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

May 31, 2016
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3 min read
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The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak by the TSA in May
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If the TSA confiscates your bottle with "water residue" or a tube of shaving cream that's a bit too large, don't be embarrassed. The nation's airport security agency has seen (and confiscated) some seriously crazy items this month, several of which are highlighted on the TSA's Instagram account.

With all the negative coverage the TSA has been receiving lately, it's good to see the agency having some fun — and blocking these potentially lethal items from getting on board a passenger flight. Read on to find out which items we think are the most ridiculous that passengers tried to sneak by the screeners over the past few weeks.

1. Comb Dagger

Your dagger, even concealed in a comb, is not allowed to fly in a carry-on bag.

Good hair is important on a vacation or a business trip, but remember to keep any weaponized combs out of your carry-on luggage. The TSA confiscated this weapon in a passenger's carry-on bag at Lihue Airport (LIH) in Hawaii. Carrying a hidden knife can result in heavy fines and even arrest.

2. Hacksaw

This hacksaw belongs in a tool shed, not a carry-on suitcase.

Heavy hand tools can certainly be a factor in an overweight checked bag, but according to TSA guidelines, hacksaws can't travel in carry-on bags. This hacksaw was found in one passenger's carry-on at Norfolk International Airport (ORF).

3. Machetes

Remember to pack your machete in your checked bag before your next flight.

Some passengers in Houston apparently thought machetes were acceptable carry-on items. These three machetes were found and confiscated by the TSA on two separate occasions at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Machetes are allowed to travel with you, but only in the cargo hold.

4. Folding Throwing Star

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The TSA prohibits throwing stars from being in your carry-on bag.

One passenger at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) felt a little too much like an action movie star when they tried to sneak this throwing star through the security checkpoint in a carry-on bag. While this weapon surely has style, it too belongs in the cargo hold safely zipped in a checked bag.

5. Zombie

This movie prop had to be screened just like any other piece of carry-on luggage.

No one tried to sneak this ... zombie ... through the security checkpoint, but it had to be screened nonetheless. This was a prop for the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie that was traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). He proved to be no issue for the TSA and made it to his destination safe and sound.

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

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • 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.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $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.