Key points: A passenger passed a meat cleaver through TSA screening at Portland International Airport on Nov. 13; the blade was later found on a Delta flight to Salt Lake City. Delta staff reported the item, prompting the aircraft to be emptied and all passengers to be re-screened, causing about a two-and-a-half hour delay. No arrests were reported; TSA is reviewing the incident and may require additional training for screeners.
Meat Cleaver Passed Through TSA at Portland, Forcing Delta Flight to Deplane and Be Rescreened
Key points: A passenger passed a meat cleaver through TSA screening at Portland International Airport on Nov. 13; the blade was later found on a Delta flight to Salt Lake City. Delta staff reported the item, prompting the aircraft to be emptied and all passengers to be re-screened, causing about a two-and-a-half hour delay. No arrests were reported; TSA is reviewing the incident and may require additional training for screeners.
11:06 PM, 11/19/2025Security
A passenger carried a meat cleaver through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening at Portland International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 13, and the blade was later discovered on a Delta Air Lines flight bound for Salt Lake City.
Delta staff identified the heavy-duty cleaver while the aircraft was still at the gate and reported the item to airport officials. The Port of Portland, which manages airport operations, says TSA was notified and local police were informed; no arrests were reported.
Out of an abundance of caution, the airline asked all passengers to deplane so the cabin could be cleared and everyone could be re-screened. The process led to an approximately two-and-a-half hour delay for the flight, which Delta later apologized for in a statement and confirmed the decision to deplane and re-screen the aircraft.
"A meat cleaver — it’s hard to imagine that as an oversight. It’s really hard to imagine that they would miss that," said Jon Robertson, who was at the airport and spoke with a local station. "I don’t understand how that could have happened."
The TSA confirmed the traveler passed the security checkpoint with the cleaver in a carry-on bag and said the agency "takes this matter very seriously." Officials say the agency is reviewing the incident and will consider corrective measures, which could include additional training for security screening personnel.
Authorities have not publicly explained why the passenger brought the cleaver aboard. The incident is under review as officials assess how the item got past screening and whether procedures need adjustment.
Context
Earlier this year, TSA highlighted other unusual prohibited items found at checkpoints to remind travelers that a wide range of dangerous or restricted objects—including weapons and live animals hidden on the person—are still occasionally discovered during screening. Agencies continue to urge travelers to check prohibited item lists and pack responsibly to prevent delays and safety risks.
The investigation into the Portland incident is ongoing; TSA and airport officials have said they will provide updates as appropriate.