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
A passenger has a jar of peanut butter in their carry-on bag. How should it be treated under TSA guidelines?
Answer: Subject to the 3.4-oz liquid rule because it has a spreadable, gel-like consistency
Peanut butter is considered a gel/spreadable and is subject to the TSA 3.4-oz (100 ml) liquids rule in carry-on baggage.
Which of the following is the correct procedure when a TSO discovers a prohibited item that may be evidence of a crime?
Answer: Preserve the item and the chain of custody, and notify law enforcement
When a prohibited item may constitute criminal evidence, TSOs must preserve chain of custody and immediately involve law enforcement rather than discarding or returning the item.
What is the significance of 'resolution' in X-ray image interpretation during TSO training?
Answer: It describes the clarity and detail level of the X-ray image, affecting the ability to identify threats
Image resolution determines how clearly TSOs can see fine details within a bag, directly affecting their ability to identify concealed prohibited items or IED components.
A passenger presents a cane that appears hollow upon X-ray inspection. What is the appropriate response?
Answer: Conduct additional screening, including a physical inspection of the cane
Hollow canes may conceal prohibited items such as weapons or contraband, requiring additional screening while still respecting the passenger's mobility needs.
Under TSA policy, which category of item requires an airline's approval before it can be transported in checked baggage?
Answer: Lithium-ion batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh
Lithium-ion batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require specific airline approval before transport, while firearms and small quantities of dry ice follow separate TSA/FAA rules.
What does the color orange typically indicate on a dual-energy X-ray system used at TSA checkpoints?
Answer: Organic materials such as food, paper, or explosives
On most dual-energy X-ray systems, orange represents organic materials, which include food, paper, plastics, and importantly, many explosive compounds.
A passenger's checked bag contains a realistic-looking starter pistol that fires blank cartridges only. How must it be handled?
Answer: Permitted in checked baggage under normal firearm declaration rules
Starter pistols are classified as firearms by TSA and must follow standard firearm transport rules: unloaded, in a hard-sided locked container, and declared to the airline.