TSO Prohibited Items Identification 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passenger's carry-on bag contains a snow globe larger than a tennis ball. How should a TSO handle this?
- Allow it since snow globes are not explicitly prohibited
- Confiscate it permanently as a security threat
- Subject it to additional screening only
- Prohibit it from carry-on because the liquid volume cannot be verified as 3.4 oz or less (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Prohibit it from carry-on because the liquid volume cannot be verified as 3.4 oz or less
Snow globes larger than a tennis ball cannot have their liquid volume verified as compliant with the 3-1-1 rule and must be prohibited from carry-on baggage.
Question 2: Which of the following tools is permitted in carry-on baggage?
- Hammer
- Screwdriver longer than 7 inches
- Wrench longer than 7 inches
- Screwdriver 7 inches or shorter (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Screwdriver 7 inches or shorter
Screwdrivers 7 inches or shorter (including the handle) are permitted in carry-on bags; longer tools and hammers must go in checked baggage.
Question 3: A passenger presents a realistic-looking toy gun made of plastic. What is the correct TSO action?
- Allow it since it is clearly a toy
- Allow it only if it is smaller than a real firearm
- Prohibit it from carry-on; realistic replica firearms are not permitted (Correct answer)
- Permit it after a physical inspection confirms no metal parts
Correct answer: Prohibit it from carry-on; realistic replica firearms are not permitted
Realistic replica firearms, even toys or props, are prohibited from carry-on baggage regardless of material.
Question 4: Which type of lighter is prohibited in both carry-on AND checked baggage?
- Disposable BIC-style lighters
- Zippo-style lighters without fuel
- Torch lighters (blue flame) (Correct answer)
- Common book matches
Correct answer: Torch lighters (blue flame)
Torch lighters (also called blue flame or jet lighters) are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage due to their high-intensity flame.
Question 5: A passenger is traveling with a cast iron skillet in their carry-on. What should a TSO do?
- Allow it since cookware is not prohibited
- Prohibit it as it could be used as a club (Correct answer)
- Allow it only if the handle is detached
- Require the passenger to wrap it in bubble wrap
Correct answer: Prohibit it as it could be used as a club
Cast iron skillets are prohibited from carry-on because they are heavy blunt objects that could be used as weapons; they must be packed in checked baggage.
Question 6: A passenger declares a personal oxygen concentrator in their carry-on. What is the correct procedure?
- Prohibit it; medical devices with batteries are not allowed
- Allow it; FAA-approved personal oxygen concentrators are permitted in carry-on (Correct answer)
- Require it to be checked as oversize baggage
- Allow it only with a physician's note presented at the checkpoint
Correct answer: Allow it; FAA-approved personal oxygen concentrators are permitted in carry-on
FAA-approved personal oxygen concentrators (POCs) are allowed in carry-on baggage; a physician's note is an airline requirement, not a TSA checkpoint requirement.
Question 7: Which of the following is permitted in carry-on baggage when properly packaged?
- Flare gun with flares
- Bear spray canister
- Dry ice up to 5.5 lbs for perishables (Correct answer)
- Fueled camp stove
Correct answer: Dry ice up to 5.5 lbs for perishables
Dry ice up to 5.5 lbs is permitted in carry-on when properly packaged with venting to prevent gas buildup; the others are prohibited.
TSO Prohibited Items Identification 2
A passenger's carry-on bag contains a snow globe larger than a tennis ball.
How should a TSO handle this?