Dennis Farina Arrested for Airport Forgetfulness

According to the Associated Press, Dennis Farina was arrested Sunday for violation of airport security rules. The actor informed police that he had forgotten that his carry-on luggage contained a loaded .22 caliber handgun. As a result, he was arrested at the security checkpoint and is being held on $25,000 bail.

Handguns, among many other items, are illegal to carry on domestic flights due to the heightened airport security in our post-9/11 world. Liquids and gels, including drink items and shampoos, in containers over 3 ounces (with the exception of baby formula, breast milk, and medically necessary items stored in quart-sized Ziploc baggies), self-defense items such as firearms, pepper spray and martial arts equipment, and lighters are permitted in your checked luggage but not your carry-on items. Liquids and gels in 3 ounce containers or less can be taken on board, but require additional screening, so be sure to tell the security staff that they are present in your carry-on luggage.

As a general rule, most sharp objects (with the exception of blunt-tipped plastic scissors) are prohibited in carry on but allowed in checked items as long as they are properly packed and padded to prevent any injuries. The same rule applies to unloaded BB guns, pellet guns, realistic gun replicas, firearms, and small amounts of ammunition, though these must be packed in hard-sided firearm cases.

Sporting goods, flammable items, household cleaners, aerosol packaged items and explosive materials are not allowed either as carry-on items or in checked luggage. Electronics, including cameras, cell phones, and pagers are allowed in carry-on luggage and as checked items, but it is highly recommended that any fragile electronics travel as carry-on luggage to prevent damage.

Packing may seem like a daunting task that could lead to violations of the new airport rules, particularly if you hoped to travel with just a carry-on bag. As a seasoned flyer with these post-9/11 security rules, there are several tricks I have adapted through the years to ensure that my trips through the airport go smoothly.

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