BY Christopherson Business Travel |

Know Before You Go: TSA Regulations and Airport Security

It's always a good idea to check the TSA website before you pack.
It’s always a good idea to check the TSA website before you pack.

It was recently reported that yet another gun was found in a carry-on bag at the Salt Lake City International Airport. This was the 27th gun found by TSA screeners this year at that airport. In 2012, 20 guns were seized at that same airport.

Why the increase from 2012 to 2013? It seems the message isn’t reaching the right people. Take note: whether it was an innocent mistake or not, it is a crime to pack a gun in your carry-on bag. Those finding themselves in this predicament will be prosecuted.

It’s always a good idea to check the TSA rules for carry-on baggage (and even checked bags) before you head to the airport. Many items cannot be placed in your carry-on bag, but they can go in your checked bag. And there are some items you can’t pack in either bag–period.

With holiday travel fast approaching, and longer security lines that come with it, it’s best to check the TSA web site before you pack that snow globe and head off to grandma’s house. (By the way, a snow globe that appears to hold less than 3.4 ounces of water–about the size of a tennis ball–and can fit in your quart-size bag with your other small liquids, can be taken with you in your carry on.) You can read the entire list of prohibited items here.

It’s highly recommended that you check the list each time you travel since it can periodically change.