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

Nov. 30, 2016
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3 min read
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The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak by the TSA in November
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Every week, the TSA blogs about items (mostly weapons) that agents have confiscated at airports around the country, and it posts some of the crazier ones on its Instagram page. Below are the five most ridiculous items that were confiscated this month, at least according to us at Team TPG. As always, we're grateful that the TSA remains diligent in preventing passengers from boarding aircraft with such dangerous weapons.

1. Killer Baseball Bat

If you're a fan of The Walking Dead TV show, you'll quickly recognize this replica "Lucille" that a passenger at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) tried to bring along with them in a carry-on bag. The modified baseball bat featured barbed wire made from rubber and imitation blood, but regardless, baseball bats have to be stowed in checked luggage if you want to bring them along on a trip with you.

2. Axe

With cold winter weather (almost) upon us, you never know when you'll need your trusty axe to help you make a toasty fire, but remember to pack it in your checked luggage when you make your way through the airport to grandmother's house. This axe was discovered at Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI).

3. Angle Grinder

If you're doing home improvement projects for a relative over the holidays, brush up on the TSA's guidelines for traveling with power tools. They can travel with you — but only if they're stowed safely in your checked luggage. This tool was confiscated at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL).

4. Comb Knife

While this comb/knife combo scores a lot of points for supreme utility, it's not a great idea to try to get it through the TSA checkpoint — this is a concealed weapon, meaning you could be subject to fines and even arrest. If you want to bring a comb knife along on your next trip, make sure it's safely stowed in your checked luggage. This weapon was confiscated at San Diego International Airport (SAN).

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5. Bullet-Adorned Gas Mask

By now we're somewhat used to seeing passengers try to bring concealed weapons or machetes on board a plane in their carry-on luggage, but this bullet-adorned gas mask that was confiscated at Miami International Airport (MIA) has to be one of the more unique items we've seen to date. Gas masks actually are permitted in your carry-on luggage, but the bullets on the face of the mask are not.

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

Cons

  • 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.
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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.