Skip to content

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

March 31, 2017
7 min read
Chicago TSA Featured
The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak by the TSA in March
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

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 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. Zap Self Defense Cane

While canes are indeed allowed as carry-ons, canes that can deliver a shock of 1,000,000 volts are not. This 'Zap Self Defense Cane' was found in a passenger's carry-on bag at the Kahului airport (OGG). Next time make sure the electrified cane is safely stowed in your checked luggage.

2. Dragon Dagger

Knives of any kind aren't allowed in carry-on bags, yet TSA seems to frequently find the sharp objects on passengers at security checkpoints. This knife stands out though for looking more at home in a Game of Thrones episode than at a US airport. This knife, featuring a dragon head handle, was found in a carry-on bag at Chicago's O'Hare airport (ORD).

3. Spartan Hand Gun

Perhaps this person who attempted to carry on a Spartan hand gun was a big fan of 300 — but no matter how good-looking the gun is, you can't carry them on. This handgun was found in a carry-on bag in Midland, Texas (MAF).

4. A Whole Lot of Grenades

The TSA had its hands full when this passenger attempted to carry on a bag that included live smoke grenades, inert practice grenades and three live ground burst simulators. These... goodies... were discovered in a soldier's carry-on bag in Palm Springs (PSP) and while they're used for military training, they're definitely not allowed to fly commercial.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

5. Grim Reaper Pocket Knife

It seems that insignia on weapons was a hot trend for passengers this month — a passenger in Honolulu (HNL) attempted to bring along this utterly creepy pocket knife, complete with an engraved handle of Death, personified.

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

Featured image by Getty Images

TPG featured card

4 / 5
Go to review
Rewards rate
1XChoose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee
2XEarn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status + $300 of Bilt Cash
Annual fee
$495
Regular APR
26.74 - 34.74% variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Good Credit, Excellent Credit

Pros

  • Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
  • Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
  • $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
  • $200 Bilt Cash annually
  • Priority Pass membership
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • Moderate annual fee
  • Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
  • Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
  • Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
  • 2X points on everyday spend
  • $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
  • $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
  • Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
  • Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
  • Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.