1. A Chainsaw (Yes, Seriously)
Back in 2021 at New Orleans International Airport, TSA agents stopped a passenger who attempted to bring a chainsaw in their carry-on, according to Zoe Christen Jones of CBS News. The blade had been drained of fuel, but unsurprisingly, the TSA didn’t take comfort in that little detail. Blades over 7 inches and power tools that can be used as weapons are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage. The passenger was probably more surprised it didn’t make the cut—pun very much intended.
It sounds like a scene out of a horror movie, but it’s a real event that made national headlines. TSA shared a photo of the confiscated chainsaw, further fueling online incredulity. It’s a classic example of someone either misunderstanding the rules—or boldly ignoring them. Moral of the story: leave your lumberjack gear at home.
2. A Replica Grenade
At Detroit Metro Airport, TSA found what appeared to be a live grenade during a routine bag check, according to Evan James Carter of The Detroit News. Turns out, it was a novelty item—a realistic-looking replica that was completely inert. Unfortunately, TSA doesn’t care if it’s fake or functional; if it looks like a grenade, it causes delays and possibly an evacuation. That’s exactly what happened here.
People often forget that even props can create chaos in a security line. While it may have seemed like a fun souvenir or conversation piece, it’s never a good idea to pack replica explosives. This one led to a partial terminal shutdown. TSA later used it as a teachable moment on Instagram.
3. A Cane Sword
You’d think this only exists in spy movies, but nope—it happened in Boston, according to Gloria Oladipo of The Guardian. A traveler tried to pass through security with what looked like an ordinary walking cane. But inside was a hidden, foot-long sword that popped out like something out of a James Bond flick. Naturally, TSA wasn’t amused.
Cane swords are illegal in many places and absolutely not allowed on planes. Even if you’re using the cane for legitimate support, hiding a blade inside is a huge security risk. The passenger claimed they had no idea it was a weapon. TSA, unsurprisingly, didn’t buy that.
4. A Live Python in a Hard Drive
This one takes “snakes on a plane” to a whole new level. In 2018, TSA agents in Miami discovered a woman trying to smuggle a live, 15-inch python inside an external hard drive enclosure, according to Dominick Proto of ABC News. The snake was spotted after the bag went through an X-ray, and the woman claimed it was an “emotional support animal.” Points for creativity, but no dice.
Live animals must be declared and transported properly—not stuffed into electronics. TSA alerted the airline, which then denied the woman’s boarding. The reptile was handed over to U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Definitely not the kind of byte they expected to scan that day.
5. A Freddy Krueger Glove
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, TSA came across a metal-clawed glove designed to mimic the infamous Freddy Krueger. Sharp blades protruded from the fingers, making it a serious threat—even if it was just a costume piece. Halloween or not, this horror-themed accessory was a definite no-go.
The passenger reportedly packed it for a fan convention but had to kiss it goodbye. TSA has strict rules about anything that can slash, stab, or puncture. While novelty items are fine in checked baggage, carry-ons are a whole different beast. Even fictional killers get screened.
6. A Bag of Throwing Stars
Several times over the years, passengers have tried to board planes with actual ninja throwing stars. One notable incident occurred in Salt Lake City, where a full set of shuriken was found tucked into a carry-on. While it may sound cool (or ridiculous), these are considered dangerous weapons under TSA guidelines.
You’d think airport security would be the last place someone channels their inner ninja. TSA confiscates these more often than you’d expect, particularly after comic conventions or martial arts events. Regardless of intent, they’re not allowed in carry-ons. Maybe leave the cosplay accessories in checked luggage next time.
7. A Hatchet Hidden in a Stuffed Animal
At Boston Logan Airport, TSA agents found a small hatchet concealed inside a child’s plush toy. The head of the axe was wrapped in the stuffing, and the handle had been stitched into the back seam. It sounds like a plot twist in a crime drama, but it was very real—and very alarming.
The passenger claimed it was a gift, though officials were skeptical. Hatchets are obviously not allowed in carry-ons, hidden or otherwise. The discovery led to a closer inspection and temporary delays. TSA stressed that even innocent-looking items will be checked thoroughly.
8. 81 Pounds of Marijuana
This one goes beyond strange and straight into “what were they thinking?” territory. At Oakland International Airport in 2013, a man tried to check luggage containing 81 pounds of vacuum-sealed marijuana. TSA doesn’t look for drugs per se, but if they find them during a routine check, they’ll alert law enforcement immediately—which is exactly what happened here.
The man had packed the marijuana in large suitcases and thought he could sneak it through. Spoiler alert: he couldn’t. Drug smuggling attempts like this are more common than you’d expect, but 81 pounds was record-setting. TSA released a public reminder that their screening isn’t the place for drug trafficking.
9. A Flock of Dead Birds
Yes, this really happened—in 2018, TSA at Baltimore-Washington International Airport stopped a woman trying to bring 50 dead birds in her checked baggage. The birds were individually wrapped and declared, but TSA still flagged it for inspection. The woman was reportedly transporting them to use in spiritual or medicinal rituals abroad.
While the birds weren’t a security threat per se, they violated USDA and customs regulations. There are strict rules around transporting biological materials, especially animal remains. The birds were confiscated and destroyed, and the passenger was denied boarding. TSA called it one of the “creepiest finds” they’d ever had.
10. A Taxidermied Goat Head
At Denver International Airport, TSA found a severed goat head preserved through taxidermy in a passenger’s checked bag. The traveler was reportedly bringing it home as a souvenir after a hunting trip. While it’s not inherently illegal, it was improperly packed and undeclared—both major no-nos when transporting animal parts.
Because of the biological risk and lack of paperwork, TSA handed the item over to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The agency has strict protocols about transporting animal remains, especially if there’s potential for disease. The goat head ended up being destroyed. So much for that trophy shelf.
11. A Smoke Grenade
A traveler at Chicago O’Hare once attempted to board a flight with a military-grade smoke grenade. Smoke grenades are both flammable and pressurized, making them a double whammy in the eyes of airport security. TSA agents immediately confiscated it and called in the explosives team to verify it was safe.
The passenger claimed it was for a paintball game, which may be true—but that doesn’t matter. Items that could start fires or cause confusion in flight are strictly banned. Smoke grenades can easily cause panic if deployed, even accidentally. The passenger was lucky not to face charges.
12. A Cast-Iron Skillet
You might be wondering: what’s so dangerous about a frying pan? Well, TSA flagged a heavy, cast-iron skillet because of its potential to be used as a blunt weapon. This actually happens more than you’d think—especially when people are returning from vacations with cooking souvenirs.
While it’s perfectly fine in checked baggage, you probably won’t get away with carrying one onto the plane. In one notable case from 2017, TSA in Atlanta confiscated a vintage skillet someone had packed in their carry-on. It wasn’t just heavy—it was sharp along the edges. TSA posted a reminder that cast iron doesn’t fly (literally or figuratively).
13. A Replica Suicide Vest
This one was especially alarming: in 2016, a passenger at LAX was stopped with a mock suicide vest in their luggage. It turned out to be a movie prop, but it was made from real materials including wires and clay designed to resemble explosives. TSA evacuated part of the terminal while bomb experts cleared the scene.
It took hours to confirm it wasn’t an actual threat. The passenger said it was for a film project and didn’t realize it would cause a problem. TSA reminded travelers that realistic replicas of explosive devices are banned, even in checked baggage. Needless to say, that flight was missed.
14. A Fully Loaded Gun… in a Teddy Bear
In 2012 at Providence’s T.F. Green Airport, TSA agents found a dismantled, loaded handgun hidden inside a child’s teddy bear. The weapon was separated into three parts and stuffed into the bear’s torso, legs, and head. A routine X-ray screening caught the suspicious contents.
The bear belonged to a young child, but the firearm was clearly planted by an adult. Officials determined the attempt was deliberate and potentially criminal. It’s a disturbing example of how far some people will go to smuggle prohibited items. The case was referred to law enforcement immediately.
15. A Bag of Eels
At Miami International Airport in 2012, TSA stopped a man trying to smuggle 163 live eels in a bag inside his checked luggage. The passenger claimed they were for culinary purposes, but he failed to declare them properly with customs. He also had dozens of other exotic animals, including turtles and coral.
While the eels weren’t a threat to the aircraft, this violated several wildlife transport laws. TSA turned the matter over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The animals were seized and rehomed. TSA took the opportunity to remind passengers that yes, even eels need a boarding pass—of sorts.
