Most Unusual TSA Confiscations: What They’ve Intercepted

If you've taken an airplane, then you've seen the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA  typically examines the clothing, laptops, and shoes of airline passengers. According to the TSA, they screen around 1.4 million checked items daily and about 5.5 million carry-on items daily. Usually, flagged items are oversized bottles of liquids, gels, aerosols, lighters, or sharp objects. However, the TSA encounters items that even the most experienced agent finds astonishing. These items undergo screening and are sometimes featured on the TSA's Instagram account.

Their Instagram showcases items that might cause raised eyebrows but manage to pass through the security checks. For instance, a zombie-like movie prop was permitted at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The account also provides examples of items that fail to meet the security requirements and must be confiscated. Some of the confiscated items often prompt travelers to wonder, "Did someone really try to bring that onto an airplane?"

Bounce, a luggage storage app, reviewed the TSA's Instagram account to compile a list of the most unusual items confiscated during security screenings across the United States.

TSA officers stationed at Tampa International Airport likely found themselves wishing that "Snakes on a Plane" was purely a work of fiction. In January, they stumbled upon a 4-foot boa constrictor concealed within a rolling bag. It was coiled among shoes and personal items. This unexpected reptilian traveler was detected by agents as a passenger attempted to send it through the X-ray machine.

Officers at Nashville International Airport had to confiscate oversized ceremonial scissors due to safety concerns.

According to TSA agents, they intercepted a suitcase filled with maggots at LaGuardia Airport. This resulted in the evacuation of the area and the deployment of a cleaning crew to decontaminate the surroundings after this unpleasant discovery.

In another peculiar screening incident at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a traveler attempted to bring a glove resembling Freddy Krueger's hand. It was complete with attached knives. The passenger learned gloves with attached knives are prohibited in carry-on luggage.

Check out their complete list of TSA-confiscated finds here.

Most of the time, if you're traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport.  And that's good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don't always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it's important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver's license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we've got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don't have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you're a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don't need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It's worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there's this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn't compliant with this Act, you'll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

If you're craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won't need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it's important to remember that you'll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won't need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it's important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the  Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.