How Can a Mere $5 Worth of Fireworks Packed In a Suitcase Get You a $10,000 Fine and a Rap-Sheet?
Summer is almost here and along with it are a couple of fabulous holidays families really look forward to. One of them is the 4th of July. Families celebrate our country’s independence by taking part in fun and exciting festivities like picnics and fireworks.
They enjoy lighting fireworks in front of their homes or gathering at a park, beach or waterway and watch the pyrotechnicians orchestrate a symphony of lights in the sky. Parents and kids get to relax and enjoy the visual wonderland experience for a short time before their minds return to reality.
Here are some very serious consequences for not knowing the law when families travel.
When Parents Travel With Their Children!
With over 2,000,000 passengers flying per day in the United States and an expected 1 BILLION in 2015, it’s no wonder there are so many people confused by airport security procedures.
My Motto- Plan Before You Stand!
Here is an issue that is important for all kids and adults. Fireworks are considered an explosive. As much as you want to pack your fireworks in your luggage to take them with you, I am here to say, DON’T DO IT! Why? Because, as a former airport security screener I know you could be fined up to $1,500 per person, per violation. If your fireworks contain over 10 ounces of gunpowder, you could be fined up to $10,000 and be referred criminally. That means arrested. When I was on the job, I confiscated a lot of fireworks from kids bags at checked baggage and in checkpoint. Every family was referred to airport police.
I want to save you time, money, stress and a rap sheet. I would like everyone to travel as safe as possible and if it means that parents need to inspect their kid’s luggage, then do it! You really don’t want to suffer the consequences. Ignorance of what your child carries in his or her bags might not spare you a big fine and a huge headache.
Just remember that 40 Million prohibited items have been confiscated to date including explosives, weapons, guns and knives.
TSA has two categories for Penalty Ranges. There is A and B. The Penalty Range A category has fines that range from $6,000 to $10,000 for the following items:
Blasting Caps
Dynamite
Hand Grenades
Plastic Explosives
All other “high explosives”
Penalty Range B has fines that range from $250 to $1,500 for the following items:
Ammunition (some exemptions apply in checked baggage).
Fireworks
Flares in any form
Gunpowder (Over 10 ounces justifies use of Penalty Range A).
Enjoy your 4th of July celebration. Just remember, DO NOT pack any fireworks in your checked or carry-on baggage.
May all your family travels be safe and happy travels!
Natalia Ippolito, author of: I MIGHT AS WELL BE NAKED: How to Survive Airport Screening With Your Clothes On. Tips, tricks, techniques and strategies of a former Airport Screener! Receive her free Tip of The Week at http://www.IMightAsWellBeNaked.com
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