SECURITY OFFICIALS AT LAX CONFISCATE 5,000 BANNED ITEMS DAILY SINCE AIRLINE SERVICE RESUMED

(Los Angeles, California – September 18, 2001) More than 5,000 Items a day are being confiscated by intensive passenger screening techniques at passenger security checkpoints in terminals at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Items once considered innocent travel accessories like disposable razors, fingernail manicure sets and aerosol cans, including deodorants and hair spray, are new items on the list of banned items.

Toy weapons and water guns; tools like garden shears, hammers, drills, and screwdrivers; most kitchen utensils; and other weapon-like items are not permitted in carry-on baggage and beyond the passenger security screening stations. Knives, regardless of length of the blade, also are not permitted in carry-on baggage.

While bringing these items in checked luggage is allowed, airport officials strongly discourage traveling with these items at this time.

All confiscated items are sent to the Los Angeles Police Department for destruction.

Airport officials also advise passengers to place identification tags inside and outside of their baggage and carry-ons. Passengers must keep their belongings with them at all times because any unattended item will be immediately destroyed.