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.

This animal couldn’t eat another bite. Because it’s stuffed! Stuffed with more than filling apparently… This knife was discovered sewn inside this stuffed animal at Tampa International Airport. All knives are not allowed in carry-on bags or on your person. Knives may be packed in checked luggage. Concealed knives such as this one can lead to fines and arrest.

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Sep 27, 2017 at 12:33pm PDT

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.

OK Van Helsing, next time, be sure to pack your crossbow in your checked bags. This was discovered in a Latrobe (LBE) traveler’s carry-on bag. #Nope

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Sep 26, 2017 at 12:49pm PDT

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.

Please don’t axe us what purpose this serves. We don’t know… We do know that it’s not allowed in carry-on bags. If you find yourself traveling with an axe-gun thingamabob, please pack it in your checked baggage. This was discovered in a carry-on bag at Fargo (FAR).

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Sep 25, 2017 at 11:27am PDT

4. A Phone from the Holiday Inn…

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

We have no problem with the phone, however, you’ll likely incur an extra charge on your hotel invoice. … This is a screenshot of a tweet sent to the AskTSA account on Twitter. Have you ever wondered whether or not you can pack a certain item? Fret no more! Now you can simply snap a picture and tweet it to AskTSA or send it via Facebook Messenger and our team will get back to you promptly with an answer. … If you’re a regular follower of this account, I’m sure you can think of many situations where it would have behooved somebody to send us a picture first. And that’s not all. Contact us about any TSA related issue or question you might have. We can even help you if you don’t see TSA Pre✓® on your boarding pass. … We look forward to answering your questions, 8am-10pm ET weekdays; 9am-7pm weekends/holidays. #AskTSA #TSATravelTips

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Sep 12, 2017 at 4:36pm PDT

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?

Are you asking about the battle axe or your foot? Feet are good, but the axe is a replica and needs to be packed in a checked bag. …. This is a screenshot of a tweet sent to the AskTSA account on Twitter. Have you ever wondered whether or not you can pack a certain item? Fret no more! Now you can simply snap a picture and tweet it to AskTSA or send it via Facebook Messenger and our team will get back to you promptly with an answer. …. If you’re a regular follower of this account, I’m sure you can think of many situations where it would have behooved somebody to send us a picture first. And that’s not all. Contact us about any TSA related issue or question you might have. We can even help you if you don’t see TSA Pre✓® on your boarding pass. …. We look forward to answering your questions, 8am-10pm ET weekdays; 9am-7pm weekends/holidays. #AskTSA #TSATravelTips

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Sep 1, 2017 at 2:20pm PDT

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