1. Is That A Scorpion And A Cobra?
Let's just say this isn't your average rice wine. A passenger at Ontario International Airport checked in a bottle of rice with a little surprise - a scorpion and a cobra! This drink definitely turned some heads, but it was allowed on the flight.
While large amounts of liquids cannot be brought with you on the plane, they are allowed to be checked in, and these creatures aren't on the endangered species list. So for anyone into creature-infused cocktails, you're in luck!
2. Lucille From The Walking Dead
If you're not sure if your baseball bat wrapped with rubber barbed wire will get flagged at airport security, it's probably best to leave it at home.
Someone decided to bring a replica of Lucille (a weapon from the show The Walking Dead) on a plane, and TSA confiscated the item. While it's easy to see fake items close up, it's harder to tell when looking at the camera of an X-ray machine.
3. A Special Birthday Cake
If you're concerned about whether your item will pass airport security, you can send a picture of the item @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook. This woman wanted to know if her birthday cake was allowed to be brought on the plane.
The cake isn't actually edible, but it is drinkable - and the answer is yes! You're also allowed to take up 3.4 ounces of liquid on the plane, but unfortunately, you can't drink your own alcohol midflight.
4. An Actual Live Lobster
After seeing a live crustacean at the airport, we think it's safe to say you've seen it all. In case you were thinking about taking your seafood dinner on the plane, lobsters can pass through airport security in both checked and carry-on luggage.
Just make sure you're following the correct packing procedure - you don't want your lobster escaping its cage and crawling around the airport!
5. Are Tools Allowed?
Let's put it this way - if the item you want to take in your carry-on bag has metal spikes, it will not pass security.
Gardening tools should be able to be checked in, but if you're not sure about an item, TSA is happy to answer all of your questions on @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook. You don't want to be that guy that holds up the security line, so plan in advance.
6. Hiding Parrots In Your Clothes
This woman was stopped at security for hiding two parrots stuffed in socks. She taped the socks to her leg and chest, and TSA agents found them during her pat-down.
The woman was arrested for suspicion of smuggling endangered species, and rightfully so. What was she thinking? TSA is pretty thorough, and there's no way she'd get through without them finding the poor birds.
7. Nun-Chucks - The Only Exception To The Weapons Rule
It's common sense that nunchucks aren't allowed on a plane - they fall into the weapon category. However, it turns out that these cute "nun" chucks are the exception to that rule.
While most fake weapons are not allowed in your carry-on, TSA must have deemed these adorable nuns to be the exception to the rule. That being said, don't swing this at passengers or it will be confiscated.
8. Delivery On Time, Every Time
For New Yorkers who want to spare themselves of terrible pizza, we get you. Pizza pies are welcome in both carry-on and check-in bags - as long as they're willing to go through the X-ray machine.
To avoid the possibility of things being sneaked into the box, TSA does require your food to go through the machine, but once that's over, your pie is safe and ready to fly.
9. Spiked Gladiator Mask
If you're heading off to visit Rome in your Gladiator costume, we highly recommend you pack the outfit in your check-in bag. This guy's helmet wasn't allowed on the plane and, while it's not a weapon, it does have spikes.
The odds of this guy charging onto the plane with his helmet to hurt people is quite low, but the TSA doesn't want to take any chances.
10. Sword Collection
To all the ancient sword collectors out there - your swords cannot be brought on the plane with your carry-on bag. They are considered weapons and there are no exceptions to that rule.
We're not sure how this guy didn't know he would never get past the X-ray machine with these items, but if he put them in his check-in luggage, everything would be fine.
11. Did This Guy Really Think He Was Getting Through Security?
We've seen some of these examples already, but we'll say it again - don't put fake weapons in your carry-on bag.
While this morning star weapon with a rubber ball looks super cool, it's going to get flagged at security, even if it's not harmful. If you just saw this item through the X-ray machine without seeing it close up, you'd also be concerned.
12. Not Your Average Sized Package
Pole vaulting is for flying in the air, but did you know that the poles can fly too? You will have to call the airline ahead of time to plan for the oversize package, but pole vaults are allowed as check-in luggage.
Even if it's just the check-in line, imagine what it's like to be in back of someone carrying pole vault poles.
13. Could Be An Explosive Device
When you first took a look at this photo, what did you think it was? While the item in question is just a book, it certainly looks more like an explosive device disguised as a book.
This contraption obviously did not pass the security scan and was probably confiscated by TSA. If the stuff you're carrying looks like it could be suspicious, don't take it with you, because TSA will call in the authorities. Also, you don't want to be questioned for hours and miss your flight.
14. When In Doubt, Check It In
This item may be an old weapon (an artifact even) but it is still a weapon nonetheless. And as we mentioned before, all weapons and fake weapons will not get past TSA.
All you need to do in this case is put it in your checked luggage. It would be a shame for this unique weapon to get confiscated, so follow the rules please!
15. Yes To Cow Horns
We all know you're on the edge of your seats about this one. For all you cow horn lovers, you are allowed to pack your horns in your carry-on.
Cow horns were primarily used as drinking vessels back in the Vikings era, and now they can still be used for your Viking-style birthday party! Just try not to poke anyone with it on the plane.
16. Careful At The Metal Detectors
Many things set off the metal detectors at the airport, and it can be a huge hassle to figure out what's causing it. However, if you go through with your metal grill, it will be pretty obvious that the grill is setting it off.
Metal grills are allowed in your carry-on like the one seen here, but it's probably best you take them out of your mouth before your scan.
17. Someone Actually Brought An Alligator Head On Board
Have you ever wondered if you can take an alligator head on a flight? We didn't either, but apparently, you can.
As you can see here, this person packed their alligator head in their carry-on bag, and it went through the X-ray machine with flying colors. We're sure the TSA workers were a bit shocked, but you can't help but admire the alligator head's beauty.
18. Bees On A Plane
Here's a really bizarre question - are bees allowed on a plane? This woman showed up at the airport with her grandmother's bees in a can, and TSA was actually stumped. They ended up deferring to the airline to make the call since they couldn't decide.
What are your thoughts? On one hand, the bees are sealed shut in the can, but the buzzing sound would be extremely annoying. And what if she put them in the overhead bin and the bees escaped? It's a no for us.
19. Doesn't Look Like A Notebook
This item is actually a notebook, but its design suggests something else entirely. When questionable-looking items go through the X-ray machine, the machine flags the item, and it's taken for extra questioning.
In this case, if you look at the item close up it's harmless, but the machine might think it's an explosive device which will make things way more complicated for you. TSA will call in the bomb squad, you'll be taken for questioning, and you'll miss your flight. When in doubt, ask TSA ahead of time to avoid any confusion.
20. An Odd Combination
It's one thing if this guy brought a bow and arrow, but a bow and shovel? We're not sure what to make of that. Maybe he just has multiple hobbies and thought to combine them both in the same suitcase.
Either way, neither of these items are acceptable in your carry-on and need to be stowed away in your check-in luggage. The last thing we need is a guy trying to shoot his bow and garden tool at defenseless passengers.
21. Calling The Bomb Squad
Sure, this might be a harmless truck hitch, but what does it look like? We all know the answer to this one - a grenade. Let's all remind ourselves not to carry anything that looks like a bomb to the airport because that will cause an immense amount of unnecessary commotion.
Do you want your trip to be derailed because you didn't follow the rules? Trust us you don't want to be delayed for hours while a bomb squad confiscates your fake hand grenade.
22. Slipknot Honorary Member
This creepy gas mask is unique for sure. Whether this guy is an honorary member of the band Slipknot or an extra in one of the Mad Max films, he cannot pack this in his carry-on. Not only are there spikes on the mask, but the spikes are also bullets!
As to whether you can pack this in your check-in bag, you need to ask TSA beforehand. It would be a shame to leave this mask behind, but you have to follow the rules.
23. Baby Shark Doo Doo Doo
Did this person actually try to bring baby sharks onto the plane? They don't look real, but the jar looked fishy enough to catch the attention of the TSA at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Before getting into what's in the jar, TSA rules state that you can't take more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in your carry-on.
In addition, anything that the TSA deems as suspicious will be flagged and taken aside for extra questioning. So if you don't want to be stopped, ask your questions before you try taking your baby sharks through security!
24. One Car Headlight, That's Right, Just One
Sometimes you have to wonder why these random items are brought to the airport, like this headlight, for example. Why would someone be carrying just one car headlight on a plane?
Maybe they found a great price for a headlight on vacation and had to bring it home with them. The question was asked on the Ask TSA Twitter account, and the item was approved to be taken in their carry-on bag. Good to know, we suppose?
25. What About Bear Spray?
Most people know that any type of liquid over 3.4 ounces is not allowed on flights, so what was this guy thinking? Maybe he was coming back from a camping trip and forgot he left his bear spray in his carry-on.
Truth be told, you are allowed to carry mace products in your checked bag, as long as it's less than 4 ounces and contains less than 2% of its active ingredients.
26. This Is Actually A Bit More Complicated Than We Thought
If alligators are allowed on a flight, antlers should be allowed also right? It turns out it's a bit more complicated than we thought. Someone posed the question to @AskTSA on Twitter, and they seemed unsure about keeping it in the carry-on bag.
TSA suggested packing it in the check-in luggage just to be safe, which makes us wonder why they're not allowed. Maybe the antlers pose a threat because of their sharp points? Who knows.
27. Taking Your Bug Collection With You
They may not be able to fly anymore, but these bugs can still fly with you on a plane. Just to be safe, one traveler asked the TSA ahead of time if he could take his collection of dead bugs in his carry-on.
The display looks delicate, and he probably didn't want to risk putting it in his check-in luggage. The TSA said it was fine, which probably made him feel stressed before going through security. When in doubt ask, because it will save you time at the airport and lower your anxiety level!
28. How Cute Are Those Penguins
Did you know that penguins could fly on planes? These two adorable penguins, Penny and Pete, fly frequently and need to pass through the scanners like everyone else. Just like they did here at the San Antonio International Airport.
But just because these two are allowed doesn't mean you can take whichever animal you want to accompany you on your next flight. Ask TSA if your pet is allowed before you arrive at the airport.
29. Taking On The Power Of The Seven Dragon Balls
What happens if you're traveling with dragon balls - are they allowed in your carry-on? This passenger sent a message with this photo to the @AskTSA Twitter account if he can travel with his seven dragon balls.
While the balls don't seem harmful in any way, it's always better to ask just to be sure. The last thing you want to is to be stressed out before approaching the security line.
30. Renaissance Fair Props
Who doesn't love a good renaissance fair? And if you're heading off to one, you have to dress the part, but keep your props tucked away in your check-in luggage.
Fake battle axes and swords are fun, but you can't bring that with you in your carry-on bag. Similar to the other fake items stopped by the TSA, these props look like weapons and will not pass through the scanner.
31. Not Your Average Umbrella
While most umbrellas are allowed in your carry-on, there are always exceptions to the rules. This guy tried to board a flight with his umbrella but got stopped by TSA because the umbrella handle counted as a weapon.
Sounds ridiculous, but the TSA doesn't play around, and they claimed the handle looked too much like real brass knuckles. We're sure he was disappointed especially if it started to rain when the plane landed, but when in doubt, ask the TSA in advance.
32. The Poor Teddy
This poor teddy bear looks so sad, sitting on the floor of an airport alone. The truth is, he was abandoned after not being allowed to board a flight at LAX because of his size.
Before flying, it's extremely important to ask TSA if your items are allowed on board. TSA isn't out to get you and they certainly weren't happy to deny entry to this teddy bear, but rules are rules.
33. This One Should Be Obvious
We all like to party it up on the Fourth of July - barbecues, fireworks, you name it. However, TSA will not allow you to bring your fireworks on the plane. They consider it to be a hazard and they will be confiscated.
Not only are they not allowed in your carry-on, but they're also not permitted in your checked luggage. This doesn't mean you can't have fun on July Fourth - just buy fireworks locally when you land or watch them from a distance.
34. Someone Wanted To Feel Festive
Is there anything cuter than this mini wine bottle wrapped in a Christmas sweater? We're guessing that someone knitted this look for a Christmas present, and we love it, but the question remains - is this gift allowed on an airplane?
As mentioned earlier, TSA allows you to take up to 3.4 ounces of liquid in your carry-on and anything more needs to be put in your checked luggage. Since this is a mini bottle, it might be small enough to fit in your carry-on.
35. Gotta Be Ready For Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is an important holiday, and important holidays can be very stressful. We're guessing this mother was visiting her children for the holiday and was not going to get on the plane without her special canned pumpkin pie filling.
While it may not have been necessary, she asked TSA ahead of time to make sure the can was allowed. According to TSA, cans of food are not allowed in your carry-on but are welcome in your check-in luggage. Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving staple, so we hope she was able to bring it along!
36. A Smiling Brick - Are You Serious?
We're struggling to understand this one - why would someone need to bring a brick on a plane? While we might never know the answer to this question, this traveler did the right thing by asking TSA before boarding.
It's always the right move to ask if your items can fly with you ahead of time to avoid holdups at security. This person wrote in the photo that the question is a serious one, but how can we believe that when the brick has a smiley face drawn on it?
37. Oversized Scissors - Probably Not
If you think oversize scissors will make it past security, you are very mistaken. This TSA agent confiscated a pair of very large scissors at the Nashville International Airport. While they might have been the scissors you were supposed to bring for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, you should know not to try sneaking it in your carry-on!
These scissors can be easily used as a weapon, and if regular size scissors aren't allowed obviously these aren't. And before you put them in your checked luggage, ask TSA just to be sure.
38. This Absolutely Terrifying Fish
Either this person decided to plan way in advance, or they're just joking around with TSA. Sending photos of your item to the @AskTSA Twitter account is always encouraged, however, this person doesn't appear to be flying any time soon.
The item in question is a fish head mounted on a plaque with its mouth wide open, and the person is asking more of a hypothetical question.
39. Fuel Burning Lantern, On A Plane? Guess Again
Let's start by saying that this contraption looks pretty old school. This fuel-burning lantern was found in someone's check-in bag at the San Diego International Airport, and we're sure TSA wasn't too pleased. As you could imagine, these lanterns are not allowed in either carry-on checked luggage since it runs on fuel.
The only way this lantern would be allowed is if it was empty and had zero traces of fuel. We're guessing the passenger meant no harm and took it along for his camping trip, but unfortunately, the item is too much of a hazard.
40. Pig-Shaped Grill
While travelers are smart for asking TSA ahead of time about their items, sometimes we can't help but laugh at the things they ask about. For example, this traveler asked on the TSA Twitter account if he could bring his terracotta grill in his carry-on bag.
The funny part is that this grill is in the shape of an adorable pig! According to TSA, the pig can go in his carry-on after it's inspected at security, as long as it doesn't "hog up too much space in the overhead." Hilarious!