Airport X-ray shows terrifying object taped in carry-on to skip checked baggage fee

A traveler tried to dodge a $100 baggage fee by hiding a dangerous item inside her carry-on bag — but it wasn't long before she was caught red-handed.

The unidentified passenger was going through security at Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin, when a TSA officer spotted what appeared to be a knife on an X-ray machine, according to an employee story published on the agency's website.

Officers searched the bag and discovered the knife had been taped in place inside the luggage, according to TSA.

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The passenger later admitted she tried to conceal the knife from TSA because she had an upcoming camping trip, the agency said.

"Her response to me was, 'I was attempting to conceal this knife from TSA,'" Supervisory TSA Officer Andrew Kasten said.

The admission, along with the discovery of the concealed knife, prompted Kasten to call law enforcement. 

The Dane County Sheriff's Office and TSA Manager Annie Lu responded to the scene, TSA said.

The woman told officers she did not think TSA would find the knife. 

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She said she chose not to check her luggage because she wanted to avoid a $100 baggage fee, according to the agency.

TSA Officer Callie Meis, who has worked for the agency for 22 years, first flagged the bag for additional screening after spotting the suspected knife on the X-ray.

"I have encountered many knives over the years, but never in this position within a bag," Kasten said.

Jim Kohn, who has worked for TSA for 21 years, said he's encountered knives that accidentally slipped through holes in purses, bag liners or jacket pockets. In this case, however, the passenger acknowledged deliberately securing the knife with tape.

"Our team does a great job making sure every possible threat is found when we need to conduct additional screening," Kohn said.

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TSA officers are trained to detect concealed items — and Kasten warned travelers against risking potential penalties in an effort to save money.

"When contemplating the options of saving a few dollars or paying a federal civil penalty due to something hidden, I recommend being smart about it," Kasten said. 

"For whatever reason you may be traveling, don't jeopardize your income or freedom just to save an item like this $5 knife."

The passenger voluntarily surrendered the knife and was cleared to travel, according to TSA.

Fox News Digital reached out to TSA for comment and further details.