Second rocket launcher seized at Baltimore airport in a week

The inert tube was a military souvenir

A rocket launch tube has been seized from a passenger’s luggage at Baltimore airport.

It was recovered in the American Airlines baggage area.

It comes just three days after airport security officials discovered a missile launcher “souvenir” in a man’s check-in luggage. He was bringing it back from Kuwait.

Both military mementos were discovered at Baltimore/Washington International Airport in Maryland, US.

The inert rocket launch tube was “empty of an explosive hazard”, said Maryland's Office of the State Fire Marshal.

It was brought back as a souvenir on a military flight by a United States Air Force Sergeant.

The rocket launch tube was inspected by the US military for safety. Although it didn’t present an immediate threat, said the statement, the passenger was not allowed to take it on a connecting commercial flight.

It is now in the possession of Maryland's Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad until it can be safely returned to the sergeant.

“This is the second recovered launch tube military souvenir that the Bomb Squad has seized in the past two days from BWI Airport,” said the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

“While it is not uncommon for military personnel to return home with momentos from their tours of duty, it is important that they are made aware of the differing regulations for their connecting commercial flights versus their military flights.”