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The cat’s out the bag: January was just another month at TSA checkpoints across the country. From (fake) guns that turned out to be hookahs to cheese graters and grills (for your mouth), TSA’s Instagram feedwas as lively as ever. Take a look at some of the best things agents found at security this month.
1. Don’t Grate on TSA’s Nerves
Cheese lovers, rejoice: Cheese graters are allowed in your carry-on bags — TSA will not shred you to pieces if you carry this item appropriately. If you have any TSA-related questions about things you can/can’t take onboard, feel free to reach out to them via Twitter or Facebook messenger. They prefer to answer your questions ahead of time instead of kindly asking you to dispose of the cheese (grater), please.
2. Hookah, a go-go. Replicated guns, a no-no.
At first glance, this appears to be an automatic “no” as an acceptable carry-on. However, upon further inspection, this “gun” proved to be part of a hookah that was found at Denver International Airport (DEN). This wouldn’t come as a surprise, as 2017 saw a record number of recovered firearms at security. Either way, replicated firearms are never allowed onboard. Hookahs, however, are permitted — sans narcotics — when packed in a checked bag.
3. TSA let the cat out the bag … literally
It’s safe to say that if TSA detects anything with a heartbeat when scanning your checked bags, it’s a no-go. This passenger at Erie International Airport (ERI) accidentally packed her six-month-old cat, Slim, when getting ready for the airport.
But fret no more, Slim is now in the custody of the Humane Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Of course, you’re allowed to bring your cat onboard if you follow proper procedures via TSA and respective airlines. Take a look here for some helpful tips and hints for traveling with your furry friends.
4. The Morning Star
This weapon — with a very misleading name — was found in a carry-on bag at Chicago O’Hare (ORD). The Morning Star is a weapon that’s associated with the likes of Mad Max or Medieval Times and not at airport security. Needless to say this weapon, which was fashioned out of a paint roller with wire and nails protruding from it, was not allowed onboard the flight. And hopefully the passenger who possessed the morning star was heavily screened and questioned by authorities before boarding his flight.
5. Stop grilling TSA over lost objects
“Have you seen my grill? It’s gold and looks like my bottom teeth?”
Why yes, TSA found someone’s grill at a security checkpoint at Washington-Dulles (IAD). TSA wants you to know that any items found at checkpoints across the country are safely stored in a secured and managed location. Even if lost items can be found in your mouth, apparently.
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