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Gallery: Vilnius Airport creates Easter Egg from 1,000 banned items

Linda Blachly April 11, 2023
Credit: Photo credit: Vilnius Airport

“We have a backlog of these small but prohibited items found in hand luggage, as we have to dispose of them safely according to the rules,” said Algirdas Venzlauskas, Shift Manager of the Aviation Security Department at Vilnius Airport, who created the egg. “One day, it occurred to me that it might be possible to reuse them in a practical and meaningful way. As these items are multi-colored, they were perfect for creating an Easter egg. It draws the attention of passengers and thus fulfils its educational purpose. It is also a way of bringing playfulness to our serious and responsible routine at the airport.” 
 

Credit: Photo credit: Vilnius Airport

Vilnius Airport security staff pointed out that the items are usual household items, but they are not allowed at airports or on board. You cannot carry them in hand luggage.
 

Credit: Photo credit: Vilnius Airport

Vilnius Airport said the most important rule is not to include anything that could cause injury to yourself or others in your carry-on bag. This includes weapons (or even imitation weapons), explosive or flammable materials, gas canisters, sharp objects (knives, scissors, screwdrivers, razor blades), dangerous tools (hammers, pliers), etc. It is also forbidden to carry any objects or materials that look like firearms, ammunition or explosives on board—even if they are just toys.
 

Credit: Photo credit: Vilnius Airport

It all started with a Christmas tree, and then an idea of making an Easter egg came up because the objects are multi-colored, Vilnius Airport security officer Algirdas Venzlauskas said.
 

Credit: Photo credit: Vilnius Airport

There are a wide range of items that are prohibited, but the most common are sharp objects.
 

Credit: Photo credit: Vilnius Airport

The confiscated items are mainly knives, scissors, lighters, dangerous shaving blades and Bengal fires. 
 

Credit: Photo credit: Vilnius Airport

Other confiscated items include gas sprays, which can be used by people for self-defense, or for some other purpose, for instance, personal safety. However, at the airport and onboard an aircraft, these items are prohibited. Security officers say to leave the items in storage or put them in checked-in baggage.
 

Credit: Photo credit: Vilnius Airport

On average about 10 scissors and 8 knives per day are discovered in passengers’ hand luggage.

Credit: Photo credit: Vilnius Airport

“Often, people do not think that a common, everyday item that they at home can pose a real risk during a flight. We hope that unusual and unexpected approaches, such as this Easter egg, will stick in people's minds, so maybe the next time when they are planning a flight, they will remember or check what they can and cannot take on board. We always suggest the checking baggage requirements at home, before your journey,” said Vidas Kšanas, Head of the Safety and Security Department of Lithuanian Airports. “Safety is the first and foremost priority in aviation. This is why a wide range of measures are used to provide passengers with information.”
 

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Lithuanian airports decided to remind their passengers about aviation safety in the most unexpected way. As of starting the new summer season, Vilnius International Airport greets its passengers with a festive art piece—a colorful Easter egg made from items that are not permitted on board.

This 1.5-meter (5 ft.) high installation is made of more than 1,000 knives, scissors, lighters, shaving blades and other dangerous items, which passengers had to leave before their flights. 

According to Vilnius Airport, the idea behind the art piece was born from observing the growing number of items left by people at the checkpoints, “which is particularly relevant issue at the beginning of the summer aviation season, when the number of passengers increases.”

All photos from Vilnius Airport

Linda Blachly

Linda Blachly is Senior Associate Editor for Air Transport World and Aviation Week. She joined the company in July 2010 and is responsible for producing features for Air Transport World’s monthly magazine and engaging content for the aviationweek.com. She is based in the Washington DC office.

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