Did you know that TSA X-rays all luggage? When you check a bag at the ticket counter, it goes through an X-ray before it gets on your flight. All carry-on bags are also x-rayed at security check points.
What are they looking for? Dangerous Items. Not just guns or bombs but also many other items. So many things can be very dangerous when pressurized on a flight.
When a dangerous good is found, it is removed and depending on the item, a letter would be sent to the traveler or if it is something really bad, you would be contacted prior to flight.
This is a list of items not allowed in any luggage.
See the below FAA website chart
https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe
PackSafe for Air Travel
Some of the items you pack in your baggage may be considered dangerous goods, also known as hazardous material. Most dangerous goods are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage. There are a few exceptions for some personal items such as toiletries, medicines, and assistive devices. Check the chart below to see which common dangerous goods are allowed in checked and/or carry-on baggage and which are not. Remember, this is just a listing of common dangerous goods; if you don't see your item here it doesn't mean it's allowed in baggage. When in doubt, leave it out!
Security Screening Questions: The Transportation Security Administration also has rules on "prohibited items" that pose a security threat. Though they sometimes overlap, the TSA security rules are separate from the FAA dangerous goods safety rules; go to the TSA Prohibited Items web page.
All
Medicinal & Toiletry
Matches & Lighters
Batteries & Electronics
Assistive Devices
Outdoors
Misc
The Hazmat Rules:
The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) are federal transportation safety rules found in 49 CFR, parts 171-180. The FAA enforces the HMR in aviation. Passengers violating the HMR can be fined from $250 to $50,000. Those who intentionally violate the regulations are subject to a criminal penalty of up to $500,000 and/or five years imprisonment. So, it is important to know what items are hazardous materials and whether or not they are allowed in the aircraft cabin or in checked baggage. Note: The Transportation Security Administration also has rules on "prohibited items" that pose a security threat. Though they sometimes overlap, the TSA security rules are separate from the FAA hazmat safety rules discussed here. For the TSA rules on weapons, sharp objects, the "3-1-1" rule on liquids, gels, and aerosols, etc.; go to the TSA Prohibited Items web page.
What is a Hazardous Material?
From lithium batteries to aerosol whipped cream, many items used every day at home or work are regulated as hazardous materials (a.k.a. "hazmat" and "dangerous goods"). These products may seem harmless; however, when transported by air they can be very dangerous. Vibrations, static electricity, and temperature and pressure variations can cause items to leak, generate toxic fumes, start a fire, or even explode. Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to: explosives, gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, toxic and infectious materials, radioactive materials, corrosives, and many other items that can endanger the traveling public when not handled correctly. The good news is that many of the hazardous materials we can't live without are allowed in our baggage, but only if we follow the rules.
Dangerous goods discovered that are improperly packaged, not permitted in baggage, leaking, or hidden/artfully concealed are subject to civil and criminal penalties as appropriate.
It takes all of us to keep the airline and your flight safe for travel. Think about everything you pack in your bags.
Do not try to sneak things on, it could hurt you and all the passengers on your flight!
Enjoy the Journey
IFR