The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak by the TSA in May
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
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
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
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
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
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?
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees