by two passengers to board flights with grenades in their carry-on luggage this Wednesday. One of the confiscated items was identified as a “smoke grenade,” which if activated, could have released clouds of thick yellow smoke, according to TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein.

On the same day, security officers also discovered a more traditional, circular grenade during routine checks. Farbstein noted that the incidents involving the two passengers appeared to be unrelated.

“Yellow is just not a good look,” Farbstein humorously remarked on X, formerly known as Twitter, emphasizing the danger and inappropriateness of such items on flights. “And besides, you know that there’s no smoking on a plane!”

She also highlighted the seriousness of the issue, stating that TSA agents across U.S. airports confiscate at least one grenade daily, though most are inert. “Grenades, live or inert, are not allowed on planes,” Farbstein firmly reminded the public in a statement to TribLive.

The confiscation of grenades is part of a broader issue where travelers attempt to bring firearms and other weapons through airport security. This year alone, TSA officers have intercepted 16 guns at Pittsburgh International’s checkpoints.

The penalties for attempting to bring firearms through airport security are severe. Passengers caught with firearms at checkpoints may face federal civil fines up to $10,000, and repeat offenders can receive fines as high as $13,910.

Travelers are allowed to transport firearms only in checked baggage, provided they are unloaded and securely packed in a hard-sided, locked case. These cases must be declared at the airline check-in counter.

This ongoing issue of weapons at airports reflects a national trend. Last year, TSA intercepted a record 6,737 firearms at checkpoints across the country, underscoring the persistent challenge of ensuring public safety in air travel.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, triblive.com