Turtles, razor blades, and even a replica pipe bomb are just a few of the surprising items confiscated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in 2025, as reported by the agency. They shared details about these security encounters on their official Instagram page, showcasing various items discovered in both carry-on and checked luggage at airports nationwide.
Here are ten notable discoveries from the TSA.
1. Replica Explosive in Checked Baggage
TSA officers at Boise International Airport (BOI) uncovered a replica pipe bomb along with imitation explosives in checked baggage. It’s important to highlight that both actual and fake explosives are strictly forbidden in any form of carry-on luggage.
2. Turtles Hidden in Clothing
In two separate cases, officers found turtles concealed in the clothing of passengers, one in Newark Liberty (EWR) and two in a bra at Miami (MIA). “What a shell!” TSA remarked in their post.
3. Razor Blades Concealed in Clothing
At Denver International Airport (DEN), TSA discovered 20 razor blades wrapped in paper towels and hidden within a passenger’s attire.
4. Illegal Drugs in Carry-on Luggage
At Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA), TSA officers found heroin, fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, ketamine, acid tabs, Xanax bars, and other controlled substances concealed inside shoes in a carry-on bag.
5. Knife Hidden in a Knee Brace
A passenger at Quad City International Airport (MLI) attempted to hide a knife within a knee brace, which was found during a standard inspection.
6. Suspected Illegal Drugs in Toiletry Containers
Officers at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) discovered controlled substances hidden in toiletry containers. While TSA isn’t actively searching for drugs, items they suspect might be illegal are referred to law enforcement.
7. Knife Inside a Child Seat
Screening officers at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) found a knife concealed inside a child seat. According to TSA’s guidelines, sharp objects must be placed in checked baggage.
8. Ammunition in Carry-on Bags
A passenger at Miami International Airport (MIA) attempted to bring ammunition through a security checkpoint in their carry-on luggage. TSA has clarified that bullets need to be transported as checked luggage under strict packaging regulations.
9. Improperly Declared Firearms
At George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), officers seized a firearm that had not been properly declared. It is crucial for travelers to ensure that guns are correctly packed and declared prior to flying.
10. Improperly Packaged Bullets and Knives
At both Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), passengers attempted to pass through security with improperly packaged ammunition and knives.
The TSA encourages travelers to verify which items are permitted on board before heading to the airport. Such items are only allowed in checked luggage if they are appropriately packaged and comply with federal regulations.
Gary Leff, a travel industry expert based in Texas, explained that given the sheer number of passengers passing through security daily—over 2.5 million—unusual incidents are statistically likely. “There’s always room for some very strange outliers,” he noted.
While this kind of behavior shouldn’t be accepted, highlighting these incidents can serve as a helpful reminder for travelers to familiarize themselves with safety regulations ahead of their journeys.
