The 10 most unusual things TSA confiscated in 2016

TSA

Transportation Security Administration officials say they confiscate a lot of strange objects at airport checkpoints around the country — enough to blog about on a weekly basis.

The agency recently published a YouTube video highlighting its 10 “most unusual finds” of 2016, complete with photos of the items and some commentary from TSA blogger Bob Burns.

“Our officers have kept a lot of dangerous and often times wacky items off of commercial aircraft this year,” read a caption appended to the video.

Here’s the Top 10 list, as ranked by the TSA, including photos the agency posted on Instagram and the names of the airports where each item was confiscated:

10.) Hand grenade trailer hitch cover

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) in California

View this post on Instagram

#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. #TSATravelTips This inert grenade was discovered in a checked bag recently at the SBP airport.

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Sep 14, 2016 at 7:31pm PDT

9.) Hello Kitty-themed firearm

Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Connecticut

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#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

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Jul 22, 2016 at 4:15pm PDT

8.) Baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire (replica of weapon used in “The Walking Dead” TV show)

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Georgia

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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.

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Nov 25, 2016 at 12:50pm PST

7.) Golden hand grenade

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey

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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

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Jun 13, 2016 at 4:56pm PDT

6.) Replica suicide vest

Richmond International Airport (RIC) in Virginia

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#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.

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Oct 27, 2016 at 2:58pm PDT

5.) Bladed dragon claw

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Georgia

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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).

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Nov 27, 2016 at 2:26pm PST

4.) Dead seahorses in brandy bottle

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) in Michigan

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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

3.) Five-bladed flogger

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston

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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

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Oct 4, 2016 at 2:06pm PDT

2.) Post-apocalyptic bullet-adorned gas mask

Miami International Airport (MIA) in Florida

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Packing list: Socks. ✅ Toothbrush. ✅ Curling Iron. ✅ 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?

A post shared by TSA (@tsa) on Nov 1, 2016 at 4:36pm PDT

1.) Prop corpse from “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” movie

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Georgia

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Talk about deadheading... This crusty ol' chap is actually a prop from the #TexasChainsawMassacre2 movie. His name is Nubbins, and 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

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Here’s the full video: