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The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak By the TSA in October

Oct. 31, 2016
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3 min read
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The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak By the TSA in October
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Every week, the TSA blogs about items (mostly weapons) that agents have confiscated at airports around the country, and the agency posts some of the crazier items on its Instagram page. Below are five things that we at Team TPG think are the most ridiculous items that were confiscated this month — once again, we're grateful that the TSA remains diligent in preventing passengers from boarding aircraft with such dangerous weapons.

1. Brass Knuckles

While they can certainly give you some major street cred, brass knuckles, recently found in one passenger's carry-on bag at Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), aren't going to get you very far if you try to bring them on board an aircraft. While you can't carry them with you, brass knuckles are technically allowed to fly in your checked luggage as long as they're legal in the places you're traveling to.

Check laws regarding brass knuckles in the areas you're traveling through, as they may be illegal.

2. Ornate Knife

TSA agents at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) discovered this deep-red knife in someone's carry-on bag. While it's one of the better looking knives we've seen, it's still prohibited from traveling with you on the plane. As a reminder, knives can fly if they're securely stowed in your checked luggage.

No matter how great they look, knives have to be packed in your checked luggage, not in your carry-on.

3. Knife Pen

This knife/pen combo looks like it would be at home in a James Bond movie, but since it's a concealed weapon, carrying it on could lead to steep fines and even arrest. To avoid any complications while traveling with concealed knives, pack them safely in a checked bag.

This knife/pen was recently discovered by TSA agents at Kansas City International Airport (MCI).

4. Belt Knife

While this belt/knife combo scores a lot of points for utility, it's not a great idea to try to get it through the TSA checkpoint — just like the knife pen above, this is a concealed weapon, meaning you could be subject to fines and even arrest. Make sure it's safely stowed in your checked luggage if you want to bring a belt knife along on your next trip.

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This clever belt knife was discovered by TSA agents at Detroit Metro International Airport (DTW).

5. Replica Suicide Vest

One passenger at Richmond International Airport (RIC) thought it would be OK to bring along a replica suicide vest with him on a trip. While the passenger claimed it was simply a prop, TSA explosives experts and airport police were called in to deal with the situation. Ultimately, the explosives experts found that the vest posed no danger.

Remember that explosives — or items resembling them — can't fly with you.

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

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.