BOSTON (WHDH) - Transportation Security Administration officers seized a cane that resembled a firearm in Boston’s Logan International Airport on Tuesday.
The cane was found during security screening, according to the TSA.
State police responded to the scene and the woman who owned the cane was eventually allowed to continue on with her travel plans without her cane.
TSA spokesperson Dan Velez said replica weapons are not uncommon and agents often see things like paperweight grenades.
“Even though they’re fake, they’re paperweights, there’s no fuse, they can’t detonate, it’s important that we keep those things off the aircraft because we don’t want people to panic,” he explained.
Bottom line, Velez said even though some fake weapons can go in your checked bag, they cannot be allowed in the cabin of the plane.
“Can you imagine if you’re sitting next to a person and their paperweight grenade falls out of their bag and onto the floor? The chaos that could ensue,” he said.
The TSA said they often see people trying to bring guns, knives, even brass knuckles onto planes.
According to Velez, the agency has already confiscated more guns this year than in years past. He suggested travelers go online to see exactly what is and is not allowed before boarding.
“Make sure you take the time to think about what it is you’re packing, where you’re going,” he said.
With Halloween only weeks away, the TSA also wants passengers to know that costume weapons will not be allowed through security and for those who choose to dress up in a costume, they will most likely go through an advanced screening.
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