The Transportation Security Administration claims that one of their officers found a woman's cane to be quite suspicious. That's because the cane was concealing a sword. However the woman who owned the cane didn't even know about the concealed weapon.
A TSA agent spotted something strange within a walking cane while going through the X-ray machine at the security checkpoint at Washington Dulles International Airport.
The woman went through the checkpoint with the cane but the sword was revealed when the knob of the cane became unscrewed. Upon discovering the sword, the TSA officials called the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police at the airport.
The woman claims that she didn't even know her cane had a sword inside. She said she bought it at an antique store and had no idea about the weapon.
She was allowed to get on her flight to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport but the TSA took the cane away.
Even though it may sound strange, the TSA claims that finding swords inside canes is not rare. TSA officials said that most people have no idea that there is a sword in their cane as they usually buy them at antique stores or flea markets.
The TSA advises that people who buy these canes should screw off the handle before buying them or bringing them to an airport. Doing this could prevent someone from being cited, fined or arrested in some jurisdictions.
While the TSA is confiscating swords, they're ready to allow small knives on planes. Earlier this month, TSA chief John Pistole that pocketknives and certain sports equipment will be allowed back on planes after an 11-year ban. This will go into effect on April 25.
Many groups, airlines and politicians have shown opposition to this policy, but the TSA is standing by their decision so far.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
