Fresh off confiscating some cupcakes-in-a-jar for containing gel, as an article in the USA Today highlighted, the Transportation Security Administration is making news on a more positive note as well. The Associated Press is reporting a TSA screener found $5,000 in the Newark (N.J.) Liberty International Terminal. As the AP report indicates, the employee is being commended for turning in the $5,000. Apparently, the TSA only keeps the spare change left behind in the plastic containers at the security screening locations, as MSNBC reports.
What was the problem with the cupcakes?
According to a USA Today report, the TSA confiscated cupcakes at a Las Vegas security checkpoint because the cupcakes were the in-the-jar variety. As the article states, once the goods were packaged they became subject to the 3-1-1 rule, which is well known by travelers but not so well known by unseasoned travelers. The TSA website spells out what types of items are permitted but also mentions that baked goods could be subject to additional scrutiny.
What does the TSA do with the spare change left behind?
According to a report from MSNBC, the TSA pockets all of the spare change left in the security checkpoint bins. The article indicates more than $376,000 was claimed in 2010 and nearly $399,000 in 2009. But the article also points out the government wants to act on the spare change issue and force the agency to donate the coins.
How did a TSA employee locate $5,000?
According to the AP report, a John Deschamp found the cash on the floor near the United Airlines Elite Access desk. As the article states the money was partially wadded up and looked like it had been stored in a pocket. The AP report mentions no security cameras caught the person who might have dropped the cash, which is why Deschamp turned the money in to United Airlines to be claimed.
What happens to the money if nobody claims it?
The AP report mentions United Airlines will likely donate the money to charity if it is not claimed by the original owner. The TSA screener has shrugged off the commotion as just doing his job, as the report mentions the cash was found on Dec. 27. USA Today is reporting that so far no one has come forward to claim the lost money. In addition, the USA Today article indicates Deschamp decided to come forward with the story because of negative reports widely associated with the TSA.
Jason Gallagher is a former travel professional with a decade of experience in the industry. He remains an avid traveler and hotel fan with exposure to technology and trends in properties across the United States.