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

June 30, 2017
2 min read
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The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak by the TSA in June
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June's been a mixed month at the TSA, with its agents making news for the odd stuff they let fly (a massive lobster), and for one agent who attempted to steal one passenger's cash. But with the end of the month upon us, it's time once again to take a look at some of the agency's wackiest finds. Taken from the TSA's semi-regularly updated Instagram page, these items stand out for their creativity, craziness and other totally arbitrary adjectives. Sometimes we just think they're cool.

As always, we're grateful that the TSA remains diligent in preventing passengers from boarding aircraft with such dangerous weapons.

1. Shuriken Fidget Spinner

Fidget spinners are all the rage this summer, with everyone from the next-door toddler to your best friend's great uncle getting in on the trend. And the TSA's totally cool with passengers carrying on their spinners — but only to a point. Surprising absolutely nobody, fidget spinners doubling as ninja stars are a no-no.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVX72EMD6dm/

2. No-Sweat Knife

This thick-skulled passenger loved his heart-laden knife so much he couldn't imagine parting ways with it for one short flight... so he stuck in in his carry-on deodorant instead. Now he's down his knife, up a fine and facing the possibility of a less-than-lovely court date for concealing a weapon. We hope the court room's got working a/c.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVh7z_PjiMc/

3. Fantasy blade

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Though we honestly wouldn't be surprised if an epic medieval fantasy fight broke out at 35,000 feet, TSA policy prohibits participants from bringing blades blades on board. That's why this unlucky Chicagoan had to part ways with this ...unique... piece of cutlery. Next time just leave it at home!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVap4bRjw_9/

4. Mile-high mini bar

Nobody likes to pay the exorbitant in-flight drink prices, which might by why one curious passenger asked the TSA if their handily-packed mini-drinks would make it past security. The TSA gave them the green light, though with a stern reminder to resist dipping into their stash at the gate or in the air.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVBHP9FDfAK/

5. ...Propane?

If you've been invited to an out-of-state Fourth of July pot-luck BBQ and have to fly to get to your destination, don't offer to bring the propane. Just don't. Geez.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0OJ5dDJ_f/

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

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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 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.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • 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.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $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.