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You May Not Pack A Missile Launcher In Your Luggage Like This Man Did – A TSA PreCheck Reminder

  • Joseph Hostetler

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    (Image courtesy of TSA)

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    INSIDER SECRET: Airport security is one of the biggest pain points of travel. But you can lessen the burden by receiving TSA PreCheck for FREE by opening one of the top credit cards for TSA PreCheck.

    There’s a famous ancient proverb that says, “Don’t pack anything in your carry-on or checked bag that would cause a fire marshal to soil his pants.” Wise, succinct, but not always easy to remember.

    USA Today reports that a man was detained in the Baltimore airport on Monday for stuffing a missile launcher in his checked bag. After questioning, the TSA learned he was active duty military, and intended to bring the equipment home as a souvenir.

    The TSA verified the weapon wasn’t live, and then confiscated the device before handing it over to state officials. Unbelievably, the passenger responsible still made his flight. That’s hard to believe, having nearly missed my flight for far less grievous sins in my bag.

    This is a good reminder that there aren’t just rules for carry-on bags. Pay attention to the checked baggage rules, as well. The TSA reminds us, “Military weapons are not permitted in checked or carry-on luggage.”

    You can check out this page for official TSA guidelines of both carry-on and checked bags.

    And to dramatically speed up your airport security experience, you can enroll in TSA PreCheck for free thank to the benefits that come with several different credit cards. TSA PreCheck gives you a dedicated airport security line where you don’t have to remove your jacket, shoes, laptop, etc.

    My top pick for free TSA PreCheck is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, because the card’s annual fee is $95 and offers an up to $100 credit. As long as you use the card to pay for your TSA PreCheck application within the first year, you’ll get five absolutely free years of TSA PreCheck.

    The card comes with more than just a credit for TSA PreCheck, too. Read this post for a more thorough explanation of why it’s the best way to get TSA PreCheck for free if you’re a beginner in the miles and points hobby.

    And subscribe to our newsletter for more travel tips and news to help you stay informed!

    Featured image courtesy of TSA

    Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)