Travel

39 of the Most Ludicrous Things Ever Confiscated by Airport Security

From anti-tank guns to bazookas and even live eels...

Airport anxiety is a real thing. It may not have a special scientific name – let’s call it why-is-this-queue-moving-so-slowly-aphobia – but it’s definitely a real thing. You see people panicking all the time when they’re in the airport about to travel.

Airport anxiety is the reason there’s always that slightly tense atmosphere around the departure lounge, and why people insist of joining the giant queue for the flight as soon as they start boarding, rather than just waiting till the end and strolling on last.

One place where the anxiety really kicks in for many people is during airport security. This is when you’re forced to put your shoes, belt, bags, iPads, ears, fingernails and underwear in a tray and walk through an x-ray machine to make sure you don’t have a bomb hidden somewhere like your lungs.

Everyone is rushing. Everyone is getting in each other’s way. Is it all really necessary? Well, let us let you in on a secret. Yes. It is freakin’ necessary, because some people actually do try and bring some truly preposterous stuff on their aeroplane.

Over in America, where guns are a thing, this gets particularly bad, as you can imagine. That’s what has made the Instagram account of the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, one of the most interesting on the web. The stuff they confiscate is absolutely bonkers.

TSA have racked up a smooth 367,000 followers with their pictures of items they have seized at airports around America, and let us tell you, some of them are ludicrous. Who is seriously trying to bring a grenade through in hand luggage?! And that’s not even the worst of the lot…

1) An Anti-Tank Weapon

#TSACatch – #FBF to 2012 when this expended 84-mm anti-tank weapon (AT4) was discovered in a checked bag at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (#LBE) in #Latrobe, #Pennsylvania. Anti-tank weapons, expended or live, are prohibited from being transported in carry-on and checked bags.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Nov 21, 2014 at 6:34am PST

2) A Snake

#TBT – In August 2011 at the #Miami International Airport (#MIA), seven small snakes (stuffed in nylon stockings) were discovered in a traveler’s pants. In addition to the snakes, he also had three small turtles. The snakes and turtles were found using TSA’s Advanced Imaging Technology which allows TSA officers to find potential threat items concealed from plain sight. @USFWS officers arrived on the scene and took custody of the reptiles. The passenger was arrested and charged with violating the Lacey Act.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Nov 13, 2014 at 4:56pm PST

3) A Hatchet

We just hit an @Instagram milestone today. 100,000 followers! To celebrate, we’d like to present you with this bonus weekend photo of a hatchet that was discovered in a carry-on bag at the #Manchester – #Boston Regional Airport. Have a great weekend and we’ll see you Monday. #TSACatch

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jul 12, 2014 at 8:42am PDT

4) A MK 2 Hand Grenade

#TSAcatch: A Mk 2 hand grenade was discovered in a carry-on bag at the #LosAngeles (#LAX) International Airport. Passengers who bring prohibited items can not only cause delays for others, but also face serious charges. In this case, the checkpoint was closed while an Explosive Ordnance Team (#EOD) transported the grenade to an offsite location to disrupt it. The individual was arrested and is facing felony charges in Los Angeles County.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on May 30, 2014 at 4:51pm PDT

5) Martial Arts Throwing Stars

#TSACatch: These throwing stars (#shuriken) were discovered in a carry-on bag at the #Dallas Love Airport. Martial arts weapons are illegal in certain states and can lead to arrest even when discovered in checked baggage. Read more about prohibited items at the #TSA web page at www.tsa.gov

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jun 10, 2014 at 6:45pm PDT

6) A Practice Suicide Bombing Jacket

#TSACatch: This is an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) training kit. It was discovered in checked baggage at the #Honolulu airport this week. As you can see, it’s designed to look very convincing. We understand that instructors and others in this type of business need these items, but if an item looks like a real bomb, grenade, mine, etc., it is prohibited. When these items are found at a checkpoint or in checked baggage, they can cause significant delays because the explosives detection professionals must resolve the alarm to determine the level of threat. Even if they are novelty items, you cannot bring them on a plane. People that need to travel with inert explosives training aids should plan ahead and contact their preferred shipper about mailing the items to their destination.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jun 13, 2014 at 6:44pm PDT

7) A Meat Cleaver

#TSACatch: This meat cleaver was discovered in a carry-on bag at the #StLouis airport. Meat cleavers, as well as all other types of knives no matter how big or small are prohibited in carry-on bags. You can however pack knives in your checked luggage. Read more about permitted and prohibited items at TSA.gov.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jun 12, 2014 at 6:30pm PDT

8) A Spear Gun

#TSACatch: This speargun was discovered in a carry-on bag last week at the #Denver airport. Spearguns are prohibited in carry-on bags. See more pictures of prohibited items at the #TSA Blog. www.blog.tsa.gov

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jun 16, 2014 at 6:15pm PDT

9) A Load of Gun Stuff

#TSACatch – Everything you see in this picture was discovered on one carry-on bag at the #Houston (IAH) airport. Firearms, ammunition, and components are always prohibited in carry-bags, but when properly packed and declared, they can be packed in your checked baggage. Also, please note that sound suppressors (silencers) are illegal in some states. Read more about traveling with firearms at the #TSA webpage. www.tsa.gov

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jun 20, 2014 at 6:06pm PDT

10) A Hollowed-Out Book With Two Throwing Knives

#TBT #TSACatch: This hollowed-out book with two 6 ½” throwing knives was discovered in a carry-on bag at the #Washington Reagan (#DCA) National Airport in December of 2011. #Ninja books are permitted, throwing knives are not.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jul 10, 2014 at 4:51pm PDT

11) A Smoke Grenade

#TSACatch: This smoke grenade was discovered in a carry-on bag at the #Seattle Tacoma International Airport. While they don’t explode, smoke grenades emit copious amounts of smoke, and burn extremely hot. They’re a fire hazard and are prohibited in both carry-on and checked bags.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jul 15, 2014 at 5:15pm PDT

12) 80 Pounds of Marijuana

#TSACatch: (Left) 80 pounds of marijuana was discovered last Friday in a checked bag at the McClellan – Palomar (CRQ) airport in #California. (Right) Several vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana (about seven pounds) were discovered last Saturday in a check bag at the #Oakland International Airport. TSA is not looking for contraband, but it is reported to local law enforcement when discovered.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jul 23, 2014 at 3:20pm PDT

13) More Gun Stuff

#TSACatch – These are just a few of the firearms discovered in carry-on bags this month. So far, over 1,100 firearms have been discovered in carry-on bags this year, the majority of them loaded. Left to right, top to bottom, the firearms were discovered at Atlanta, Cincinnati, Austin, Baltimore, Wichita, Sacramento, Phoenix, Denver, and Dallas.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jul 29, 2014 at 12:35pm PDT

14) Grenade Looking Hot Sauce

#TSACatch – This #hotsauce comes packaged in a grenade, which means it’s not ideal for air travel in either checked or carry-on bags. This was discovered in a carry-on bag at the #Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. If an item looks like a grenade, it is prohibited. When these items are discovered, they can cause significant delays while explosives detection professionals resolve the alarm.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Aug 22, 2014 at 4:39pm PDT

15) A Samurai Sword & Bow and Arrow

#TSACatch – This #samurai sword was discovered along with a compound bow in carry-on bag at the #Austin Bergstrom International Airport. Both are prohibited in carry-on bags, but are permitted to be packed in checked baggage.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Aug 25, 2014 at 5:06pm PDT

16) A Cane Sword and Nunchucks

#TSACatch – This cane sword and nunchucks (with an attached blade) were discovered in a carry-on bag at the #LasVegas International Airport.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Aug 27, 2014 at 6:27pm PDT

17) A Literal Cannon

#TSACatch – You can add this one to the “items we don’t see every day” category. A cannon barrel was discovered along with a passenger’s checked items at the #Kahului Airport (#OGG). Our officers have discovered cannonballs in the past, but this is the first cannon I can recall.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Oct 24, 2014 at 5:13pm PDT

18) 92 Pounds of Marijuana

#TSACatch – As we’ve said before, we’re not looking for illegal narcotics, but we have to report them to law enforcement when discovered. With that said, it’s pretty hard to not come across 92 pounds of marijuana as our checked baggage screening officers did in #Phoenix (#PHX).

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Nov 21, 2014 at 4:44pm PST

19) A Mortar

#TSACatch #TBT – This inert 60mm mortar round was discovered in the checked bag of passenger at #ElPaso (ELP) back in March of 2012.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Dec 4, 2014 at 11:48am PST

20) Another Smoke Grenade

#TSACatch – This smoke grenade and two bullets were discovered this week in a carry-on bag at the #Washington #Dulles (#IAD) International Airport. Smoke grenades are prohibited from being packed in both carry-on and checked bags.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Dec 5, 2014 at 1:25pm PST

21) Live Eels

#TBT 2012 – These eels were discovered in a passenger’s checked bag at the #Miami (#MIA) International Airport. Among many other things, the passenger was attempting to transport 163 marine tropical fish and 22 invertebrates to #Maracaibo (MAR). The passenger surrendered the items to the @usfws (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). #TSAGoodCatch

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jan 8, 2015 at 3:04pm PST

22) A Large Antique Sword

#TSAGoodCatch – This sword was discovered in a carry-on bag at the Florence (FLO) Regional Airport in #SouthCarolina. Swords may be checked with luggage, but never carried onto the cabin of an aircraft.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Feb 6, 2015 at 3:54pm PST

23) A Chihuahua

#TSATravelTips – Ay, #Chihuahua! It’s always important to double check your bags before traveling, especially to make sure your Chihuahua hasn’t stowed away inside one of them. That’s exactly what happened this week at #NewYork’s #LaGuardia (#LGA) Airport. While resolving a checked baggage alarm, an officer was shocked when he found a dog in the bag! Apparently, the dog climbed in while its owner was packing her suitcase. TSA worked with the airline to identify the owner, and the two were happily reunited. #DogsOfInstagram #TSAGoodCatch

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Mar 6, 2015 at 9:45am PST

24) A Human Skull

#TBT In April of 2013, our officers discovered human skull fragments in clay pots at the #FortLauderdale International Airport (#FLL)! The fragments weren’t a security threat, but they slowed down the screening process because the screening area became a crime scene! The passengers had just purchased the clay pots and had no idea skull fragments were inside.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Mar 12, 2015 at 9:11am PDT

25) Yet Another Smoke Grenade

#TSAGoodCatch – This live smoke grenade was discovered in a checked bag at the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS). All grenades, no matter whether they’re inert, replica, or live – are prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Mar 27, 2015 at 4:49pm PDT

26) Loads of Throwing Stars

#TSAGoodCatch – These throwing stars and throwing knife were all discovered in carry-on bags. Clockwise from the top left, they were discovered at the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and Houston William P. Hobby Airport. All martial arts weapons are prohibited in carry-on bags.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Mar 31, 2015 at 6:13pm PDT

27) Another Practise Explosive Vest

#TBT – In March of 2013, the contents of a checked bag at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) caught our officer’s attention. After alarming in the X-ray, our officers discovered 30 electric matches, a bag of potassium chlorate, a bag of titanium powder, and a suicide vest. All of the items were inert and the passenger was an explosives instructor traveling with his training aids. #TSAGoodCatch

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Apr 2, 2015 at 3:47pm PDT

28) Another Grenade

#TSAGoodCatch – This inert grenade was discovered in a carry-on bag at the Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). TSA officers don’t know items such as this one are inert until explosives detection professionals, along with law enforcement, remove the item from the X-ray tunnel and resolve the alarm. This most likely will cause a closure of our checkpoint and lead to missed and delayed flights. All grenades, no matter whether they’re inert, replica, or live – are prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Apr 6, 2015 at 3:30pm PDT

29) This Loaded Gun

#TSAGoodCatch – This loaded firearm was discovered in a carry-on bag at the Miami International Airport (MIA). While firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, you can travel with firearms in your checked baggage as long as you meet the packing guidelines. Read about the guidelines here: bit.ly/travelingwithfirearms

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Apr 24, 2015 at 7:17pm PDT

30) ANOTHER Live Smoke Grenade… Seriously?!

#TSAGoodCatch – This live smoke grenade was discovered in a carry-on bag last week at the Tulsa International Airport (TUL). Smoke grenades, along with all other types of grenades, are prohibited from being transported in both carry-on and checked baggage.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on May 6, 2015 at 1:44pm PDT

31) Oh Come On. Really? Again?

#TSATravelTips – 750 rounds of ammunition and two smoke grenades were discovered in a checked bag at the Tucson International Airport (TUS). While smoke grenades are never permitted, ammunition can be packed in checked baggage as long as the proper packing guidelines are met. Read more about properly packing your firearms here: http://bit.ly/travelingwithfirearms

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on May 13, 2015 at 2:08pm PDT

32) An Anti-Tank Projectile

#TSAGoodCatch – An inert anti-tank projectile was discovered in a checked bag at the Tulsa International Airport (TUL). Please keep in mind that if an item looks like a real bomb, projectile, grenade, mine, etc., it is prohibited. When these items are found at a checkpoint or in checked baggage, they can cause significant delays because the explosives detection professionals must respond to resolve the alarm. Even if they are novelty items, you are prohibited from bringing them on the aircraft.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on May 26, 2015 at 3:43pm PDT

33) Pretty Standard By This Point

These inert grenades were discovered last week in both carry-on and checked baggage. Whether it’s a live or inert grenade, or a novelty item such as a belt buckle, lighter, etc., anything resembling a grenade is prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage. In addition to possible arrests and fines, items such as these can lead to the closure of checkpoints and checked baggage areas and lead to missed and delayed flights. #TSAGoodCatch

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jun 5, 2015 at 12:17pm PDT

34) A Fake Bomb Aid

#TBT April, 2012 – This IED training aid with a block of simulated SEMTEX-H, and a simulated blasting cap was discovered in a traveler’s checked bag at the Columbus Metropolitan Airport (GSG) in Georgia. #TSAGoodCatch

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jul 2, 2015 at 4:30pm PDT

35) Two Birds

#TBT August 2011 — Two birds were discovered during a pat-down that was being administered due to bulky clothing at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). They were wrapped in socks and taped to the leg and chest of a woman who was traveling to China. @USFWS officers arrested the woman on suspicion of smuggling and exporting an endangered species out of the United States. #TSAGoodCatch

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jul 9, 2015 at 2:45pm PDT

36) An Old Military BAZOOKA

#TBT June 2012 – After an alarm on checked baggage at Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), TSA Officers discovered an old military bazooka round. Not knowing if this was live or inert, law enforcement officers established a 100-foot perimeter around the item and evacuated the baggage area and terminals near the item. An explosive ordinance disposal team later deemed the item inert. In the end, 5 flights were delayed over an hour, affecting many passengers.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Jul 23, 2015 at 3:20pm PDT

37) This is Getting Out of Hand

#TBT – These are all prohibited items that were discovered in years past and put on display at the Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Aug 20, 2015 at 5:54pm PDT

38) Moooooore Axes

#TSAGoodCatch – These were discovered recently in carry-on bags at the MBS International Airport (MBS), and Dallas Love Field (DAL). Hatchets and all tools longer than seven inches must be placed in checked baggage.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Sep 22, 2015 at 5:52pm PDT

39) And More Guns. Obviously

#TSAGoodCatch – These are a few of the 64 firearms that were discovered last week in carry-on bags around the nation. Of the 64 firearms discovered, 55 were loaded and 26 had a round chambered. While firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, you can pack them in your checked baggage, as long as you meet the packing guidelines: bit.ly/travelingwithfirearms.

A photo posted by TSA (@tsa) on Oct 22, 2015 at 2:36pm PDT

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