The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has shown an item confiscated at an airport that contained five prohibited items.
At the Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) in Pennsylvania, the TSA intercepted a traveler with a self-defense key ring loaded with items that cannot be taken through airport security.
The TSA shared an image of the confiscated key ring on Twitter. The caption said, "Jackpot! Five prohibited items all at once on this key ring that a traveler brought to the @TSA checkpoint today at @FlyABE_. Stun gun, kubaton, cat eyes, pepper spray, and a key/knife in the pink case. All five weapons are prohibited from being carried through a checkpoint."
The key ring was equipped with a stun gun, a Kubotan (a self-defense key chain), cat eyes (a reference to small, reflective devices often used for personal safety), pepper spray, and a knife concealed in a pink case.
The TSA said these items are strictly prohibited from being carried on commercial airliners in the United States to ensure the safety and security of passengers.
A spokesperson for the TSA told Newsweek: "At TSA, we work diligently to help passengers prepare for the most efficient checkpoint experience possible. Many items that passengers may carry for personal protection are considered to be prohibited items for carry-on bags.
"TSA publishes a 'What Can I Bring?' page that is closely coordinated with FAA for items that are permitted and those that are prohibited in carry-on luggage and in checked baggage. TSA also answers traveler questions via X—formerly Twitter, Facebook, Apple Business Chat and Text messaging 'Travel' to AskTSA at 275-872."
In recent years, self-defense key chains have gained in popularity, particularly thanks to online influencers. People looking for discreet yet effective means of personal protection have added pink stun guns, pocketknives and pepper spray—complete with a fluffy pom-pom for good measure.
The global self-defense products market, including items such as self-defense keychains, was valued at $2.87 billion in 2021 and is predicted to reach $4.51 billion by 2030, according to Acumen Research and Consulting. It's no surprise more people are looking for something to make them feel safe, with a 2022 poll showing that 52 percent of Americans said they feel "on edge" every day about their personal safety.
Of the people polled, 40 percent said that they have a personal safety app on their phone, while 32 percent use an alert button or device and 31 percent said they carry a self-defense keychain.
Designed for ease of use, self-defense key chains often have pointed ends or other defensive elements. Notable examples include the Fight Fobs self-defense keychains, designed to be worn on the fingers for added protection.
While popular, the keychains are subject to strict regulations when it comes to air travel. The TSA classifies them as weapons, making them ineligible for carry-on luggage.
While they might be seen as valuable pieces of personal safety equipment, the TSA said that for the safety of all passengers, it is crucial for travelers to be aware of specific regulations and restrictions when traveling by air.
Update 12/19/23, 10:28 a.m. ET: This story was updated with comment from the TSA.
