The 5 Most Ridiculous Items Passengers Tried to Carry on Board in September

Every week, the Transportation Security Administration 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. To help inform travelers, TSA has created an "Ask TSA" Twitter account where curious travelers can ask if they're allowed to carry on certain items. Below are the five most ridiculous questions asked 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 — or in some cases, cans of chili.

1. A Lethally-Stuffed Animal

This seems sort of cruel — a passenger sewed a knife into a stuffed animal and then tried to bring it on board an airplane in Tampa (TPA). You've gotta wonder what makes that seem like a good idea to some people. Regardless, make sure you pack any knives safely in checked baggage before you try to board an airplane.

2. A Crossbow

Just because it's not a hatchet or a high-powered rifle doesn't mean a crossbow is OK to fly on board the plane with you. This one was found in Latrobe, Pennsylvania (LBE). The TSA sums this one up pretty nicely — #Nope.

3. An "Axegun"
There's no scenario in which guns or axes should be on planes, but how about an axe/gun combo? No and no. This belongs securely in your checked baggage if you need to bring it with you on your travels.

4. A Phone from the Holiday Inn...

What's a better travel companion than a hotel room telephone? Even better, hotel phones can fly!

5. A Foam Battle Axe

As harmless as a foam battle axe may actually be, it can't fly on board with you. Even replicas of weapons need to be packed in a checked bag. Also, what's with the foot?

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