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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2014 Contact: Tammy L. Jones Phone: 202-267-3883
Fireworks Don’t Fly Don’t Put Fireworks in Your Carry-On or Checked Baggage WASHINGTON–The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration is reminding passengers who are flying this July 4th holiday to leave their fireworks at home. Fireworks pose a significant fire risk to aircraft in the air and on the ground and are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage. “Safety is our top priority and we want everyone to arrive at their destination safely,” FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta said. “The public can help us by leaving these dangerous items out of their luggage.” Fireworks are considered hazardous materials on aircraft, and federal regulations ban even the smallest sparklers. Consumers should not try to mail or ship fireworks as air parcels, either. Friction can cause fireworks to ignite during flight, posing a safety risk to passengers and the airline crew. Because of this danger, domestic and international regulations prohibit passengers from carrying fireworks and firework novelty items in their checked baggage, carry-on baggage, or on their persons. The FAA will issue stiff fines for anyone who breaks the rules.
Passengers who violate the hazardous materials regulations may face civil penalties of up to $75,000 per violation, but penalties can run as high as $175,000 per violation in cases that involve death, serious illness, severe injury or substantial destruction of property. Criminal convictions resulting from hazardous materials violations can result in criminal fines and up to five years in prison. However, passengers carrying fireworks may be subject to as many as 10 years in prison if they release a hazardous material that results in death or bodily injury. For more information on fireworks and other prohibited items, visit the FAA’s website at: http://www.faa.gov/Go/PackSafe. # You are subscribed to page updates for the Federal Aviation Administration. A new press release is now available. We've included a copy of the release in this email.
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