TSA Prepares To Test Program Allowing Passengers To Ship Confiscated Items

[AvesPKS]

First Coast News

The First Coast News (1/23, Tardy) reports, "It's something that affects everyone who travels on a commercial air flight. You can try, but you can't take them with you, at least not on an airplane, even simple things that you once thought were harmless like toenail clippers. Those are some of the items now being confiscated by airport security screeners since September 11th. But First Coast News has learned you may soon have a way to ensure you get your things back. Beginning in about a month, the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, will test a new item at JIA that's already being used at most airports across the country. It's a simple little pouch that will help prevent you from losing those treasured belongings." The News adds, "Passengers would have to pay to have their possessions shipped back home. But most folks we spoke with told us, the cost is worth it. ... The TSA says the plastic pouches could be available within the next thirty days. Meanwhile, the TSA is also considering enforcing fines for passengers who carry some of those smaller items like knives into the airport."

 

[EagleKeeper]

$10 bucks for a $0.05 nail clipper

 

[EagleKeeper]

Why not just place the items in a pouch, label it and let TSA place items in a shipping bin.
At flight desitination, pick up items from central baggage area.

 

[Witling]

Some form of reasonably priced relief should be provided. I've lost more than one 2 inch Swiss army knife. And yes, I acknowledge that i should be more careful. But the requirements should be more reasonable too. My 82 year old mother lost her nail file.

 

[b0mbrman]

At the minimum, the forbidden items should be prominently displayed...

And I do think the mailing pouch is a good idea because I like that the TSA gives the passenger the choice in deciding whether the value (sentimental or otherwise) of the confiscated item outweighs the shipping cost...

Though it does raise the question of what to do when a passenger mistakenly packs an item prohibited from both flying on planes and getting shipped by mail. For example, I regularly travel with a bottle of lighter fluid signed by Elvis...