INDUSTRY FOCUS

If Things Can Go Wrong, They Will

Reading is a great pastime, and I do a lot of it. It’s part of my job. For fun, I read, but not the usual news; I like to focus on obituaries (just checking to make sure I’m not there) and lists. I like the Top Ten lists of just about anything.

Favorites include best pizza in every state. I’m sure the choice in New York or maybe Illinois is difficult, whereas, in Wyoming—where I’m from—the choice might not be too difficult. What does this have to do with security? Nothing.

Another one of my favorite topics is crazy things that TSA officials have found in carry-on luggage. Here are some serious security concerns.

10. Atlantic City International: Bullets in deodorant. The passenger must have been sweating bullets when this was discovered.
9. Newark Liberty International: An Old West-type firearm. Like one from the movies. Is your one-shot worth a mug shot?
8. Houston Hobby International: A meth burrito. You can’t speed your way through security with this one.
7. Honolulu International: A belt buckle with a gun attached. Imagine if this weapon accidentally turned upside down—and then fired. Words cannot explain the pain. What a waist of a Hawaiian vacation.
6. Harrisburg International: A meat cleaver. Seriously, not a clever idea in anyone’s luggage. This traveler wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.
5. Destin-Fort Walton Beach: Bear spray. This is not a bear necessity on any flight.
4. Reagan Washington National: Machete. This is about 24 inches of stupid.
3. Syracuse Hancock International: Fireworks. This could have been an explosive situation.
2. Sacramento International: Wine holder. No big deal, right? Not when this caddy was made of two hand guns. Talk about a pour decision.
1. You’re not going to believe this. New Orleans International: A chainsaw.

Don’t try to take something illegal through security. You can’t stump the TSA.

TSA makes it abundantly clear what travelers can bring on a flight. None of the above items appear on any “approved items” list I’ve ever read. We are all starting to travel a little more these days, and the rules about carry-on items haven’t changed. Keep security forefront in your thoughts when traveling.

This article originally appeared in the March 2022 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.