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The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak by the TSA in May

May 31, 2016
3 min read
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The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak by the TSA in May
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If the TSA confiscates your bottle with "water residue" or a tube of shaving cream that's a bit too large, don't be embarrassed. The nation's airport security agency has seen (and confiscated) some seriously crazy items this month, several of which are highlighted on the TSA's Instagram account.

With all the negative coverage the TSA has been receiving lately, it's good to see the agency having some fun — and blocking these potentially lethal items from getting on board a passenger flight. Read on to find out which items we think are the most ridiculous that passengers tried to sneak by the screeners over the past few weeks.

1. Comb Dagger

Your dagger, even concealed in a comb, is not allowed to fly in a carry-on bag.

Good hair is important on a vacation or a business trip, but remember to keep any weaponized combs out of your carry-on luggage. The TSA confiscated this weapon in a passenger's carry-on bag at Lihue Airport (LIH) in Hawaii. Carrying a hidden knife can result in heavy fines and even arrest.

2. Hacksaw

This hacksaw belongs in a tool shed, not a carry-on suitcase.

Heavy hand tools can certainly be a factor in an overweight checked bag, but according to TSA guidelines, hacksaws can't travel in carry-on bags. This hacksaw was found in one passenger's carry-on at Norfolk International Airport (ORF).

3. Machetes

Remember to pack your machete in your checked bag before your next flight.

Some passengers in Houston apparently thought machetes were acceptable carry-on items. These three machetes were found and confiscated by the TSA on two separate occasions at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Machetes are allowed to travel with you, but only in the cargo hold.

4. Folding Throwing Star

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The TSA prohibits throwing stars from being in your carry-on bag.

One passenger at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) felt a little too much like an action movie star when they tried to sneak this throwing star through the security checkpoint in a carry-on bag. While this weapon surely has style, it too belongs in the cargo hold safely zipped in a checked bag.

5. Zombie

This movie prop had to be screened just like any other piece of carry-on luggage.

No one tried to sneak this ... zombie ... through the security checkpoint, but it had to be screened nonetheless. This was a prop for the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie that was traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). He proved to be no issue for the TSA and made it to his destination safe and sound.

What's the strangest thing you've seen at a TSA checkpoint?

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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    Excellent

Why We Chose It

The Capital One Venture X Business Card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • The Capital One Venture X business card has a very lucrative welcome offer.
  • In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
  • Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.

Cons

  • The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
  • Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn up to 400K bonus miles: 200K miles when you spend $30K in the first 3 months, and an additional 200k miles when you spend $150k in the first 6 months
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
  • Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
  • With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
  • Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
  • Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
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  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
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