The Craziest Things TSA Seized in 2019

Image: TSA airport security checkpoint. (Photo via iStock / Getty Images E+ / vm)
Image: TSA airport security checkpoint. (Photo via iStock / Getty Images E+ / vm)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Wed December 25, 2019

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screeners have undoubtedly come across some head-scratching items over the past decade but 2019's list of wacky items might just take the cake-don't worry, those are allowed.

Officers seized plenty of things from naughty passengers this year, mostly weapons and drugs, including hundreds of pounds of marijuana and a potpourri of martial arts weapons from a passenger at Colorado Springs Airport on Valentine's Day.

In March, screeners confiscated a pair of replica cowboy guns and a samurai sword from a traveler at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

TSA officers at Alaska's Juneau International Airport uncovered a bag of "nuggets" that had nothing to do with chicken in April. In this case, the passenger was returning home with a bag of dried moose poop. The smelly souvenirs weren't seized but they prompted a warning from TSA.

"While TSA has no policies that would prevent you from traveling with a bag of animal poo, we would strongly suggest that you check with your airline on their policies," the agency wrote in an Instagram post.

In June, screeners seized some shiny keychain pepper spray from an unsuspecting passenger.

TSA officers seized a 3D imprinted handgun from a man at New York City's LaGuardia Airport over the busy Fourth of July holiday this past summer. Less than one month later, security officers at Baltimore/Washington International Airport confiscated a rocket launcher from a traveler for the second time in a week.

Officers working a security checkpoint at Nashville International Airport found a knife disguised as lipstick inside of a passenger's carry-on bag in July while screeners at Richmond International Airport uncovered a hairbrush with a knife inside.

Meanwhile, a 10-inch personalized hatchet was discovered in Richmond in August.

TSA officers at LaGuardia Airport seized a three-in-one weapon over the summer when they confiscated this threatening grenade-shaped brass knuckles-knife combination.

In one of the year's most bizarre incidents, TSA screeners at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport found a saw blade that was accidentally left behind in the sole of someone's shoe.

Just in time for Halloween, officers seized a gun-shaped toilet paper holder at Newark Liberty International Airport.

If you're ever wondering whether you can travel with a particular item, be sure to visit TSA.gov and use the "What Can I Bring?" tool ahead of time or send your question to AskTSA on Facebook and Twitter weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Watch Now!
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...