Skip to content

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

May 31, 2016
3 min read
TSAScreenerFeatured
The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak by the TSA in May
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.

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

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
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?

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
4XEarn 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.
4XEarn 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.
5XNew! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Excellent to Good

Pros

  • Valuable dining and food-related credits
  • Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
  • Multiple travel and purchase protections
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

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 $8,000 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.
  • New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
  • Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
  • New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
  • Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
  • Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.