[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 206 (Thursday, October 26, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 73537-73542]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-23653]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration
49 CFR Part 1540
Prohibited Items
AGENCY: Transportation Security Administration, DHS.
ACTION: Interpretive rule.
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SUMMARY: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is amending
its interpretive rule that provides guidance to the public on the types
of items that TSA considers to be weapons, explosives, and
incendiaries, which are prohibited in airport sterile areas, in the
cabins of aircraft, or in passengers' checked baggage. This document
adds a limited type of unpressurized gas cylinders for air guns used in
competitive shooting to those items that may be placed in checked
baggage but continue to be prohibited in sterile areas and aircraft
cabins. This document also provides clarification on prohibited sharp
objects and certain self-defense items.
DATES: This rule is effective October 26, 2023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Justin Keear, Requirements Development
Branch, Requirements and Capabilities Analysis, Transportation Security
Administration, 6595 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 20598-
6016; Telephone (571) 422-7202; email [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Availability of Rulemaking Document
You can find an electronic copy of this rulemaking using the
internet by accessing the Government Publishing Office's web page at
https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/FR/ to view the daily published
Federal Register edition or accessing the Office of the Federal
Register's web page at https://www.federalregister.gov. Copies are also
available by contacting the individual identified in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section.
Statutory and Regulatory Background
TSA is responsible for security in all modes of transportation,
including aviation.\1\ In addition, TSA is required to screen all
passengers and property, including carry-on and checked baggage, and
other articles.\2\ Under TSA's regulation on acceptance and screening
of individuals and accessible property, 49 CFR 1540.111(a), an
individual (other than law enforcement personnel or other authorized
individuals) may not have a weapon, explosive, or incendiary, on or
about the individual's person or accessible property--
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\1\ See 49 U.S.C. 114(d).
\2\ See 49 U.S.C. 44901(a).
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(1) When performance has begun of the inspection of the
individual's person or accessible property before entering a sterile
area, or before boarding an aircraft for which screening is conducted
under this subchapter;
(2) When the individual is entering or in a sterile area; or
(3) When the individual is attempting to board or onboard an
aircraft for which screening is conducted under 49 CFR 1544.201,
1546.201, or 1562.23.
Under 49 CFR 1540.111(c), a passenger may not transport the
following items in checked baggage: any loaded firearms; any unloaded
firearms unless it meets specific packaging requirements and is
properly declared; or any unauthorized explosive or incendiary.
Since February 2003, TSA has published a series of interpretive
rules that provide guidance to the public on the types of property TSA
considers to be weapons, explosives, and incendiaries prohibited on an
individual's person, accessible property, or in checked baggage, as
well as items that may be permitted, if they clear TSA's required
screening.\3\
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\3\ See 68 FR 7444 (Feb. 14, 2003) (initial interpretive rule);
68 FR 9902 (Mar. 3, 2003) (technical corrections); 70 FR 9877 (Mar.
1, 2005) (prohibiting lighters); 70 FR 51679 (Aug. 31, 2005)
(permitting certain small scissors that persons with ostomies need);
70 FR 72930 (Dec. 8, 2005) (allowing small scissors and small
tools); and 72 FR 40262 (July 24, 2007) (new enforcement policy
regarding lighters, allowing one lighter).
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As noted in the first interpretive rule, neither the prohibited
items list nor the permitted items list in this regulatory
interpretation contains all possible items.\4\ As a result, items not
specifically included on the prohibited items list may be prohibited in
a sterile area and the cabin of an aircraft.
[[Page 73538]]
Screeners have discretion to prohibit an individual from carrying an
item into a sterile area or onboard an aircraft if the screener
determines that the item poses a potential threat, regardless of
whether the item is on the prohibited items list. Moreover, if future
information or events demonstrate the need to prohibit items that TSA
has previously considered permitted, TSA may prohibit individuals from
bringing these items into the sterile area or onboard the aircraft
without first publishing a change to this interpretive rule. This
flexibility is consistent with Congress' direction that screeners be
proficient in recognizing new threats and weapons \5\ as well as TSA's
mission and authorities to protect transportation security from
evolving threats. To provide as much notice to the public as possible,
TSA has created an interactive capability for the public on https://www.tsa.gov that provides up-to-date information on prohibited items,
including hazardous items prohibited by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), and those that are permitted if properly packaged
and screened.\6\
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\4\ 68 FR at 7445.
\5\ 49 U.S.C. 44935(h)(1).
\6\ https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all.
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Statutory Requirements for Revisions to the Prohibited Items List
Section 1962 of the TSA Modernization Act requires TSA to
periodically review and amend, as necessary, the prohibited items
list.\7\ Before determining whether to include or remove an item from
the prohibited items list, TSA is required to: (1) research and
evaluate the impact, if any, the amendment would have on security risks
and screening operations, including effectiveness and efficiency; (2)
research and evaluate whether the amendment is consistent with
international standards and guidance, including those of the
International Civil Aviation Organization; and (3) consult with
appropriate aviation security stakeholders, including the Aviation
Security Advisory Committee (ASAC).\8\ With the exception of plastic or
round-bladed butter knives, TSA is prohibited from amending the
interpretive rule to authorize any knife to be permitted in an airport
sterile area or in the aircraft cabin.\9\
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\7\ Division K, FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Public Law 115-
254 (132 Stat. 3186; Oct. 5, 2018) as codified at 49 U.S.C. 44901
note [hereinafter, TSA Modernization Act]. This provision is
consistent with recommendations from a 2015 review by the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) of TSA's approach to prohibiting items
aboard passenger aircraft. GAO published a report recommending that
TSA review and revise the prohibited items list regularly, and
engage with internal and external stakeholders, including the ASAC,
in the course of these reviews. See GAO-15-261 Report, Aviation
Security TSA Should Take Additional Action to Obtain Stakeholder
Input when Modifying the Prohibited Items List, GAO-15-261 (Feb.
2015).
\8\ TSA Modernization Act, at Sec. 1962(b).
\9\ Id. at Sec. 1962(c).
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TSA established a process to ensure compliance with these statutory
requirements. TSA Management Directive 4000.2 (August 25, 2021)
establishes TSA's Office of Requirements and Capabilities Analysis as
the lead office for revisions to the prohibited items list. All changes
to the prohibited items list require review and approval by TSA's
Executive Risk Steering Committee, a risk assessment (to include
determining potential impact on operations), and a robust process for
engagement with internal and external stakeholders. When determining to
make these revisions to the prohibited items list, TSA considered,
among other factors, known security risks based on intelligence,
incidents, and feedback from stakeholders. From information provided by
the U.S. intelligence and law enforcement communities, TSA knows that
terrorists remain focused on attacking commercial aviation. The use of
simple weapons in the aircraft cabin to overpower the flight crew is a
known threat tactic.
Impact on screening operations. TSA also considered the effects of
these changes on screening operations, including effectiveness and
efficiency. For example, the clarifications to the definitions of sharp
objects being made through this revision to the prohibited items list
are intended to reduce confusion and training burdens across the
screening workforce, thereby enabling TSA screeners to focus more
effectively and efficiently on searching for prohibited items.
Alignment with International Standards. TSA reviewed all
corresponding passenger screening security standards from the
International Civil Aviation Organization and determined that all
clarifications to the list are consistent with those standards.
Engagement with stakeholders. TSA solicited input and feedback from
the FAA, the ASAC, and several industry trade organizations with an
interest in aviation security on the changes relating to gas cylinders
for air guns. No external stakeholders provided substantive feedback.
As discussed below, the remaining changes relating to definitions of
sharp objects and club-like items are clarifications to the prohibited
items list consistent with current screening policies; they do not
represent changes to current limitations or requirements, and they
neither add nor remove items from the list. Accordingly, TSA did not
engage extensively with ASAC or other interested stakeholders when
preparing those revisions.
Clarifications to the Prohibited Items List
Sharp objects: Blade holding devices and table knives. TSA is
making clarifications to the prohibited items list for categories of
sharp objects prohibited under Section I.B. of the interpretive rule.
As shown in Table 1, these changes include a minor revision to the
types of permitted knives, intended to clarify the features of some
common table knives that may be carried in the passenger cabin. The
current text of the prohibited items list prompts recurring questions
by TSA screeners regarding the identity of the knife as a butter knife,
the existence of a point, the features of the blade edge, the presence
of serrations, and how to decide if a knife with a particular
combination of those features is permitted or not. Consistent with the
requirements of the TSA Modernization Act,\10\ the revised text is
intended to clarify that only knives with no sharp edges, no points,
and no serrations are permitted. Commonly permissible examples would
include plastic cutlery and butter knives (the butter knife exception
is limited to knives that are round-bladed, blunt-edged, without
serration, and no longer than a common table knife). There is no change
to the allowance for plastic cutlery, which continues to be permitted.
The new definition will simplify training and operational requirements
and will allow TSA's screening workforce to focus more appropriately on
screening for more dangerous items.
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\10\ Id.
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The second change provides clarification regarding box cutters and
utility knives. Recognizing the potential for empty box cutter and
utility knife housings to be used to enhance the lethality of a hidden
blade, TSA determined it is necessary to provide clarification that
both the blades and housings are prohibited.
[[Page 73539]]
Table 1--Changes to the Definition of Sharp Objects in the Prohibited
Items List Section I.B.
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Current wording New wording
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(5) Knives of any length, except (5) Knives of any length, except
rounded-blade butter and plastic plastic cutlery and butter knives
cutlery. (the butter knife exception is
limited to knives that are round-
bladed, blunt-edged, without
serration, and no longer than a
common table knife).
(7) Razor-type blades, such as box (7) Razor-type blades, such as
cutters, utility knives, and blades for box cutters, utility
razor blades not in a cartridge, knives, and non-disposable safety
but excluding safety razors. razors. This prohibition includes
box cutter and utility knife
housings, with or without the razor
blade, but excludes disposable
safety razors and safety razor
blade cartridges.
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Club-like items: Cat-Eyes. Cat-eyes are a type of brass knuckle
made in the stylized representation of a cat's face, often made of
metal, and commonly marketed as keychains. The eyes of the cat are
finger holes and the ears of the cat are sharp points that extend
beyond the fingers when the weapon is held in a closed fist, as with
other brass knuckles. TSA screeners have requested clarification on
whether these items are prohibited, seeking clarification of whether
the items should be treated as a club-like item or sharp object.
Clarifying that TSA considers cat-eyes to be a type of brass knuckle
will simplify training and operational requirements and provide clarity
to the public.
Gas cylinders for air guns. TSA currently prohibits all compressed
air guns and compressed gas cylinders on person or in accessible
property.\11\ TSA permits unloaded compressed air guns to be
transported in checked baggage, but the agency has not included a clear
exception for the compressed gas cylinders used in these guns through
the prohibited items list. In response to a request from the
competitive shooting industry, TSA examined available intelligence
information and the characteristics of unpressurized competitive
shooting cylinders for air guns. TSA conducted a risk analysis that
compared the gas cylinders to other similar items that are currently
allowed in checked baggage and found that the carriage of a maximum of
four of these unpressurized cylinders in checked baggage would not
introduce an unacceptable level of risk to passengers or aviation
security, even if carried along with their associated air rifle or air
pistol. TSA has, in the past, made limited exceptions consistent with
this change, such as for Olympic competitors and the Wounded Warrior
program, without incident.
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\11\ See Sections I.A(2) (compressed air guns) and I.F(2)
(compressed gas cylinders).
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Through this revision to the interpretive rule, TSA is permitting
travelers to transport up to four unpressurized compressed gas
cylinders of limited size and capacity intended for air guns. Each
passenger may carry no more than four such cylinders, and none of the
gas cylinders may exceed 24 inches in length, 3 inches in diameter, or
0.1 cubic feet in total rated volume.
All checked baggage will continue to be screened prior to being
loaded on an aircraft. This screening will verify that the items within
meet the criteria for transport described in this notice and are not
concealing other prohibited items, explosives, or improvised explosive
devices or components. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to
allow items to be transported, and TSA reserves the ability to prohibit
any items that it deems to be a threat to transportation security. As
part of risk-based security, TSA may prohibit items discovered during
certain types of screening that would otherwise be permitted.
Future Changes to the Prohibited Items List
Consistent with the requirements in the TSA Modernization Act, TSA
intends to review the prohibited items list on a periodic basis and
will revise the list as operational circumstances and the threat
landscape may require. TSA will engage with appropriate internal and
external stakeholders in the course of the periodic review, as required
by the TSA Modernization Act. TSA will continue to announce future
changes in the Federal Register and will continue to add any changes to
TSA's ``What Can I Bring?'' list (or equivalent) on https://www.tsa.gov.
Regulatory Impact Analyses
Changes to Federal regulations must undergo several economic
analyses. First, Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 of September 30, 1993
(Regulatory Planning and Review), as supplemented by E.O. 13563 of
January 18, 2011 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review) and E.O.
14094 of April 6, 2023 (Modernizing Regulatory Review) directs each
Federal agency to propose or adopt a regulation only upon a reasoned
determination that the benefits of the intended regulation justify its
costs. Second, the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) \12\
requires agencies to consider the economic impact of regulatory changes
on small entities. Third, the Trade Agreement Act of 1979 \13\
prohibits agencies from setting standards that create unnecessary
obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United States. Fourth, the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 \14\ (UMRA) requires agencies to
prepare a written assessment of the costs, benefits, and other effects
of proposed or final rulemakings that include a Federal mandate likely
to result in the expenditure by State, Local, or Tribal governments, in
the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more
annually (adjusted for inflation).
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\12\ Public Law 96-354 (94 Stat. 1164; Sept. 19, 1980) (codified
at 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., as amended by the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996).
\13\ Public Law 96-39 (93 Stat. 144; July 26, 1979) (codified at
19 U.S.C. 2531-2533).
\14\ Public Law 104-4 (109 Stat. 66; Mar. 22, 1995) (codified at
2 U.S.C. 1181-1538).
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Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 Assessment
Under the requirements of E.O. 12866, as amended by E.O. 14094, and
E.O. 13563, agencies must assess the costs and benefits of available
regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, select
regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential
economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive
impacts, and equity). These requirements were supplemented by E.O.
13563, which emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting
flexibility.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has not designated this
interpretive rule a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of
Executive Order 12866, as amended by Executive Order 14094.
Accordingly, OMB has not reviewed this regulatory action.
In conducting these analyses, TSA made the following
determinations:
1. This interpretive rule explains to the public, airport
personnel, screeners, and airlines, how TSA interprets certain
[[Page 73540]]
terms used in an existing rule, 49 CFR 1540.111.
2. This interpretive rule will not constitute a barrier to
international trade.
3. This interpretive rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on
State, Local, or Tribal governments, or on the private sector.
This interpretive rule provides an interpretation of an existing
regulation, 49 CFR 1540.111, to provide clarity regarding existing
prohibitions and to narrow the scope of the prohibition by permitting
certain compressed gas cylinders in checked baggage. As was the case
with previous interpretive rules narrowing the scope of the
prohibition,\15\ TSA does not anticipate that the public or industry
will bear any compliance costs associated with this interpretive rule.
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\15\ See, e.g., 70 FR 51679 (Aug. 31, 2005) and 70 FR 72930
(Dec. 8, 2005).
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The decision to allow a limited size and number of compressed gas
cylinders in checked baggage is made as part of TSA's overall risk-
based security approach and is consistent with the requirement to
review the prohibited items list in section 1962 of the TSA
Modernization Act of 2018.\16\
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\16\ See supra note 6.
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Regulatory Flexibility Determination
The RFA requires that agencies consider the impacts of their rules
on small entities. For purposes of the RFA, small entities include
small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and small governmental
jurisdictions. Individuals and States are not included in the
definition of a small entity.
The RFA does not apply to this interpretive rule and TSA is not
preparing an analysis under 5 U.S.C. 553 as TSA is not required to
publish a notice of proposed rulemaking.
International Trade Impact Assessment
The Trade Agreement Act of 1979 prohibits Federal agencies from
establishing any standards or engaging in related activities that
create unnecessary obstacles to the foreign commerce of the United
States. The Trade Agreement Act does not consider legitimate domestic
objectives, such as essential security, as unnecessary obstacles. The
statute also requires that international standards be considered and,
where appropriate, that they be the basis for U.S. standards. TSA has
assessed the potential effect of this interpretative rule and has
determined this interpretive rule would not have an adverse impact on
international trade.
Unfunded Mandates Assessment
Title II of UMRA, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to
assess the effects of their regulatory actions on State, Local, and
Tribal governments and the private sector. Title II of UMRA requires
each Federal agency to prepare a written statement assessing the
effects of any Federal mandate in a proposed or final agency rule that
may result in a $100 million or more expenditure (adjusted annually for
inflation) in any one year by State, Local, and Tribal governments, in
the aggregate, or by the private sector; such a mandate is deemed to be
a ``significant regulatory action.''
This interpretive rule does not contain such a mandate. The
requirements of Title II of UMRA, therefore, do not apply and TSA has
not prepared a statement.
Executive Order 13132, Federalism
A rule has implications for federalism under E.O. 13132 of August
10, 1999 (Federalism), if it has a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the national government and the
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government. TSA has analyzed this proposed rule under
E.O. 13132 and determined that it does not have implications for
federalism.
Environmental Analysis
TSA has reviewed this interpretive rule for purposes of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) \17\ and has
determined that this action will not have a significant effect on the
human environment. This action is covered by categorical exclusion
number A3(b) in DHS Management Directive 023-01 (formerly Management
Directive 5100.1), Environmental Planning Program, which guides TSA
compliance with NEPA.
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\17\ As codified at 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347.
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Energy Impact
TSA assessed the energy impact of this action in accordance with
the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA),\18\ and determined that
this interpretive rule is not a major regulatory action under the
provisions of the EPCA.
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\18\ As codified at 42 U.S.C. 6362.
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Amendments to Interpretation
TSA is making the following changes to the prohibited items list:
1. Currently, section I.B(5) reads: ``Knives of any length, except
rounded-blade butter and plastic cutlery.'' TSA is revising this
section to read: ``Knives of any length, except plastic cutlery and
butter knives (the butter knife exception is limited to knives that are
round-bladed, blunt-edged, without serration, and no longer than a
common table knife.''
2. Currently, section I.B(7) reads: ``Razor-type blades, such as
box cutters, utility knives, and razor blades not in a cartridge, but
excluding safety razors. TSA is revising this section to read: ``Razor-
type blades, such as blades for box cutters, utility knives, and non-
disposable safety razors. This prohibition includes box cutter and
utility knife housings, with or without the razor blade, but excludes
disposable safety razors and disposable safety razor blade
cartridges.''
3. TSA is revising section I.C(4) to add cat-eyes, to read: ``Brass
knuckles, including cat-eyes.''
4. TSA added specific citations to regulatory cross-references in
Section III.A and III.B.
5. TSA is adding section III.E. to read: ``Compressed gas cylinders
for air guns. Subject to the following limitations, a passenger may
place air-powered rifles and pistols, components, ammunition, and
accessories in checked baggage: (1) only four gas cylinders
specifically intended for such rifles and pistols are permitted per
person, (2) all of the gas cylinders must be unpressurized, and (3)
none of the gas cylinders may exceed 24 inches in length, 3 inches in
diameter, or 0.1 cubic feet in total rated volume.''
6. TSA made technical corrections to update statutory references,
address typographical errors, and correct or clarify internal cross-
references.
The following is the list of prohibited items and permitted items
reprinted in its entirety, with the changes inserted.
Prohibited Items and Permitted Items Interpretation
I. Prohibited Items
For purposes of 49 U.S.C. 40101 et seq., 49 U.S.C. 44901 et seq.,
and 49 CFR 1540.111, TSA interprets the terms ``weapons, explosives,
and incendiaries'' to include the items listed below. Accordingly,
passengers may not carry these items as accessible property or on their
person through passenger screening checkpoints or into airport sterile
areas and the cabins of a passenger aircraft.
A. Guns and firearms, such as:
(1) BB guns.
(2) Compressed air guns.
(3) Firearms.
(4) Flare pistols.
(5) Gun lighters.
[[Page 73541]]
(6) Parts of guns and firearms.
(7) Pellet guns.
(8) Realistic replicas of firearms.
(9) Spear guns.
(10) Starter pistols.
(11) Stun guns/cattle prods/shocking devices.
B. Sharp Objects, such as:
(1) Axes and hatchets.
(2) Bows and arrows.
(3) Reserved.
(4) Ice axes/Ice picks.
(5) Knives of any length, except plastic cutlery and butter knives
(the butter knife exception is limited to knives that are round-bladed,
blunt-edged, without serration, and no longer than a common table
knife).
(6) Meat cleavers.
(7) Razor-type blades, such as box cutters, utility knives, and
non-disposable razors. This prohibition includes box cutter and utility
knife housings, with or without the blade, but excludes disposable
safety razors and disposable safety razor blade cartridges.
(8) Sabers.
(9) Reserved.
(10) Scissors, metal with pointed tips and a blade length greater
than 4 inches as measured from the fulcrum.
(11) Reserved.
(12) Swords.
(13) Throwing stars (martial arts).
C. Club-Like Items, such as:
(1) Baseball bats.
(2) Billy clubs.
(3) Blackjacks.
(4) Brass knuckles, including cat-eyes.
(5) Cricket bats.
(6) Reserved.
(7) Golf clubs.
(8) Reserved.
(9) Hockey sticks.
(10) Lacrosse sticks.
(11) Martial arts weapons, including nunchucks, and kubatons.
(12) Night sticks.
(13) Pool cues.
(14) Ski poles.
(15) Reserved.
D. All explosives, including
(1) Ammunition.
(2) Blasting caps.
(3) Dynamite.
(4) Fireworks.
(5) Flares in any form.
(6) Gunpowder.
(7) Hand grenades.
(8) Plastic explosives.
(9) Realistic replicas of explosives.
E. Incendiaries, such as:
(1) Aerosols, any, except for personal care or toiletries in
limited quantities.
(2) Fuels, including cooking fuels and any flammable liquid fuel.
(3) Gasoline.
(4) Gas torches, including micro-torches and torch lighters.
(5) Lighter fluid.
(6) Strike-anywhere matches.
(7) Turpentine and paint thinner.
(8) Realistic replicas of incendiaries.
(9) All lighters.
F. Disabling chemicals and other dangerous items, such as:
(1) Chlorine for pools and spas.
(2) Compressed gas cylinders (including fire extinguishers).
(3) Liquid bleach.
(4) Mace.
(5) Pepper spray.
(6) Spillable batteries, except those in wheelchairs.
(7) Spray paint.
(8) Tear gas.
G. Tools, such as:
(1) Crowbars.
(2) Drills and drill bits, including cordless portable power
drills.
(3) Hammers.
(4) Saws and saw blades, including cordless portable power saws.
(5) Other tools greater than 7 inches in length, including pliers,
screwdrivers, and wrenches.
II. Permitted Items
For purposes of 49 U.S.C. 40101 et seq. and 49 CFR 1540.111, TSA
does not consider the items on the following lists as weapons,
explosives, and incendiaries because of medical necessity or because
they appear to pose little risk if, as is required, they have passed
through screening. Therefore, passengers may carry these items as
accessible property or on their person through passenger screening
checkpoints and into airport sterile areas and the cabins of passenger
aircraft.
A. The following medical and personal items:
(1) Braille note taker, slate and stylus, and augmentation devices.
(2) Cigar cutters.
(3) Corkscrews.
(4) Cuticle cutters.
(5) Diabetes-related supplies/equipment (once inspected to ensure
prohibited items are not concealed), including: insulin and insulin
loaded dispensing products; vials or box of individual vials; jet
injectors; pens; infusers; and preloaded syringes; and an unlimited
number of unused syringes, when accompanied by insulin; lancets; blood
glucose meters; blood glucose meter test strips; insulin pumps; and
insulin pump supplies. Insulin in any form or dispenser must be
properly marked with a professionally printed label identifying the
medication or manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label.
(6) Eyeglass repair tools, including screwdrivers.
(7) Eyelash curlers.
(8) Knives, round-bladed butter or plastic.
(9) Reserved.
(10) Matches (maximum of four books, strike on cover, book type).
(11) Nail clippers.
(12) Nail files.
(13) Nitroglycerine pills or spray for medical use, if properly
marked with a professionally printed label identifying the medication
or manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label.
(14) Personal care or toiletries with aerosols, in limited
quantities.
(15) Prosthetic device tools and appliances (including drill, Allen
wrenches, pullsleeves) used to put on or remove prosthetic devices, if
carried by the individual with the prosthetic device or his or her
companion.
(16) Safety razors (including disposable razors).
(17) Scissors, plastic or metal with blunt tips, and metal with
pointed tips and a blade 4 inches or less in length as measured from
the fulcrum.
(18) Tweezers.
(19) Umbrellas (once inspected to ensure prohibited items are not
concealed).
(20) Walking canes (once inspected to ensure prohibited items are
not concealed).
B. Toys, hobby items, and other items posing little risk, such as:
(1) Knitting and crochet needles.
(2) Toy Transformer[supreg] robots and the like.
(3) Toy weapons (if not realistic replicas).
C. The following types of tools:
(1) Pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and other tools 7 inches or
less in length, excluding crowbars, drills, hammers, and saws.
III. Items Prohibited in Sterile and Cabin Areas, but Permitted in
Checked Baggage
Passengers may place prohibited items other than explosives,
incendiaries, disabling chemicals, and other dangerous items (other
than individual self-defense sprays as noted below), and loaded
firearms in their checked baggage, subject to any limitations provided
in the Department of Transportation's hazardous materials regulations
provided in 49 CFR part 175.
A. Pepper spray or mace. A passenger may place one container of
self-defense spray in checked baggage, not exceeding 4 fluid ounces by
volume, but only if it incorporates a positive means to prevent
accidental discharge. See 49 CFR 175.10(a)(9) and 49 CFR 171.8 for
other applicable requirements.
[[Page 73542]]
B. Small arms ammunition. A passenger may place small arms
ammunition for personal use in checked baggage, but only if securely
packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically
designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. See 49 CFR 175.10(a)(8)
for other applicable requirements.
C. Unloaded firearms. A passenger may place an unloaded firearm or
starter pistol in checked baggage if the passenger makes the following
declarations to the airline operator, either orally or in writing,
before checking the baggage: (1) the passenger has a firearm in his or
her bag and that it is unloaded; (2) the firearm is carried in a hard-
sided container; and (3) the container is locked, and only the
passenger has the key or combination. See 49 CFR 1540.111(c) for other
applicable requirements.
D. Club-like items. A passenger may transport club-like objects and
sharp objects in checked baggage, as long as they do not contain
explosives or incendiaries.
E. Compressed gas cylinders for air guns. Subject to the following
limitations, a passenger may place air-powered rifles and pistols,
components, ammunition, and accessories in checked baggage: (1) only
four gas cylinders specifically intended for such rifles and pistols
are permitted per person, (2) all of the gas cylinders must be
unpressurized, and (3) none of the gas cylinders may exceed 24 inches
in length, 3 inches in diameter, or 0.1 cubic feet in total rated
volume.
IV. Lists Are Not Exclusive
Neither the prohibited items list nor the permitted items list
contains all possible items. A screener has discretion to prohibit an
individual from carrying an item into a sterile area or onboard an
aircraft if the screener determines that the item is a weapon,
explosive, or incendiary, regardless of whether the item is on the
prohibited items list or the permitted items list. For example, if a
cigar cutter or other article on the permitted list appears unusually
dangerous, the screener may refuse to allow it in sterile areas.
Similarly, screeners may allow individuals to bring items into the
sterile area that are not on the permitted items list. In addition,
items may be prohibited from the cabin of an aircraft, or allowed in
only limited quantities, by Department of Transportation regulations
governing hazardous materials. Individuals with questions about the
carriage of hazardous materials on passenger aircraft may call the
Hazardous Materials Information Center at 1-800-467-4922 for more
information.
Dated: October 20, 2023.
David P. Pekoske,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2023-23653 Filed 10-25-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-05-P