What happens to items surrendered to TSA?

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it does not confiscate items. According to the agency, if someone shows up with a prohibited item, they are given a choice on what to do with it.

A passenger can return the item to their vehicle, hand it off to a non-traveling companion, place it in a checked bag or mail it to their desired location.

The other option is to voluntarily surrender it to TSA.

The agency said that liquids, gels and aerosols are thrown in the trash but knives, tools and any items that could be considered bludgeoning weapons are turned over to the state.

It is then up to the state to decide whether to dispose of the item or auction it off. Often the state sells the item, and then keeps any profit.

The most common items that are voluntarily surrendered are oversized liquids, oversized gels, oversized aerosols, knives and tools larger than seven inches.

If a TSA agent finds a firearm in carry-on luggage, they notify local law enforcement. It is then up to the airport’s law enforcement agency to decide what happens.

Passengers may be allowed to take the gun back to their car or they may have to leave it behind with law enforcement. Depending on local laws, passengers could face fines or criminal charges that could lead to jail time.

TSA can also impose a civil penalty of up to nearly $15,000 per violation.

You can however pack a firearm in a checked bag. It must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided case. Passengers have to let the ticket counter know about any firearms or ammunition when checking their bag at the airport ticket counter.