Prohibited Items and Threat Recognition Flashcards
7 cards from real TSO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Prohibited Items and Threat Recognition flashcards as text
Which of the following items is permitted in checked baggage but NOT in carry-on baggage?
Answer: A black powder firearm with up to 1 pound of black powder
Black powder firearms and up to 1 pound of black powder are allowed in checked baggage under specific conditions but are prohibited in carry-on bags.
What is the maximum number of lithium-ion spare batteries (100–160 Wh) a passenger may carry in their carry-on bag?
Answer: Up to 2 spare batteries
Passengers are limited to 2 spare lithium-ion batteries in the 100–160 Wh range in carry-on baggage; larger batteries require airline approval.
During X-ray screening, a TSO notices an organic mass blocking the view of other bag contents. What should be the next step?
Answer: Rotate the X-ray image and request a bag search if the view remains obscured
When organic material obscures bag contents, the TSO should use multiple X-ray angles and if the view remains unclear, conduct a physical bag search.
A passenger is transporting a replica handgun that is clearly labeled as a toy. Where may it be transported?
Answer: In checked baggage only
Realistic-looking replica firearms, even if clearly toys, are prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be placed in checked baggage.
What does a 'K-Edge' effect on an X-ray image indicate to a trained TSO?
Answer: The item likely contains a specific metal element that absorbs X-rays at a characteristic energy level
K-Edge refers to a sudden increase in X-ray absorption at a specific energy level characteristic of certain elements, used in dual-energy X-ray systems to help identify materials.
A passenger's carry-on contains flare guns with flares. How should these be handled?
Answer: Permitted in checked baggage if properly declared and unloaded
Flare guns are treated as firearms and may be transported in checked baggage if unloaded, declared to the airline, and stored in a hard-sided locked container.
When should a TSO call for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team?
Answer: When a suspicious item cannot be cleared through standard screening procedures and poses a potential explosive threat
EOD is summoned when an item cannot be cleared through normal screening and exhibits characteristics consistent with an explosive device, requiring specialized disposal expertise.