Fake Grenades Cause Travel Headaches

Image: PHOTO: Red grenade close up. (photo via Flickr/Andy Gasparini)
Image: PHOTO: Red grenade close up. (photo via Flickr/Andy Gasparini)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 3:37 PM ET, Tue August 21, 2018

A woman caused major security headaches at a New Jersey airport Tuesday when two novelty grenade bottle openers were discovered in her checked bag.

According to the New York Times, the bags of an unidentified woman were being checked by Transportation Security Administration officers at Newark Liberty International Airport when they noticed something suspicious.

As the bag went through the X-ray screening machines, officials noticed what looked like hand grenades. As agents investigated what turned out to be bottle openers, a delay was caused at the screening area.

After discovering the items weren't real grenades, the woman was allowed to board her flight.

TSA officials are warning travelers to be more cautious transporting items that resemble firearms or explosives, as agents will be forced to take them as real and respond accordingly. The resulting investigation can cause flight delays and cancellations.

The fake grenades were just one of many items confiscated by TSA agents recently. Between July 23 and August 5, officials discovered 174 firearms in carry-on bags around the United States, with 149 being loaded and 49 having a round in the chamber.


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