Skip to content

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

March 31, 2017
7 min read
Chicago TSA Featured
The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak by the TSA in March
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

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. Zap Self Defense Cane

While canes are indeed allowed as carry-ons, canes that can deliver a shock of 1,000,000 volts are not. This 'Zap Self Defense Cane' was found in a passenger's carry-on bag at the Kahului airport (OGG). Next time make sure the electrified cane is safely stowed in your checked luggage.

2. Dragon Dagger

Knives of any kind aren't allowed in carry-on bags, yet TSA seems to frequently find the sharp objects on passengers at security checkpoints. This knife stands out though for looking more at home in a Game of Thrones episode than at a US airport. This knife, featuring a dragon head handle, was found in a carry-on bag at Chicago's O'Hare airport (ORD).

3. Spartan Hand Gun

Perhaps this person who attempted to carry on a Spartan hand gun was a big fan of 300 — but no matter how good-looking the gun is, you can't carry them on. This handgun was found in a carry-on bag in Midland, Texas (MAF).

4. A Whole Lot of Grenades

The TSA had its hands full when this passenger attempted to carry on a bag that included live smoke grenades, inert practice grenades and three live ground burst simulators. These... goodies... were discovered in a soldier's carry-on bag in Palm Springs (PSP) and while they're used for military training, they're definitely not allowed to fly commercial.

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

5. Grim Reaper Pocket Knife

It seems that insignia on weapons was a hot trend for passengers this month — a passenger in Honolulu (HNL) attempted to bring along this utterly creepy pocket knife, complete with an engraved handle of Death, personified.

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

Featured image by Getty Images

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
5X milesEarn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X milesEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent, Good

Pros

  • Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
  • Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners

Cons

  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app