Each year the TSA boasts about how many items they’ve confiscated from passengers.
Of course – they call these items “voluntary abandoned property” – as if travelers are just waiting to hand over their personal belongings to a TSA agent.
So if you want to avoid “voluntarily” giving up your stuff – here are a few tips you’ll need to know.
Follow Their (Annoying) Rules
To start – as obnoxious and annoying as it is – make sure you follow their rules.
Yes – it’s infuriating that they only allow liquids that are 3.4 ounces or less – but it is what it is.
The TSA’s current “3-1-1” liquid rule states you are only allowed to bring liquids no greater than 3.4 ounces, in a 1-quart bag, with only 1 bag allowed per traveler in each carry-on.
Display of oversized liquids, gels and aerosols that travelers had in their carry-on bags at the @SyracuseAirport @TSA Checkpoint in a 3-day span. The limit for liquids through a checkpoint is 3.4 oz. pic.twitter.com/Fan95TLrLy
— Lisa Farbstein, TSA Spokesperson (@TSA_Northeast) June 22, 2022
So if you try and sneak through your $38 bottle of expensive salon shampoo – you only have yourself to blame when it gets snatched.
Check Your Guns
If you’re traveling with a firearm – make sure you don’t have it packed in your carry-on bag.
Yes – it happens more than you think.
The TSA loves to boast about how they’re “keeping us all safe” by announcing the number of guns they seize from travelers – when in reality most travelers truly packed it in their carry-on by mistake.
BREAKING: In first 6 months of 2022, @TSA detected more than 3,000 guns at checkpoints nationwide. On average, TSA is stopping 17 guns at checkpoints daily. At that pace, the number of guns detected will pass the current annual record of 5,972 guns stopped, which was set in 2021. pic.twitter.com/vJglJvKIdV
— Lisa Farbstein, TSA Spokesperson (@TSA_Northeast) July 6, 2022
Know Special Custom Rules
While a group of us were heading back to the States from El Salvador – we picked up some fresh bags of coffee sold right in the airport after passing through security.
Afterall, you’d assume things sold in the airport should make it through customs – right?
Well – there was an extra customs check – and I watched as my friends had their brand new, unopened bags of coffee taken from them.
It ended up not being worth the hassle to fight it – still, make sure you know the rules of international airports so you don’t lose your stuff.
What Happens To “Voluntary” Abandoned Stuff?
So you might wonder what happens to your stuff after they take it.
Well – it depends.
Sometimes they pitch it.
Or – while the TSA cannot legally “sell your stuff” – other government agencies can – and they do.
Essentially, once you hand it over to the TSA – it’s gone. So don’t count on getting it back.
Bottom Line
Remember – your goal when traveling is to arrive at your final destination with as little hassle as possible.
Don’t pack questionable items hoping to challenge TSA – you won’t win – you’ll just lose your stuff.
Remember – these are the same people Biden armed with the power to fine travelers over the age of 2 years-old for not wearing a mask – so they’re more than willing to take you on.
So just keep your head low – follow their rules – and pretend like you’re helping to keep America “safe” by not daring to travel with a 6oz tube of toothpaste.
Have you ever had the TSA confiscate an item from you?
What’s the most frustrating experience you’ve had with TSA while traveling?
You can post your response and stay current on the latest Proud American Traveler stories on Facebook!
And if you think your friends or family would be interested in receiving our newsletter directly to their inbox, please forward this email and encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter here.
