Grayson West
Airport security rarely offers excitement unless you’re running late. However, the TSA has seen its fair share of jaw-dropping finds. Imagine items so outrageous you’d double-check your own luggage just reading about them! These confiscated goods range from the bizarre to the downright dangerous, proving truth really is stranger than fiction. Buckle up for wild revelations.
A Chainsaw
Yes, a chainsaw. This menacing piece of machinery was casually tucked into someone’s checked luggage. Security flagged it not just for its size but also because it was fully fueled. The passenger claimed it was “just for yard work.” Unsurprisingly, the TSA wasn’t buying it and confiscated the buzzing contraption.
A Baby Shark in Liquid
If you hate the song, imagine what the TSA agents must have felt when they found a real baby shark suspended in liquid-filled baggage. Officials were baffled as to why anyone would transport a preserved sea creature this way. While exotic and fascinating, the shark and its container never made it to the passenger’s flight.
A Suitcase of Live Eels
An aquarium enthusiast tried sneaking live eels inside checked luggage, and to nobody’s surprise, the slithery package was confiscated. The TSA struggled to contain the wriggling sea creatures packed without proper containers. Needless to say, the eels weren’t flying anywhere that day.
A Replica Cannonball
This historical artifact turned heads for the wrong reasons. Though not live, the replica cannonball was flagged during baggage screening for resembling real ordnance. The passenger insisted it was a harmless collector’s item, but TSA agents opted for safety and removed it from the flight.
A Fully-Loaded Grenade Launcher
In an instance of the 2nd amendment getting out of hand, TSA agents in Texas discovered a grenade launcher, complete with grenades. The passenger claimed that the launcher packed with carry-on essentials was “for display purposes.” The launcher didn’t pass the checkpoint, but the explanation still fuels laughter.
A Jar of Snakes
A passenger carrying a jar of preserved snakes learned the hard way that TSA, much like Samuel L. Jackson, doesn’t take kindly to slithering surprises on their planes. The tightly sealed container baffled agents and passengers alike. Although the snakes were no longer alive, they still managed to create quite a hiss-toric situation.
A Smoke Grenade
TSA agents in Dallas were in for a smoky surprise when they discovered a live smoke grenade in a passenger’s carry-on bag. The grenade, which can quickly fill an area with thick, colored smoke, posed a serious safety risk. Despite the passenger’s claim that it was for a “reenactment,” the TSA didn’t hesitate to confiscate the device.
A Suitcase of Tropical Fish
Brightly colored tropical fish in plastic bags weren’t fooling anyone. TSA intercepted this questionable cargo, which included other exotic sea creatures bound for Venezuela. Live animals are tightly regulated, and these amphibians didn’t hop their way past airport security.
A Samurai Sword
Swords aren’t subtle, and this gleaming katana certainly wasn’t an exception. TSA agents spotted the armament during X-ray screening and quickly confiscated it. The passenger tried arguing that they were a martial artist and the sword was their tool, but that didn’t slice through airport policy.
A Flask in the Shape of a Hand Grenade
A grenade-shaped flask caused panic at an airport security checkpoint. TSA officers evacuated the area because they believed it to be a real danger. Though ultimately harmless, the replica flask served as a reminder of how careless jokes can have serious consequences when you’re flying.
A Lipstick Taser
When agents inspected a seemingly innocent lipstick tube, they found a shocking twist—literally. The item was actually a fully functional Taser. The passenger claimed it was for self-defense, but thankfully for her fellow passengers, the TSA doesn’t allow surprises, electrical or otherwise, on board.
A Spear Shooter
Spear Shooters may be effective underwater, but they don’t fly with the TSA. Security agents at Newark Liberty International Airport confiscated this sharp surprise during baggage screening. The passenger explained it was meant for diving, yet airport safety rules didn’t allow it onboard, considering its potential to be used as an armament.
A Hairbrush Dagger
What looked like a harmless hairbrush concealed a sharp, deadly dagger. TSA agents flagged the item at Hawaii’s Kahului Airport to confiscate it immediately. The passenger argued it was a novelty item, but TSA doesn’t entertain concealed armaments, even when they’re only meant to evoke curiosity.
Throwing Stars
TSA agents couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at a suitcase brimming with ninja-style throwing stars. The passenger claimed they were for decorative purposes, but their sharp edges posed obvious risks. Unsurprisingly, the TSA didn’t let these dangerous “souvenirs” leave the ground.
An AT4 Rocket Launcher
An AT4 rocket launcher made quite an impression on TSA agents at Pennsylvania’s Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. While it was checked luggage, the sheer audacity of traveling with armed forces equipment capable of perforating battle tanks led to confiscation. The passenger claimed it was a collector’s item.
A Bazooka Round
In another potentially exothermic surprise, TSA agents confiscated a bazooka round found at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Though not live, the round’s realistic appearance raised immediate red flags. Passengers and agents alike were stunned by the mindset of trying to check such an item.
Inert Claymore Mine
An inert claymore mine was flagged by TSA at San Jose International Airport. Although nonfunctional, it, fortunately, sparked enough alarm to warrant confiscation. The passenger claimed it was a replica meant for an armed forces collection, only in America.
Gag Incendiary Device
A novelty gag gift resembling an incendiary device didn’t amuse TSA agents at St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport. Security measures led to an evacuation, and the passenger learned the hard way that airport humor is no laughing matter, especially in a security-conscious environment.
A Bag of Expired Birds
TSA agents were startled to find a bag of expired birds in a passenger’s luggage at Washington Dulles International Airport. The birds were, thankfully, intended as food and were tightly sealed. It still caused a stir since TSA regulations prohibit transporting wildlife in such a manner. The matter ended with the macabre package’s immediate confiscation.
Cane Sword
A cane concealing a sharp sword caused quite a stir at an airport checkpoint. TSA agents flagged the unusual walking stick during X-ray screening, which revealed the blade hidden within. The passenger claimed it was for “protection,” but concealed armaments are a strict no-go. The cleverly disguised sword was confiscated immediately.