As Boise Airport sets traveler record, TSA stresses vital rules. No axes, for instance
The Boise Airport screened a record number of travelers through security on Sunday, and in the process discovered an “unusually high” number of prohibited items.
A total of 9,503 people were screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), surpassing the previous single-day record of 9,467, set just a week earlier on July 7.
During the first six months of 2024, TSA officers in Boise have screened nearly 1.3 million departing travelers, which is a 6.1% increase from the same period last year, according to airport officials.
The increase in travelers has also led to an increase in the volume of prohibited items confiscated from both carry-on and checked luggage. Many of the prohibited items have been camping-related, such as propane canisters and even axes.
In the past two days, TSA officers have found five canisters of propane camping fuel in checked luggage and one can of butane. TSA also discovered three axes in a traveler’s carry-on bag during routine X-ray screening at the security checkpoint, and another individual had a stun gun in their carry-on bag.
A spokesperson for the airport said there was no indication that any of the incidents were related, and all of the travelers voluntarily abandoned the items to TSA and were allowed to continue on their travels.
“We have said it before and we will say it again. TSA is asking all travelers to know what is in your checked and carry-on luggage to ensure that you are not bringing prohibited items to the airport,” TSA Idaho Federal Security Director Andy Coose said.
“With a record number of people traveling, we all need to do our part and share in the responsibility to keep security operations running smoothly and efficiently.”
