Meat cleaver in checked baggage? TSA says OK

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A man arrested at Los Angeles International Airport was wearing a bulletproof vest and flame-resistant pants and had checked in a suitcase full of weapons.

Federal officials say Yongda Huang Harris, 28, was on a stopover on a trip from Japan and had an array of suspicious items in his luggage, including a smoke grenade, knives, body bags, a hatchet, a collapsible baton, a biohazard suit, a gas mask, billy clubs, handcuffs, leg irons and a device to repel dogs.

Harris has been charged with one count of transporting hazardous materials and made a brief court appearance Tuesday. He's being held until his next court appearance on Friday.

WHAT WAS ILLEGAL?

Federal officials say the smoke grenade is prohibited on board passenger aircraft, but the hatchet, knives, clubs and other items authorities found in Harris' luggage don't violate Transportation Security Administration guidelines for what can be carried in checked bags.

Bulletproof vests and flame-resistant pants are also not listed among items prohibited aboard flights.

WHAT YOU CAN CHECK

According to the TSA, a wide range of weapons are allowed in checked baggage, but not in a carry-on.

For example, you can pack knives, meat cleavers, sabers and swords in your checked luggage, as well as brass knuckles, throwing stars, billy clubs and night sticks.

Tools are OK, too. The TSA allows travelers to check cattle prods, drills, saws and crowbars and more.

You'll want to check those snow globes, too. They will not make it past security.

WHAT YOU CAN'T PACK

Almost all types of explosives, flammable materials and disabling chemicals are banned in both carry-on bags and checked luggage.

Among the no-nos are blasting caps, hand grenades, gasoline, dynamite, fireworks and chlorine for pools and spas.

The exceptions? Small gas cartridges for use in life vests and batteries for motorized wheelchairs.