Grenade launcher found in Florida man's luggage. 'Thank goodness' it was a replica, TSA says

Transportation Security Administration officers in Pennsylvania found the disassembled parts of a military rocket-propelled grenade launcher in a Florida man's checked bag on Monday.

After assembling the pieces, officials determined the launcher was a realistic replica. 

Officials also found an "inert replica" grenade, TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said in a Tuesday tweet. "Thank goodness" neither the grenade nor the launcher was functioning, Farbstein commented.

The man, from St. Augustine, Florida, was traveling from Allentown, Pennsylvania, to Orlando, Florida, a TSA release says.

The man told authorities he believed he could bring the replica launcher in his checked bag, the TSA reports.

"Contrary (to) the passenger’s belief, however, no realistic or replica weapons are permitted to be brought onto airplanes," the TSA said in the release. "As a reminder, individuals who bring weapons and replica weapons to the airport are subject to possible civil penalties of up to $13,000."

The TSA says the items were confiscated and the man was able to board his flight back to Florida.

Contributing: The Associated Press