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

Dec. 02, 2017
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9 min read
Airport Security-TSA
The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak by the TSA in November
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It's always a joy to see just what the TSA confiscated every month. Will it be another weapon? A live animal? All of the above? Most likely, since passengers have no shame when trying to sneak things by security agents at airports. November was no different with TSA's Instagram filled with the hilarious — and sometimes scary — items passengers tried to bring on their flights. From delicious treats to dangerous weapons, check out the five best things found on the TSA Instagram for November.

1. Pie in the Sky

Couldn't get enough of grandma's pie and wanted to bring some home for later? Don't fret, the pie can fly. Of course, it has to go through security screening like everything else, but if it's just a saccharine sweet filled with goodness (and no hidden secrets), it should be good to go.

2. A Pint-Sized Revolver

When is everyone going to learn that a firearm of any type is never allowed on an aircraft in a carry-on; it's allowed only if it's securely checked and placed in the cargo of the plane where passengers can't access their luggage. As adorable and petite as this loaded gun was, it's still a no-go in carry-on baggage. Firearms discovered at security can result in fines, arrest and missed flights or any combination of the aforementioned. A word to the wise: Check your guns and you won't get featured on TSA's Instagram account.

3. Don't "Ruffle" Any Feathers with Knives

The only thing more suspicious than carrying an unapproved TSA item in your carry-on is hiding it in something like a bag of chips. This passenger who was flying out of St. Croix (STX) tried to sneak a knife past security in his carry-on ... all he had to do was throw the knife (and chips) in his checked luggage and fly away from his Virgin Island departure with no qualms.

4. #TBT to TSA's Coolest Passengers

In addition to staying cool, penguins Penny and Pete are the cutest passengers to go through security at San Antonio International Airport (SAT). All travelers should take a cue from this pair and play it cool as a cucumber when going through security screening. The flightless birds fully complied with TSA guidelines and emptied their pockets and took out their laptops before waddling through security. Penny and Pete, you two are our TSA saviors.

5. You "Cane" Not Bring That Through Security

This passenger at Chattanooga Airport (CHA) failed on two counts: You can't carry on replica bullets or concealed weapons like swords hidden within canes. While the fake bullet had nothing concealed in it, it's still enough to set off alarms for security when going through the X-ray. Of course, a sword hidden in a cane is a big "no-no" since it's a dangerous weapon. However, both items are allowed in checked luggage. Unfortunately, this guy found out the hard way — we're really hoping the cane wasn't doubling as an actual cane to help him walk.

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Featured image by Carolina K. Smith

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • 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.