What’s the most dangerous item you’ve got onto a plane since 9/11?

Posted 30Jul2017.

Two M-4’s and one M-9.

Me, waiting to board the bus for the flight. April 1, 2009. (Source: author)

My travel buddies on this trip, much like all the trips into Iraq or Afghanistan, were flying civilian airliners chartered specifically for these flights. Like me, they were carrying not only their personal weapons, but any others deemed necessary by the unit – everything from 9mm pistols to 7.62mm light machine guns and 40mm grenade launchers. If memory serves me correctly, most of these travels were provided by World Airways or Omni Air International… but a couple were contracted by Delta and Continental (I think… the uncertainty can be attributed to the fact that it may have been a return flight, therefore any airline would have been fine).

The instructions prior to boarding were simple and non-negotiable: no magazines inserted, bolts removed and stored in a cargo pocket (if possible), all weapons verified clear by an NCO or officer (sometimes both, depending on the individual), and NO live rounds… anywhere. All weapons were to be stowed pointing inboard, though this rule made very little sense due to the physics of an unlikely discharge, though in many cases, they were shoved however they would safely fit.

We have a strange sense of humor at times. April 1, 2009. (Source: author)

These flights were always uneventful, with the exception for my last trip into Shannon, Ireland during the return from Iraq in 2010… My previous trip there in 2005 found us allotted only one bottle to be purchased at the Duty-Free (not for consumption on the plane), and I had wisely chosen a bottle of Connemara – a lovely peated single-malt Irish Whiskey which was cherished by my first wife. However, in 2010, these rules had changed… so there I stood, facing rack upon rack of this wonderful beverage that could not be found anywhere on Oahu. I briefly considered doing my best Heisman Trophy move back onto the plane with the bottle(s) lovingly cradled to my chest as my right arm fended off naysayers and teetotalers alike, but maturity and responsibility stifled whatever rash and carefree ideas I entertained.

So, pistols, rifles, and a simmering resentment were the most dangerous items I’ve brought onto a plane since 9/11.