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

“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.” 
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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

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

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.
 

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

“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.”