Captain America, Thor and Spiderman found themselves on the wrong end of a mistaken United Airlines ban as US pop culture institution Comic-Con wrapped up in San Diego on Monday.
Attendees considered taking their phasers off stun after United told them comic books were not allowed in checked baggage.
Their confusion increased when the US Transportation Security Administration told them that they were.
The ruckus started after a fan tweeted a picture of a sign telling Comic-Con attendees to remove all books from checked bags.
United responded with a tweet saying: “The restriction on checking comic books applies to all airlines operating out of San Diego this weekend and is set by the TSA”.
The TSA tweeted back saying there were no TSA restrictions on checking comic books or any other type of books’’.
It linked the tweet to a June 28 blog which said it had tested the removal of books at two airport locations but this was no longer underway and it had no intention of bringing in the procedures.
The blog said this was because books had been used in the past to conceal prohibited items.
“Occasionally, our officers may recommend passengers remove items such as heavy, glossy programs during a special event with a lot of travelers such as Super Bowl programs,’’ it said.
US media speculated United had misinterpreted 2016 guidelines issued by the TSA which suggested stacks of brochures and comic books be taken in carry-on bags.
“Packing these items in checked bags often causes alarms leading to bag searches which can cause a significant slowdown in the screening process leading to delays and bags possibly missing their flights,’’ the guidelines said.
A TSA spokeswoman confirmed to Gizmodo that heavy glossy items could set off the checked baggage screening alarm but said there was no prohibition on putting comics in checked baggage.
United later issued a statement saying it had misunderstood TSA instructions and regretted any inconvenience to passengers.
