LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – Summer is just around the corner and many people may be getting ready to plan vacations. The Lake Charles Regional Airport and TSA have some tips to help you, especially if you plan to travel with your firearm.
Last week, a the passenger had a training grenade in his checked bag at Lake Charles Regional Airport.
“This is a training aid, but very similar to what the passenger very recently had in his checked bag here in Lake Charles, so it still had the detonator inside the grenade, and the explosives, if the person had removed the pin, it would still have caused a fire,” said Transportation Security Administration spokesperson Sari Koshetz.
Now the Lake Charles Airport and TSA are making sure travelers know what you can and can't bring through security.
“If you don't want the passenger sitting next to you to have that item, then you shouldn't bring it to the checkpoint for your carry-on bag,” Koshetz said.
Koshetz said items like a pack of knives or something that can be used as a baton should be placed in a checked bag.
For those planning to travel with a firearm, it must be unloaded and placed in a locked hard-shell suitcase as well as your checked baggage. It must also be declared to the airline during check-in.
“If you bring your firearm to a TSA checkpoint, you could be fined up to $15,000 and lose your TSA pre-check privileges. We will also immediately work with the sheriff's office, who will take control of this weapon, the sheriff will decide whether you face any criminal consequences,” Koshetz said.
Although concealed carry laws go into effect on July 4, Koshetz said, regardless of state or local laws, the TSA complies with federal laws, which state that no firearms can be at points security checkpoints or on planes.
The TSA spokesperson said if you plan to travel with a firearm, it is the passenger's responsibility to know the law on both sides of your trip. Even if you are allowed to possess your firearm in Louisiana, you risk being arrested at your next destination.
Officials also remind travelers to arrive early to ensure you have enough time to go through the screening process.
Also empty your pockets in your hand luggage rather than in the trash when going through security, to avoid forgetting items.
In about a year, you will also need a physical ID with a gold star.
All items 3.4 ounces or less must be placed in a quart bag and removed at the checkpoint.
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