The
You won't believe what people try to bring on planes…
Source: Sandy Millar/Unsplash
1. Decorative grenade
A traveler at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Wisconsin discovered that even fake or harmless weapons aren't allowed on commercial flights. In 2022, TSA officers found a grenade during a routine X-ray check. The passenger said he had bought the item as a souvenir for his son. Even though the grenade wasn't functional, it was taken away, and the passenger received a citation.
2. Guitar case containing cattle prods
In 2022, security agents at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) discovered some unexpected items while inspecting a guitar case: cattle prods. Although cattle prods are permitted in checked luggage, they are strictly forbidden in carry-on bags because they pose a safety risk. Interestingly, this wasn't the first time cattle prods had been found at Dulles Airport – earlier that year, a single cattle prod was found in another passenger's carry-on bag.
3. Oversized teddy bear
The TSA doesn't just confiscate dangerous items. Sometimes, they take things that are simply too big. In 2016, TSA agents at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) stopped a person from bringing a giant teddy bear onto a plane. The teddy bear wasn't a security risk, but it was so huge that it would have needed its own seat on the airplane. The TSA tells passengers to think about the size of their carry-on items. Everything has to fit in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you.
4. Firearm hidden inside uncooked chicken
It's fascinating that carrying a raw chicken through airport security isn't even the most concerning part of this 2022 incident. In a bizarre attempt to sneak a weapon past airport security, a passenger at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Florida tried to conceal a small firearm inside a raw chicken. While the chicken itself was already unusual, the real issue was the firearm, which posed a significant safety risk. Bringing firearms through security checkpoints isn't allowed, and those who do can face steep fines and other legal penalties.
5. Naruto-style throwing knives
Naruto-related toys and comics are permitted on airplanes, but throwing knives aren't. In 2023, a passenger tried to bring a collection of Naruto-themed knives through a security checkpoint at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). This novelty collection could have been transported in checked baggage, but any type of weapon, regardless of its artistic design, is strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage. The only exception to this rule is round-bladed butter knives, which are allowed in carry-on bags as eating utensils.
Source: Riza Gabriela/Unsplash
6. Live fish
At Miami International Airport (MIA), TSA officials stopped a passenger from smuggling live marine creatures from the United States to Venezuela. The passenger's checked bags contained 163 tropical fish and 22 other invertebrates, including a bag of live eels. The passenger gave up all the animals to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. However, passengers are allowed to bring pet fish in their carry-on luggage as long as the fish are in a clear plastic container filled with water.
7. Illegal drugs disguised as crab seasoning
Travelers can take sealed food containers on flights, but the TSA inspects the food to make sure there are no illegal substances, even if the containers seem to be factory-sealed. In 2023, at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), a container of crab boil seasoning that looked factory-sealed was found to actually contain a pound of methamphetamine after a closer inspection. The passenger was then arrested and faced federal drug charges.
8. Japanese swords
Despite warnings, some passengers still try to bring weapons as carry-on items. In 2020, a passenger at the San Jose International Airport (SJC) in California tried to take 3 samurai swords of different sizes through security. However, the swords were quickly confiscated. The TSA website has specific guidelines about what items are allowed on planes. For instance, Harry Potter wands and lightsabers are permitted, but foam toy swords aren't.
9. Pet reptile
In 2019, a passenger at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) accidentally left their pet snake at the security checkpoint. The snake was later found slithering across the terminal floor by a young traveler. Although this particular snake species is harmless, it was an alarming sight for other passengers. The TSA says that whether to allow snakes on planes is up to the airline, as they set guidelines for all in-cabin pets.
10. Moose feces
Alaskans are used to seeing moose, but TSA agents at Juneau International Airport (JNU) were surprised to find a bag full of moose feces in a passenger's luggage. The passenger claimed he had collected the droppings to give to politicians whose policies he disagreed with. While this was one of the TSA's most bizarre findings, the agency deemed the item non-threatening, and the passenger was allowed to continue with the bag of moose feces. However, the TSA released a statement urging passengers to think twice before bringing strong-smelling items on flights.
Take the guesswork out of parking: find affordable options with ParkingNearAirports.io!
.jpg){kind=spacer}
Source: Google Search
By the way, we would also like to give you one more helpful tip. Such information will be handy for those who prefer traveling by air and getting to the airport by their own car.
There is no question that a safe parking space must be arranged for your vehicle during a trip. However, in most cases, people aren't ready to spend a lot of money on this. It's a common problem among travelers, as they know that on-site parking (it may seem that it's the best option for this case) is pretty costly. So what can we do then?
We are glad to inform you that our booking platform, ParkingNearAirports.io, offers travelers online reservations for parking just outside airports that are convenient and affordable. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing travelers parking options at over 100 airports in the US and Canada. In addition, the app allows customers to search and compare parking rates at up to 70 percent savings compared to the cost of on-site parking at all major airports.
Being nearby doesn't always mean convenience when it comes to airport parking. Being in terminal parking is not convenient at all. Travelers have to find a spot in a crowded lot, carry their luggage throughout the parking lot, and pay high fees without great service. The off-airport parking provides excellent service with their award-winning customer service representatives available 24/7. In addition, the app looks for lots that offer baggage assistance and 24-hour security for peace of mind.
With our platform, it only takes a few clicks in the app to reserve a parking spot. Guests receive a booking confirmation and a guaranteed parking space upon arrival at the off-airport parking. In addition, the app helps customers locate the most convenient lots to the airport. Cancellations are easy if plans change with hassle-free, refundable cancellations.
Source: Markus Winkler/Unsplash
Off-airport parking lots often provide free shuttle going back and forth between the parking lot and the airport, removing any worry of traveling to and from the airport or getting stuck in traffic on the way to the airport during peak hours. Arrive on time for flights and receive significant savings with airport parking.
Besides this, we also offer services for top cruise ports in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas.
So, let's imagine you're planning a trip to a popular destination. No matter your departure point, ParkingNearAirports.io can help you find discount airport parking to suit your needs. Plus, don't forget about our special airport parking coupons. These coupons can help you save significantly on your parking expenses, often reducing the airport parking cost by up to 50%.
You can explore a wide range of best airport parking deals and learn more about parking options near US and Canadian airports on our official website.
