The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a firm reminder to air travelers after a recent security incident involving a common camping item.
The incident occurred at Pensacola International Airport in Florida, where TSA agents discovered a camping stove with a propane tank packed inside a passenger’s carry-on bag. The agency shared details of the incident in a Facebook post, using the opportunity to educate the public on the risks and regulations involved.
“Listen, friends, we love watching cooking shows as much as you do, but any top chef has to know that you cannot bring a stove with a propane tank attached through airport security in your carry-on bag,” the post began.
TSA praised the Pensacola airport team for spotting the prohibited item during standard checkpoint screening and informing the passenger about relevant travel rules.
According to the agency, the traveler claimed he was unaware that such items were not permitted on flights. TSA emphasized this as a learning opportunity for all travelers, stating, “Propane tanks cannot and do not belong in either your carry-on or checked bags. Camp stoves can be carried on, but only if they’re empty of all fuel and fully cleaned so no fuel vapors or residue remains.”
The story quickly drew attention online, with many Facebook users mocking the oversight and applauding TSA for their diligence.
“A propane tank?!? Someone is sorely lacking in common sense!” one user commented.
Another wrote, “This is truly a weird carry-on in the airport. Great catch TSA.”
A third added, “He knew! If you have to bring travel-size shampoo you know. Good catch by TSA.”
The TSA has recently used its social media platforms to clarify what is and isn’t allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage. In one post, the agency highlighted a more lighthearted topic: the permissibility of popular snacks, such as donuts.
That post also linked to a broader guide covering travel rules for various food and drink items, including alcohol, pizza, breast milk, and even live lobsters.
The TSA explained that passengers may bring alcohol under certain conditions. “Alcoholic beverages with more than 24 percent but not more than 70 percent alcohol are limited in checked bags to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging,” the agency noted.
In contrast, alcoholic beverages with 24 percent alcohol or less are not restricted in checked luggage. For carry-ons, small alcohol bottles must fit inside a single quart-sized bag.
However, TSA stressed that beverages with more than 70 percent alcohol content—such as grain alcohol and 151-proof rum—are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
The agency also reminded travelers that while some items, like baby formula and breast milk, are allowed in checked baggage, there are specific guidelines to follow if they are brought onto the plane.
The TSA continues to urge passengers to review their official list of prohibited and allowed items before arriving at the airport to avoid similar situations.
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