11 Odd Things The TSA has Confiscated at Airports

Airport security lines are painfully long to get through, but there is good reason why. Here are some of the weirdest, wildest, and dangerous items TSA has confiscated from air travelers.

11. Kitten Keychain

#TSATravelTips – In addition to being a cute cat keychain, this is a punching weapon. Just as with brass knuckles, they’re prohibited from being packed or carried through the checkpoint. This one was discovered this week at the Norfolk International Airport (ORF). You can pack them in your checked baggage.

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on May 9, 2016 at 5:01pm PDT

Yes, this looks like an innocent, adorable keychain. But it doubles as a punching weapon. Tons of these weapons like this one found at Norfolk International airport get confiscated each year.

10. Lipstick Stun Gun

#TSAGoodCatch – This #bejeweled lipstick stun gun was discovered in a carry-on bag at the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). All stun guns are prohibited from being packed in carry-on bags or carried on your person.

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Apr 20, 2016 at 4:25pm PDT

Someone must have been binge watching spy movies, because a bejeweled lipstick stun gun was confiscated at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

9. A Fidget Spinner

Satan’s fidget spinner was discovered in a carry-on bag at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). While normal #FidgetSpinners are permitted, this one is a weapon.

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Jun 15, 2017 at 1:40pm PDT

The latest trend among kids is indeed allowed on airplanes. However, this weapon that TSA described as “Satan’s fidget spinner” had to be taken away in Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

8. Giant Teddy Bear

Click on the link in our profile to read a blog post on this subject. ***UPDATE*** After watching a YouTube video posted by the traveler, we’ve learned that he’s a popular YouTuber and this was a stunt to see if he could get the giant bear on the plane. He even made up a backstory that the bear was a gift for his girlfriend. The bear did not belong to a child. The passenger had actually bought a ticket for the bear. After the airline and TSA decided the bear was too large, the airline offered to refund the ticket and the traveler was given the option of checking the bear as checked baggage. The traveler opted not to check the bear and left it behind.*** Why does this gigantic teddy bear look so sad? He was abandoned by his owners at LAX after the airline and TSA determined that he was just too big to be screened as a carry-on and taken on the plane. It’s a good idea to check with your airline prior to traveling with overly large items as cary-ons. If you see this wayward bear strolling the streets of LA, please feel free to feed him. #TSATravelTips

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Dec 14, 2016 at 2:21pm PST

Although it was later determined to be part of a stunt by a Youtuber, TSA was asked by a traveler if this giant stuffed bear could board the plane as a passenger. The traveler even bought a ticket for the bear. TSA, however, deemed the bear as too large, and the sad looking toy was abandoned at LAX.

7. Quite a Pair

#TSATravelTips – Marijuana was discovered concealed in a jar of peanut butter in a checked bag at San Jose (SJC). As we’ve said before, we’re not looking for illegal narcotics, but we have to report them to law enforcement when discovered. #TSAGoodCatch

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Oct 29, 2015 at 5:24pm PDT

At an airport in San Jose, marijuana was found in a bottle of Skippy Peanut Butter. The traveler must have been trying to save a snack for later.

6. The Classic Trojan Horse

#TSAGoodCatch #TBT May, 2012 – These fireworks were discovered in what appears to be a ceramic Trojan horse at the #Helena (#HLN) Regional Airport in #Montana.

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Jan 29, 2015 at 1:05pm PST

In 2012, fireworks were loaded into a ceramic trojan horse at the Helena Regional Airport. Someone must have been brushing up on their Greek history.

5. Captain Mickey

#TSACatch #TBT In May of 2012, a disassembled gun and ammunition were discovered in three stuffed animals at the #Providence TF Green Airport (#PVD). The frame of a .40 caliber firearm was in one animal; a magazine loaded with two .40 caliber rounds and firing pin was inside another; and the slide was inside a third animal. The necessary components to assemble a fully functional loaded firearm were concealed in the three toys. This is just another example of why our officers take a closer look at everything that comes through the checkpoint.

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Oct 30, 2014 at 2:57pm PDT

Weapons get disguised and hidden in luggage quite frequently, but this traveler tried to hide his gun and ammunition in a stuffed Mickey, teddy bear and rabbit. These are not toy guns.

4. Boozy Sea Horses

An oversized bottle of liquor was detected in a carry-on bag at Detroit (DTW). Not only was the large bottle of liquor prohibited, but so were the five dead endangered seahorses that were inside the bottle. Michigan Fish and Game responded and confiscated the bottle.

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Mar 19, 2016 at 11:22am PDT

In Detroit, TSA confiscated an oversized bottle of liquor. What makes this item even worse is that it encapsulated five dead endangered seahorses.

3. Snakes on a Plane

#TBT – In August 2011 at the #Miami International Airport (#MIA), seven small snakes (stuffed in nylon stockings) were discovered in a traveler’s pants. In addition to the snakes, he also had three small turtles. The snakes and turtles were found using TSA’s Advanced Imaging Technology which allows TSA officers to find potential threat items concealed from plain sight. @USFWS officers arrived on the scene and took custody of the reptiles. The passenger was arrested and charged with violating the Lacey Act.

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Nov 13, 2014 at 4:56pm PST

In 2011, seven snakes and three turtles were found in a traveler’s pants while going through security at the Miami International Airport. The animals were taken away by officers, and this almost sly guy was arrested.

2. A Giant Lobster

This Boston Logan (BOS) TSA officer found himself in a pinch and needed to remove this giant lobster from its container to resolve a checked baggage alarm. This is proof that lobsters are allowed in carry-on and checked bags. As you can imagine, they’re a popular item at New England airports. Just check with your airline first for packing guidelines. Oh, in case you were wondering, butter and cheddar biscuits are permitted as well.

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Jun 26, 2017 at 2:50pm PDT

A Boston TSA officer found this lobster when a baggage alarm was going off, and he needed to empty a container. Luckily, the lobster was allowed on after all. Hope that passenger wasn’t too crabby about needing to have his bag examined.

1. A Movie Corpse

Talk about deadheading… This crusty ol’ chap is actually a prop from the #TexasChainsawMassacre movie. He was brought through a checkpoint at the Atlanta (#ATL) International Airport, where as you can see, he was screened and sent on his jolly way. #TSAOnTheJob

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on May 15, 2016 at 3:41pm PDT

Lights, camera, airport security! This item wasn’t confiscated, but was too crazy not to mention. A prop from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Movie was brought to the Atlanta International Airport. TSA screened it, and let it on the plane.