FAMILIES and friends across the country are set to gather for the Labor Day weekend in a matter of days.
This weekend could be one of the last chances for Americans to enjoy cookouts and barbecues before Fall arrives.
Travelers have been warned not to pack items like pyrotechnics (Pictured: July 4 celebrations in New York City)[/caption]
And, there may be the temptation to light fireworks.
But, travelers have been warned that pyrotechnics cannot be stashed away in suitcases.
And, those who try to skirt around the rules could land themselves in hot water.
Americans risk fines between $450 and $2,750 if consumer fireworks are found in their checked baggage, as per the Transportation Security Administration.
This rule applies to travelers who pack novelty fireworks and flares in their luggage.
Ahead of the July 4 holiday, TSA officials urged Americans not to pack fireworks and sparklers.
“Fireworks, sparklers, and anything that screams ‘bad idea’ are a no-go,” the TSA wrote on a Facebook post.
“Let’s make sure the only fires flying are at the cookout, not in your bags.
“Pack snacks, not sparks.”
The agency reiterated that pyrotechnics mustn’t be stored in carry-on or checked items.
Americans who store a maximum of 10 ounces of gunpowder also risk hefty financial sanctions, also potentially up to $2,750.
But, travelers who are caught with more than 10 ounces of gunpowder could see themselves hit with a minimum $10,230 penalty.
Their fine might come to $17,062 and they could be hit with a criminal referral.
This penalty also applies to travelers caught with hand grenades and plastic explosives.
Penalties travelers could be slapped with if they’re caught with banned items in their checked baggage.
Officials at the Transportation Security Administration have warned travelers risk penalties if they’re caught with banned items in their checked baggage.
- Flammable liquids: $450 to $2,750
- Blasting caps, dynamite: $10,230 to $17,062 and a criminal referral
- Consumer fireworks: $450 to $2,570
- Realistic replicas of explosives: $850 – $4,250 and a criminal referral
- Undeclared loaded firearms: $1,700 – $3,410 and a criminal referral
- Undeclared silencers or mufflers: $450 – $2,570
- Undeclared unloaded firearm: Warning notice for first offense. Repeat offenders risk $850 – $1,700 fines.
Source: TSA
TSA officials have also warned that fines are issued on a per person basis.
The agency has also revealed that Americans who don’t declare certain items could be slapped with fines.
Travelers who fail to declare loaded firearms could be hit with a $3,410 penalty.
Meanwhile, Americans who don’t declare an unloaded gun could be slapped with a warning.
But, repeat offenders could see themselves having to pay civil penalties of up to $1,700.
The agency has revealed other travelers can be impacted by someone who tries to bring a prohibited item through security.
Unloaded firearms can be stored in checked luggage if they are in a locked, hard-sided container.
But, TSA officials have stressed Americans must declare the item with their airline before traveling.
Meanwhile, The U.S. Sun has reported how popular hair styling tools such as cordless curling irons that contain gas cartridges are banned.
TSA officials have warned travelers who flout the rules risk hefty fines (stock of an agent checking baggage)[/caption]
