TSO Prohibited Items Identification 3

Question 1

A passenger's X-ray image shows a cylindrical object with wires attached inside a laptop bag. What is the FIRST step a TSO should take?

Accepted Answer

Call for a supervisor and treat it as a possible IED until cleared

Answer

Any anomaly suggesting an improvised explosive device (IED) requires calling a supervisor and following established protocols before any manual inspection.

Question 2

Which of these knife types is ALWAYS prohibited in carry-on baggage regardless of blade length?

Accepted Answer

Box cutter / razor blade

Answer

Box cutters and loose razor blades are prohibited in carry-on regardless of size; folding knives under 2.36 inches with non-locking blades were previously allowed but all sharp items are now generally restricted.

Question 3

A traveler has a checked bag containing an unloaded firearm and loose ammunition stored separately. Is this compliant with TSA rules?

Accepted Answer

No, ammunition must be in the original factory box or equivalent approved container

Answer

Ammunition must be securely packaged in the manufacturer's original box or a container specifically designed for ammunition — loose ammunition is not permitted.

Question 4

Which of the following is considered a prohibited item in carry-on due to its gel-like consistency exceeding 3.4 oz?

Accepted Answer

Peanut butter jar (16 oz)

Answer

Peanut butter has a gel-like spreadable consistency and is subject to the 3-1-1 liquid rule, making containers over 3.4 oz prohibited in carry-on.

Question 5

A passenger has 4 lithium-ion spare batteries (each 100Wh) in their checked bag. What action should the TSO take?

Accepted Answer

Flag the bag; spare lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage and must go in carry-on

Answer

Spare lithium batteries (not installed in devices) are prohibited in checked baggage but allowed in carry-on where a fire can be detected and suppressed.

(TSO) Transportation Security Officer Certification Practice Test

(TSO) Transportation Security Officer Certification Practice Test

TSO Prohibited Items Identification 3