Replica Grenade at BWI Set Off Delays, TSA Says

Travelers were reportedly delayed by a replica grenade at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport over the weekend.

On Sunday, a man tried to get through security with the item, which "sure looked real inside the x-ray machine," according to TSA Public Affairs spokesperson Lisa Farbstein.

The traveler had purchased the replica grenade as a souvenir and packed it in his carry-on.

"He surrendered the souvenir grenade to the TSA officers and went on to catch his flight," Farbstein said.

TSA regulations stipulate that replica firearms, including toys, should only go in checked luggage.

"No replica weapons are allowed on planes because they could cause a panic," Farbstein said. "We do see a few grenades; typically they are replicas or real ones that are inert," she added.

This was not the only grenade found in security this week.

On Thursday, TSA agents discovered a replica grenade at the Albany International Airport, Farbstein reported.

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While the TSA did not comment on how long the delays were at BWI because of the replica grenade on Sunday, the holdup came at a time when massive security lines are plaguing airports around the country.

Replica grenade was found at BWI on June 5. Photo Credit: @TSAmedia_LisaF.