We get concerned when strange things happen in Hawaii, especially as it relates to Hawaii travel. So when a large .50 caliber round known for use in heavy machine guns and anti-aircraft and other material weapons showed up going through the luggage scanner at Honolulu airport on Friday, we took notice. We’ve been waiting for updates on the events and just what happened. There has been little follow-up information about it, however, many days later. Why? Certainly there are questions remaining to be answered.
Dangerous ammunition hidden in passenger luggage in Hawaii.
The information was revealed last week by the TSA on X when they said, “@DOTHawaii discovered this 50 caliber anti-aircraft round hidden inside of a coffee-filled thermos. Multiple law enforcement agencies &
@usairforce Explosive Ordnance Disposal team responded. This can’t fly in either carry-on or checked bags.”
As a result, TSA evacuate the checked baggage room early on Friday morning, when the ammunition was found by the airport x-ray security screening.
A .50 caliber round is for military use, and is considered anti-aircraft/anti-material.
These were designed originally for military use, it is frequently associated with heavy machine guns. Such .50 caliber ammunition is also used in anti-material rifles designed to penetrate armored vehicles and equipment.
Transporting of ammunition, especially of this large caliber, is subject to strict regulation in order to ensure passenger safety and security. Discovering such ammunition in a Hawaii passenger’s checked bag at Honolulu Airport raises serious security concerns. The good news, of course, is that it was caught!
Nonetheless, finding this in passenger luggage remains concerning due to the potential threat it might have posed. Unlawful possession or transportation of such ammunition can result in serious legal consequences, and airports like HNL have strict security measures to detect and address such concerns. We’re waiting to learn more.
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Wow, that’s a nerve-wracking incident at Honolulu Airport! 😨 Kudos to TSA and the security team for swiftly handling the situation. It’s a stark reminder of the crucial role they play in ensuring our safety during travels. Now, do you think incidents like these will lead to even stricter regulations for ammunition transport?
The picture I saw of this “ammunition “ was of a couple of old slugs, without the cartridges. How is that ammunition? They were old and corroded. That’s not ammunition, that’s an artifact and completely harmless.
.50 Caliber rounds are used by many civilians in weapons made for private use. This size cartridge is also a common size for some military grade weapons. To claim that it is only for the military is misinformation. Also .50 Caliber describes the diameter of the projectile. It comes in a wide variety of cartridges. Some are small enough to be used in handguns, while the cartridge that is also used in the military weapons described is typically used by civilians in long distance shooting competitions.
WS that on a outbound flight, or one that was coming to Hawaii and was missed at another airport?
Hi Mark.
We have not been provided any details beyond what we stated thus far.
Aloha.
Why is there no mention of what happened to the owner of the “checked bag”(coffee thermos)? Clearly this was an attempt to subvert TSA screening. To me this is potential domestic terrorism. This act was deliberate – not an accident.
I would assume they are refraining from comment on a pending investigation.
As for the person in question, I hope he’s not busy for about 20 years!
So what’s the problem? The .50 BMG round was discovered in the baggage X-Ray room. The screening system worked; good job by those involved.
The fool who attempted to smuggle it aboard (possibly as some kine’ souvenir?) in a –Thermos!! — well, Big Trouble; it’s hammer-time for them, as well it should be.
There’s a lot of misunderstanding here — it’s not illegal to transport firearms and limited amounts of ammunition onboard commercial airliners in checked baggage. One just has to follow the TSA and airline rules which are readily available. And .50 BMG cal?? Completely legal as long as you don’t carry a “heavy machine gun” aboard with it.
Howeever, No Thermoses!!
Most airlines have a caliber limit, plus it has to be in the box or ammo can and declared with a sticker on their luggage the same has transporting a firearm in their luggage, I would hate to see what a 50 cal round would do to the aircraft even if it was not a black armor pricing round.
“Caliber limit”?? Small arms ammo is limited to .75 caliber, which is larger than .50 BMG. You may be confused with a Quantity limit because many do have that (and it’s constantly changing) but it’s because of Weight , not “caliber”. Ammo weighs a Lot and many airlines limit ammo quantity as a result. A plan if you’re checking a firearm (adhering to all rules & regs) is to order ammo ahead and have it delivered to your destination. I’ve done this for decades as a passenger and commercial airline pilot.
And a .50 BMG round is just that: one round, a single cartridge. To “do something to an aircraft” requires a firearm just like any other cartridge, and a BIG one to function. You don’t shoot much, do you …
A .50 cal round is about 4 inches in length and maybe 1 around. They are completely inert unless a firing pin is involved. I can see how easily something like that can get into a crevice and be overlooked in (probably) military related gear and be overlooked.
This was is in no way any danger to anyone on that aircraft. I know, I’ve fire thousands of those rounds over 20 years. 😀
Best Regards
Hi Jay.
Thanks for all your comments. This one was smuggled inside a Thermos and not misplaced in a crevice.
Aloha.
Should have just Checked it in his luggage! I have brought pig guns back from the CONUS for a relative complete with ammo in checked baggage. .50 cal is readily available on the civilian market. Used in quite a few gun types…
Guess you can’t cure poor judgement…
Best Regards
Most airlines have a restriction on ammo in that large of a caliber dummy round or not.
the person carrying this should be banned from Hawaiian Airlines forever.
Why just Hawaiian?
If it was a live round I hope they send him back to his home state to do the federal dance of ten years.