The folks who run airport security have to put up with a lot - from disagreeable travelers and fussy babies to bona fide security breaches, TSA agents have a hard job ensuring airport security.
But the TSA also knows how to laugh and ask "How could you possibly think it was okay to bring that to the airport with you?"
Here, via the words and pictures of the TSA's official Instagram account, are their picks for the 10 biggest "finds" in traveler's luggage in 2016.
10) Hand Grenade Trailer Hitch Cover, San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
#ProTip - Your trailer hitch hand grenade is prohibited from both carry-on and checked bags. So what’s the big deal if it’s inert? First off, we don’t know it’s inert until explosives professionals take a closer look, and that takes time and slows down the line. It can even lead to a complete shutdown and evacuation. Also, imagine the person sitting next to you on the plane pulling this out of their carry-on. For these reasons, anything resembling a bomb or grenade is prohibited from both carry-on and checked bags. #TSATravelTipsThis inert grenade was discovered in a checked bag recently at the SBP airport.
9) Hello Kitty Gun, Bradley International Airport
#TSATravelTips - While firearms are prohibited in carry-on bags, you can pack them in your checked baggage, as long as you meet the packing guidelines: bit.ly/travelingwithfirearms. This firearm was discovered recently in a carry-on bag at the Bradley (BDL) International Airport. #TSAGoodCatch
8) "Lucille," Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
This replica of @AMCTheWalkingDead’s “Lucille” was discovered recently in a carry-on bag at Atlanta (ATL). The barbed wire is actually made from rubber and the blood is fake (we hope). However, baseball bats are prohibited from carry-on bags and must be packed in checked luggage. #TWD #Negan We’re just glad Lucille wasn’t thirsty.
7) Gold Hand Grenade, Newark Liberty International Airport
This inert golden grenade was discovered in a traveler’s carry-on bag at Newark (EWR). While it is pretty fancy, it’s prohibited altogether from both carry-on and checked baggage. So what’s the big deal if it’s inert? First off, we don’t know it’s inert until explosives professionals take a closer look, and that takes time and slows down the line. It can even lead to a complete shutdown and evacuation. Also, imagine the person sitting next to you on the plane pulling this out of their carry-on. No big deal, right? For these reasons, anything resembling a bomb or grenade is prohibited from both carry-on and checked bags. #TSAGoodCatch
6) Replica Suicide Vest, Richmond International Airport
#TSATravelTips - Don’t pack your homemade replica suicide vest. The traveler who packed this vest in his checked bag at Richmond (RIC) stated it was a prop intended for use in a live-action role-playing game (LARP). TSA explosives experts raced to the checked baggage room and the airport police were called immediately. Fortunately, the explosives experts determined the vest posed no danger. It has yet to be determined if the officer who searched the bag needed a change of clothing.
5) Bladed Dragon Claw, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
We’re pretty sure this isn’t a letter opener. A bladed dragon claw perhaps??? Whatever it is, it should be packed in checked baggage. It was discovered in a carry-on bag at Atlanta (ATL).
4) Dead Seahorses in Liquor Bottle: Detroit Metropolitan Airport
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.
3) Five-Bladed Flogger, George Bush Intercontinental Airport
While some travelers are worried about packing nail clippers (they are allowed), others pack a pair of five-bladed floggers. You guessed it; these are not allowed in carry-on bags. If you’re in a situation where you’re going to need your floggers, they’ll have to be packed in checked baggage. These were discovered last week in a carry-on bag at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas (IAH). #TSATravelTips
2) Gas Mask Spiked with Bullets, Miami International Airport
Packing list: Socks. Check. Toothbrush. Check. Curling Iron. Check. Post-apocalyptic bullet-adorned gas mask... While gas masks are allowed in carry-on bags, replica bullets are not. This was discovered in a carry-on bag at Miami (MIA). Maybe he was catching a one way flight to #FuryRoad?
1) Prop Corpse, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
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