From Fox News · Kelly McGreal · · 1m 20s
Woman tapes knife in carry-on to dodge $100 baggage fee
A passenger at a Wisconsin airport admitted to concealing a knife with tape to avoid checking her bag.
In brief
A passenger at a Wisconsin airport admitted to concealing a knife with tape to avoid checking her bag. TSA officers are trained to detect concealed items on X-rays, and deliberately hiding prohibited items can result in federal penalties far exceeding baggage fees. Originally reported by Fox News.
Knife taped inside carry-on bag
A TSA officer at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin spotted a knife on an X-ray machine. The passenger had taped it inside her luggage.
Passenger admits deliberate concealment
The woman told TSA Supervisory Officer Andrew Kasten she was trying to hide the knife from security. She had an upcoming camping trip planned.
“Her response to me was, 'I was attempting to conceal this knife from TSA.'”
Avoiding a $100 baggage fee
The passenger chose not to check her luggage to skip the fee. She didn't think TSA would find the knife.
“She did not think TSA would find the knife.”
Unusual positioning caught attention
TSA officers with decades of experience said they'd seen knives slip through bag holes accidentally, but never deliberately taped in place like this.
“I have encountered many knives over the years, but never in this position within a bag.”
Federal penalties outweigh savings
Kasten warned travelers against risking federal civil penalties to save money on a cheap item. The knife was worth about $5.
“Don't jeopardize your income or freedom just to save an item like this $5 knife.”
Passenger cleared to travel
The woman voluntarily surrendered the knife after being caught. TSA allowed her to continue with her trip.
What it means
TSA officers are trained to detect concealed items on X-rays, and deliberately hiding prohibited items can result in federal penalties far exceeding baggage fees.
