The 5 Craziest Things Passengers Tried to Sneak by the TSA in October
Another month, another list of crazy things passengers tried to sneak by TSA when traveling. The TSA's Instagram includes cheeky posts about all things people attempt to take with them on their flights, either by carrying on or checking it in their bags, that are obviously not-TSA-approved items. At least some of the ones we've rounded up for you were trying to get in the Halloween spirit. All in all, it's just another month of confiscated deadly weapons and explosives at US airports.
1. Loaded Firearm...Hidden in a Wheelchair Cushion
Well, that's one way to attempt to sneak in a loaded gun. I've heard of people sneaking in mini bottles of alcohol into football stadiums via wheelchair cushions. But guns through airport security? That's a bold one. Next time, just follow regulations and properly check your (unloaded) gun.
2. Spooky Spider Knife
We'll give this person the benefit of the doubt and say they were channeling Halloween when they thought it'd be permissible to bring a knife through security. Or maybe it was a part of his/her costume and that's why they checked in on their carry on. Either way, packing a knife is only allowed in checked luggage that follows certain guidelines.
3. Inert Prototype Projectiles
While these are just prototypes, I can assure you that If I saw these on an airplane I would sound a few alarms. The United Nations defines an 'inert projectile' as "cartridges for weapons...ammunition consisting of a cartridge case fitted with a centre or rimfire primer and containing both a propelling charge and solid projectile(s)." This definition alone scares me enough into fully supporting the TSA's decision to not allow these on aircraft.
4. Brush and Comb Daggers
I'm all about traveling stylishly, but I value safety even more so; I commend these TSA agents for discerning between style and safety. I wonder what it looked like when it was getting scanned in security — a lethal comb or a knife with bristles? Hopefully these agents didn't give these brushes back to their rightful owner, and hopefully their rightful owner was using them for style and not safety.
5. Gunpowder and Fuse
You have to wonder what someone is thinking when he or she packs a pound of gunpowder and a fuse (separately, at least), and checks that bag. Maybe the owner mistook the canister and cord for their protein powder and phone charger? I can only hope they were going to use it recreationally, whatever that might entail.
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


