A man was recently stopped at a TSA checkpoint with some unusual but prohibited items: a set of three stainless steel batarangs. Perhaps even more unusual, the man claims the items were intended to be a Valentine's Day gift, according to the Transportation Security Administration.TSA Spokesperson Lisa Farbstein tweeted a photo of the seized bat-weapons. "A man was caught by TSA at Richmond International Airport with these 3 bat-shaped throwing stars, (also known as batarangs) with razor-sharp blades as wings," Farbstein said. "Said he got them as a gift for his wife! A Valentine's Day gift?! Perhaps he should just opt for traditional red roses instead."
While batarangs, unsurprisingly, are not listed on the TSA's list of prohibited items, the agency does specifically ban throwing stars from carry-on bags, according to their website. Such items are permitted in checked baggage, however. The TSA has previously asked travelers not to attempt to bring batarangs on airplanes, and has seized them in the past. The unfortunate Batman wannabe could have presented his wife with her uniquely romantic and special gifts upon arriving home had he simply packed them in his suitcase. Instead, they were confiscated, and his wife will likely have to settle for roses, per the TSA's suggestion.
There is hope for the man, however, as the TSA often sells off the items it confiscates. Goods with resale value are sometimes turned over to local Salvation Army-type surplus centers, or are auctioned off on online marketplaces. The original owner can monitor such resale markets in the hopes of getting his batarangs back -- if another eager Bat-fan doesn't snatch them up first.
With Valentine's Day only three days away, though, the man had better just buy some chocolates, just in case.
Source: Twitter