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

Jan. 31, 2017
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2 min read
Chicago TSA Featured
The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak by the TSA in January
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Every week, the TSA 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. Below are the five most ridiculous items that were confiscated 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.

1. Gun Knife

It's a gun! It's a knife! It's... both? This "Billy the Kid" souvenir knife that looks like a gun was confiscated at Des Moines International Airport (DSM). Remember that knives of any kind (and guns) — no matter how "fun" they may be — have to be stowed in your checked baggage.

2. Bows and Arrows

While it's true that you often have to hunt for decent food on board an airplane (especially on a domestic flight), remember that hunting weapons can't travel with you on board an aircraft. These high-tech looking collapsible bows and arrows were discovered in one passenger's carry-on bag at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

3. Rifle Umbrella

This replica of an umbrella/rifle discovered at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) may look like it belongs in the movies, but it definitely isn't something you can expect to bring on board an airplane. If you want to travel with this admittedly awesome looking device, make sure you pack it in your checked bag.

4. Bullet Belt

This totally tubular bullet belt that was discovered in someone's carry-on bag at Richmond International Airport (RIC) is quite the fashion statement — but you'll have to wait to show it off until you get to your destination. It can travel with you, but only in a checked bag.

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5. Holiday Heroin

The holiday-themed wrapping paper was no match for the TSA's advanced screening technology when it came to this attempt to smuggle a large amount of heroin through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Illegal drugs can't travel (no surprise there) and the TSA will call the police if they discover contraband in any luggage.

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

Featured image by Getty Images

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  • $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.
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