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Why My Wife Got Busted By TSA At The Airport

It’s a story we can look back at now and laugh. But when you hear, why my wife got busted by TSA at the airport, it does make you think….

A conveyor belt at a TSA check point inside an airport

A conveyor belt at a TSA checkpoint inside an airport

samiylenko via Getty Images

It's a story we can look back at now and laugh. But when you hear, why my wife got busted by TSA at the airport, it does make you think. An innocent mistake that we're sure a lot of people have made. It was quite the revelation on The Mike & Carla Morning Show the other morning.

Set to go on a trip with her then husband, she has always been a person who gets to the airport early. According to her, you just never know what's going to happen, so to make sure, get to the airport early! No matter where you might be headed or how busy or not you think the airport will be.

My Wife Got Busted By TSA

So keep in mind that, despite the "mistake", believe it or not, she was still able to make her flight. As she was going through the security check point, she laid her purse on the conveyor belt. N0t thinking anything of it, her husband at the time quickly reminded her of the contents in her purse.

With that said, he told security that she had a loaded gun in her purse! Now keep in mind that this was "pre-9/11", so security not quite as tight as it is now. However, having that in a purse going through security was not good!

Despite the fact that she had a permit to carry the weapon, she was quickly escorted to a room for a full background check! After being cleared and found not to be a threat to National Security, she headed off to her gate. Did we mention she still made her flight? See, it pays to get to the airport early...you just never know what's going to happen!

On the other hand, a recent TSA Report says that this still a problem at local airports! In 2023 alone, TSA reports that they confiscated over 6700 firearms last year. Which is more that the previous year when the number was 6,542! Check this out, of those firearms collected this past year, 93% were loaded!

As we said at the top of the post, it's a story that we can look back on now and kind of laugh. But the this is still happening at an alarming rate. Below is the segment from the other morning, with my wife telling her side of the story. Take a couple of minutes to listen and enjoy!

5 Passport-Free Getaways Where Travelers Can Explore

Most of the time, if you're traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport.  And that's good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don't always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it's important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

Do I need a passport for cruises?

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver's license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we've got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don't have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

Puerto Rico

This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you're a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don't need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It's worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there's this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn't compliant with this Act, you'll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

San Juan, Puerto Rico resort skyline on Condado Beach on dusk.

Sean Pavone/ Getty Images

St. Croix

If you're craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won't need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

Beautiful scenery with harbor of St Croix, green mountain, water and town along the coastline.

NAPA74/ Getty Images

Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it's important to remember that you'll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

Taga Beach is an idyllic little cove below the cliff lines and is one of the top attractions in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands.

raksybH/ Getty Images

St. Thomas

St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won't need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it's important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

Trunk Bay, St John, United States Virgin Islands.

SeanPavonePhoto/ Getty Images

St. John

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the  Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.

Cruz Bay, St John, United States Virgin Islands.

SeanPavonePhoto/ Getty Images

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Mike O’Brian is the Program Director and Morning Show host on 96.3 KKLZ in Las Vegas, along with Carla Rea. He has been with the Beasley Media Group for almost 23 years. Mike was named one of the “Best Program Directors In America” by Radio Ink magazine. Over the years, “The Mike & Carla Morning Show” have been presented with a number of proclamations for their work in the community and numerous awards. Having lived in Las Vegas for over 35 years, he writes articles on living in Las Vegas, sports, and odd stories happening within the state of Nevada. Mike is the host of the morning show and program director of 96.3 KKLZ/Las Vegas. He has been doing mornings in Las Vegas for the past 38 years. Over the years, he has hosted a numerous amount of community events and has been the P.A. announcer for a number of sports teams in Las Vegas. He has written on living in Las Vegas, the sports teams here, as well as odd & little-known facts about Las Vegas & Nevada.