Seized Items From TSA Being Sold By Government

Don't try to bring a snowglobe on an airplane-the TSA will confiscate it as part of the 'no liquids' policy on airplanes. But will you see it again? Probably not. By the time you track it down, it will probably be sold...by the Government.

Thousands of seemingly innocent items confiscated by the TSA in airports around the country is turning a profit for that states's government.  According to The Statesman online,  many state governments turn the confiscated items over to their surplus stores for sale at 'cheap prices' and the money goes into state coffers.  They use e-bay as a pricing guide. Now, if a passenger is able to track down their item, they can still retrieve it, but after going through the numerous request forms, and unsticking themselves from procedural red tape, most items are sold before the owners can reclaim them.

TSA officials claim people need to review take on policies as to what is allowed and not.  But critics claim this is unfair, and taking advantage of people's personal property.  Most of the confiscated items would not be considered a weapon, but due to the over-reaching of the TSA (even toothbrushes have been taken in some airport security checks!) American travelers have lost thousands of dollars in gifts and other personal items. Newstalk was not able to determine conclusively if Washington state does this, but there is a WA surplus store...and it potentially contains somebody's gifts, treasures, and other personal belongings the TSA felt were too dangerous to let on board an airplane. Perhaps a granny with a snowglobe congratulating her granddaughter's pending graduation poses a serious threat to American security.