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The best stuff TSA confiscated this year, from a baby shark to a dagger hidden in a walking cane

The best stuff TSA confiscated this year, from a baby shark to a dagger hidden in a walking cane

Kristen Lee

A selection of the items confiscated by TSA in 2020.TSA/Instagram

TSA has an Instagram account, which it uses to help educate the public about its policies.
It's also where the agency documents some of the stuff that gets confiscated at airports.
In 2020, TSA confiscated guns, knives, swords, and even a baby shark that people tried to get through security.

What do a shuriken, an axe, and a baby shark have in common?

They were all things people tried to get through security at major airports this year. Yes, air travel is way down thanks to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but attempts at getting weapons - and other, uh, stuff - onto planes still happened regardless.

The Transportation Security Administration is in charge of security in nearly 440 airports across the United States. During normal, non-pandemic times, its officers screen more than 2 million passengers a day, making sure no one brings anything dangerous aboard aircraft.

But whoever is in charge of its Instagram account deserves some recognition - not only because it's full of useful information, but also because all photos of confiscated items are accompanied with scorching captions full of truly outstanding pun work. Whoever you are, I see you. I appreciate you.

As a programming note, you can bring knives on planes! Just be sure to pack them in your checked bag.

Keep scrolling to see the best stuff TSA confiscated in 2020.

This slingshot. Slingshots are not allowed, friends!

TSA wrote, "Ay, caramba! Don't get all bart out of shape about forgetting your krusty ol' sling shot in your carry-on. It's just not worth having a cow over, man. If you hate to part with it consider putting it in your checked bag instead.

"This sling shot was discovered by our officers from Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU). Sling shots, or any other weapons or replicas are not allowed in your carry-on bag. So do yourself a favor and double… triple check your bags before arriving to the airport."

This pretty knife.

TSA wrote, "We got no troubles… life is the bubbles under the sea. Unless you attempt to bring a knife through the checkpoint when you could have packed it in your checked bag. Life's full of tough choices, isn't it?
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"Whether it's a 'little' mermaid knife or a big one, it cannot be in your carry-on bag. To be more Pacific, knives must be deep under the ocean… er, plane… in the cargo hold with the other checked bags. Great 'catch' by our officers at @flyphf in Newport News, VA.
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"Not sure if a thingamabob can be packed in your carry-on? You can get the of-fish-ial answer by grabbing your shell phones and reaching out to @AskTSA on Facebook or Twitter. Our team is available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays."

A belt-buckle knife is... still a knife.

TSA wrote, "Buckle up, America!

"Oh, say! Can you see what this passenger packed for their flight?
He so proudly brought it through checkpoint screening.
We had to hold him up but he was polite.
O'er knives… are gallantly allowed during checked baggage screening!

"Clearly this patriotic passenger doesn't follow us on the gram! This belt buckle knife was found by our watchful officers at #BIL in Montana. Since wearing a knife around his waist wouldn't have him sitting on the edge of his seat. All our faithful followers know that this item must be packed in your checked bag."

A shuriken? My inner 12-year-old is stoked.

TSA wrote, "We hate to burst your bubble, but ninja really think this was gonna fly? Shuriken this passenger wasn't thinking when packing for his trip.
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"This throwing start was discovered by our stealthy Officers at Greater Rochester International Airport. Throwing stars are just not allowed in your carry-on bag. But if it must fly…consider checking it in instead."

Be careful with the gun replicas.

TSA wrote, "Holy Glockomole!?! Well…not exactly.
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"This airsoft gun triggered our officers during security screening at Bradley International Airport (BDL). Although not a real firearm, airsoft guns are considered realistic replicas and must be packed in checked bags. If our officers discover a replica gun during checked baggage screening and believe it's real, it could potentially cause HUGE delays at the checkpoint. So do yourself a favor and double, or even triple, check your carry-on bag before your upcoming flight."

On July 2, someone was caught trying to sneak fireworks onto a plane.

TSA wrote, "What do you get when you cross a dinosaur with fireworks? Dinomite! Know what's not dynamite? Trying to bring your fireworks through a checkpoint.
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"You won't have a blast if you get caught trying to take these in your carry-on or checked bag! Come on people. It's not rocket science! Check out these photos of recently discovered fireworks that will spark you to ask….'What were they thinking?'
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"MKE ➡️LGA ➡️ OMA
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"Per FAA, all fireworks, no matter how small, are forbidden in carry-on and checked baggage."

A shotgun in a guitar case.

TSA wrote, "How are you supposed to play Stairway to Heaven on this? This passenger had a rockin' idea of packing their shotgun in a guitar case. Luckily our officers were tuned in and stopped this solo act.
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"Officers at Huntington Tri-State Airport in Wayne County, West Virginia (HTS) sure knew how to pick out this improperly packed firearm. Unloaded firearms are allowed and can only be transported in checked bags, they must also be placed in a hard-sided, locked case and declared to the airline at check in. So what happens if your firearm is improperly packed? TSA may impose civil penalties of up to $13,669 per violation per person.
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"So please, be a rock star and make sure to pack your unloaded firearms correctly. Not sure how to play that tune? Check out the link in our bio for all the necessary info on traveling with firearms and ammunition."

An assault rifle "packed under the lining of a checked bag."

TSA wrote, "To the untrained eye this may look like an ordinary suitcase, but if you look closely, you may notice something slightly more nefarious. That's right, an assault rifle. For those struggling to notice it we've gone ahead and circled it in red in the second slide.
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"All kidding aside, our diligent Officers at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) spotted this concealed firearm and ammunition packed under the lining of a checked bag. In the state of New Jersey assault rifles, high-capacity magazines and hollow-point ammunition are illegal. So what happens to discovered firearms at the checkpoint? They are turned over to the airport's law enforcement office to process according to their policies.
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"Here's what you should know if you planning on traveling with ammunition. They must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition in checked bags. You must also declare it to your airline at the ticket counter."

Check out the second photo for a concealed knife in this dragon-shaped necklace.

TSA wrote, "Arya kidding us? We're known for our Sansa humor but attempting to bring this is no laughing matter...even if you're just trying to prepare for winter.
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"This concealed needle, ahem knife, was discovered in a carry-on bag and had our officers at T.F. Green Airport (PVD) saying Knife try! Even the Faceless Men can't get by our diligent officers, who are skillfully trained to catch prohibited items when their watch begins.
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"Let's not drag-on this topic and allow us once again to remind you all that knives of any kind are simply not allowed in your carry-on bag. Consider checking it in or better yet, leaving it back in Winterfell.
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"Alright, are we getting too Cersei-ous here...we understand. Traveling and wanting to Snow what you can and cannot take through security? Visit our 'What Can I Bring' tool on TSA.gov. Avoid bending the knee or feeling SHAME by knowing if your items are good to go in your carry-on bag!"

This keychain is cute but it's still a weapon.

TSA wrote, "Tabby or not tabby? That is the cat-ion.
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"Today is #BlackCatAppreciationDay and we are here to help you avoid cat-astrophe next time you travel. We have a feline you've heard this before but in case you fur-got, weapons, like these cat eyes found at Albany International Airport last year, are not allowed in your carry-on bag. If you try, you may hear our a-mew-sing TSA officers say, 'You've got to be kitten me!'
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"Purr-haps you have more questions? Don't get hiss-terical! Reach out to our claw-some team at AskTSA to get all your travel questions answered. Live assistance is available 8am to 10pm ET weekdays and 9am to 7pm on weekends and holidays. We are paw-sitive they will be helpful!"

Another gun.

TSA wrote, "Have you heard the buzz about AskTSA? If you don't know, our AskTSA team is available 7 days a week with live assistance to answer any of your travel related questions! Pretty sweet if you ask us!
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"Know what's not sweet? Forgetting that you had your firearm in your carry-on. Talk about a sticky situation! This Bee Bee Gun was found by our watchful officers at @flymanchester earlier this month. Civil financial penalty for bringing an unloaded gun to a checkpoint is $2,050 and it starts at $4,100 if the gun is loaded. That might sting!"

Throwing knives and hatchets and mace, oh my!

TSA wrote, " To the tune of Raindrops on Roses
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"Hatchets in backpacks and handguns in purses.
Bright hand-held stun guns and bear spray cause curses
Throwing knives all shiny wrapped together get pinged
These are a few of prohibited things
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"Kitchen knives and chef knives all sharpened and scary
Revolvers and full magazines no one should carry
Thin credit card knives that fit in your wallet are hidden
These are a few of our forbidden things
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"When the alarm sounds
When the machine pings
When we seem surprised
Don't forget these crazy prohibited things
And message AskTSA next tiiiiiiimmmmmmeeeeee.
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"Check out the link in bio to explore the 'What Can I Bring?' tool on our website to avoid showing up with a prohibited item!"

Who had "cane sword" on their bingo card?

TSA wrote, "We'll attempt to take a stab at being punny for this recent discovery but we're afraid we just won't make the cut! The Pun is mightier than the sword.
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"This passenger traveling through Newark Liberty International Airport last week thought our officers weren't sharp enough to figure out this concealed dagger. We could spend all knight going over the rules it but we will get to the point and samurais it:
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"Swords of any kind and size are not allowed and concealment could potentially lead to fines and even arrest."

Knives HIDDEN IN A HOLLOWED OUT BOOK!

TSA wrote, "Although 1994 was long ago, a new Pagemaster was recently spotted attempting to board their plane. Our Thoreau Officers were hoping to find Adventure and Fantasy but only found Horror.

"We couldn't judge this book by its cover. This Guardian of the Written Word thought they could hide their knives when they submitted their bag for screening at Gainesville Regional Airport. It makes us wonder, why this book in particular? Perhaps this traveler wanted the extra protection to ward off the Phagors at their final destination on Helliconia?

"Wanting to know if an item you have is allowed on board or not? Rather than searching the internet like Captain Ahab on the hunt, simply download the MyTSA app."

This multi-colored folding knife.

TSA wrote, "What does a superhero put in his drink? Just ice. ‍♀️ ‍♂️
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"Whether you're headed to Cap(tain) Cod or Phoenix, knowing what's permitted or prohibited in your checked or carry-on bags will make you a super traveler! Plus, your stuff will stay out of our rogues' gallery of crazy finds. Not to mention, keeping those prohibited items at home means you can get through security in a Flash.
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"Don't just Wonder what is allowed. Ask us! Head over to the Web where our cape-able AskTSA team is standing by on Twitter and Facebook to Thor-oughly answer your questions. Loki…they are the best!"

A "live military smoke canister in a checked bag."

TSA wrote, "Holy smokes! We had a real egg head come through the security checkpoint with this one. We're not even eggs – aggerating! Why anyone would whisk it and bring in a smoke grenade is beyond us.

"Our Eggs-tinguished officers at Dulles International Airport (IAD) discovered this live military smoke canister in a checked bag. Be an egg-ceptional passenger and leave your live or inert grenades at home. Even traveling with replica items such as this can cause a scramble at the airport.

"Stay on the sunny side up yolks and please don't egg-nore the rules. While smoke grenades should be egg-tremely obvious of what not to bring through security, we do have tools available to help if you have questions."

More guns!

TSA wrote, "Friend or POE, are they? Either way our team at Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS) made a First Order find.
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"Yoda…believe us when we tell you it's not what you want to do! Firearms, ammunition, firearm parts, magazines, clips, bolts, firing pins, lightsabers, blasters - all allowed in carry-on bags are not. However, these items may be packed in checked bags as long as the proper packing guidelines are met. Bringing a firearm to the checkpoint can result in civil penalties up to $13,333 Republic Credits. The Force can't help you here!
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"Traveling Solo, looking for more Factional information? Luke no further than the 'What Can I Bring Tool' on TSA.gov."

Was this person on their way to an audition for a Western?

TSA wrote, "What in tarnation!?! Somebody decided to ditch their stage coach and fly. Well the flight ain't big enough for the two of 'em!

"This firearm triggered an alarm at Norfolk International (ORF) last week. Luckily our 'deputized' Officers had a keen eye and thwarted the dastardly plan. The local sheriff was notified and the passenger was issued a summons.

"Don't want to have your face and name posted on wanted posters nationwide? Check out our link in bio to learn how to properly transport your piece."

Repeat after me: Firearms are NOT allowed in carry-on luggage.

TSA wrote, "'Tis the season for pumpkin spice and everything nice. But this not-so-nice firearm had our TSA agents at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport saying, 'Oh my gourd!' So we're here with pumpkin to talk about...

"Did you fall for that age-old rumor that firearms are allowed in your carry-on? We're here to squash that! Firearms can only be transported in checked-baggage and must be packed, unloaded, and placed in a locked hard-sided container. Plus, it must be declared to the airline at check-in. If you're not prepared to do that, it's best you leaf your firearm at home!"

This looks like some kind of explosive.

TSA wrote, "It's #NationaliPodDay and we can't miss the opportunity to reminisce on when these little portable electronic devices hit the scene. CD players were the hottest thing out and then voilá… iPod's arrived in 2001 with the capability of holding our entire CD collection. Whoa!

"Speaking of electronics, we're thinking maybe this passenger was trying to take a page from the Steves (Jobs and Wozniak) and create his own...computer? Our coordinated (though not in denim) officers at John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK) are no match for the geek squad, but luckily for us they're experts at surfing for explosives and potentially dangerous items.

"When traveling without TSA PreCheck, make sure to remove electronics larger than a cell phone out of your carry-on bag and place them in a bin for x-ray screening. As for tampered electronics? They can't fly...this we promise you."

A freaking MACHETE.

TSA wrote, "They say it's Use Your Common Sense Day. So, when this machete was found by our sharp Officers at Bradley International Airport it had us asking some questions. Did we stab your attention yet?

"The story is too long to handle, so we'll get to the point: knives (except for rounded butter knives) are not allowed in your carry-on bag! Any sharp objects that are placed in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors."

No drills, sorry.

TSA wrote, "Does everybody know what time it is? It certainly was not TOOL time at the checkpoint when our level headed officers saw this on the X-Ray. Allow us to drill in this info:

"We don't play when it comes to security (just Instagram). Bringing tools will throw a wrench in your trip. When something like this shows up, our officers have to get to the nuts and bolts of the potential threat. Should we cut to the chase? Don't bring your power tools in your carry-on. Nailed it!

"You can axe any of your travel questions to our AskTSA team. They're real stud finders and are available 7 days a week. One more tip to hammer out: righty tighty, lefty loosey."

Then there was this razor.

TSA wrote, "Hair we go again…Another traveler who Todd-ally, Sweeney-ed us on Instagram!

"This traveler could have had their trip cut short when our extra sharp officers found this straight razor in their carry-on bag. Talk about a close shave! We really Lovett when you remember the rules so here's some sliceable information:

"If you're flying to Fleet Street on British Hairways, or anywhere at all in the US, make sure that your straight razor is packed in your checked bag. We don't want to split hairs here, but make sure to comb through your ENTIRE carry-on before heading to the airport to make sure there are no prohibited items our team will stubble upon.

"Don't be thrown the lever, or feel like you're in a revolving trap door! The My TSA App is a free app that will give you an extensive list of what's allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage. This way your next trip through security won't be a terrible basement experience!"

A, uh, baby shark.

TSA wrote, "Baby shark…doo doo doo doo doo doo...tink, tink, taps on glass…OH NO! BABY SHARK!? Well, guess that ends the song ‍♀️. Hey, we know what you're thinking, but we didn't killer the shark. However, you can sea why this could feel like sand in your shorts when our razor sharp @ SYR officers found this in a carry-on bag. Maybe you're having a Dory moment? Well don't be a clownfish and open your gills to the information below:

"Do you find somefin fishy about the liquid? When packed in a carry-on bag, fluids (yes, even those with baby Jaws) must be 3.4 ounces or less and fit in a quart sized bag, each traveler within your school gets a baggie.

"Mommy shark… doo doo doo doo doo doo …Sorry! We couldn't help ourselves. We're just having a chomping good time! Anyway, marine biology isn't our expertise so be sure to check with your airline for any specific rules regarding biological specimens.

"Rather than feeling like a hammerhead, reach out to our jawsome AskTSA team! They are available seven days a week and are never too deep to catch what you're casting out on Facebook or Twitter. Plus, they won't tell you any great white lies. Seriously! Ask your questions. It will mako our day! And no, no sharkasim here."

A fake hand-grenade AirPod carrying case.

TSA wrote, "Listen up…we're about to stuff you all with so much travel info that it'll sure leave you feelin full. So read along to gobble up all that we can mustard just in time for your Thanksgiving travel plans!
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"Feast your eyes on these giblets aka AirPods. Our officers from DAL had an ear-rie suspicion with this look a-like grenade. Replica and inert explosives are simply not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags.
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"If you're stuffing that carry-on bag full of food however, no matter how you slice it, those pies aren't a fowl and are good to go in your carry-on bags. Now that whipped topping, that's a whole different creamy set of rules.
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"When packed in your carry-on spreadable items such as mashed potatoes and dressings must be 3.4oz or less. Larger sizes are better off in your checked bags. We want you to gobble 'til you wobble, so follow these rules and squash your meal, just make sure to wear your comfy pants."

A carving fork.

TSA wrote, "Please forkive us but we're chopping at the bit to show you this crazy find. Our sharp officers were having a knife day until they found this carving fork in a traveler's carry-on bag.

"We won't be-ladle the point but sharp objects are whiskey business when it comes to your carry-on. That includes your carving knives and carving forks. But don't worry! You can roll right through security with your plastic forks and unserrated knives.

"If you want to be flippin' awesome, pack your sharp objects in checked baggage sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. See you spoon!"

Here's a knife hidden inside a comb.

TSA wrote, "We will start by apple-ogizing for all of our puns. We know they sometimes make you crabapples but it's the only reason most of you find us a-peel-ing. After all, we do have a responsibility to get to the core of all travel related information.

"Much like finding a worm in an apple, our tree-mendous officers discovered this knife inside of a comb. All knives must be packed in checked bags including those hiding in combs."

Someone tried to sneak in alcohol in a hollowed-out Pepsi bottle.

TSA wrote, "There's a lot to rum through with this post so let's start at the beGin-ing.

"You may think hiding your booze in your mixer is worth a shot, but let us tell you it's a pour decision that will land you on the rocks with security. Our neat Officers at Philadelphia International Airport suspected whiskey business when they found this modified soda bottle.

"We know that absinthe makes the heart grow fonder, but getting through security quickly will put everyone in good spirits! So don't waste lime and add AskTSA to your vodkabulary. They can answer all of your travel-questions 7 days a week to help keep you from wine-ing when you get to security."

A set of throwing knives.

TSA wrote, "Obviously late for their Chunin exams, this passenger opted to fly and forgot the rules outside of the Hidden Leaf Village.

"This is no genjutsu, keen eyed officers at Spokane International Airport (GEG) discovered these kunai in the passenger's carry-on bags. Genin or not, throwing knives must be packed in your checked bags. We also recommend checking with your state and local laws regarding traveling with kunai as they may be illegal in your state.

"Looking for the best way to pack your village's headband? Well, Naruto run over to our friends at AskTSA."

This axe.

TSA wrote, "Ok folks, we don't like it when you have to surrender your stuff, but come on now… this prohibited item is un-axe-ceptable. Luckily our laser focused officers at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) were able to bury the hatchet. They were probably hoping this passenger wood just cut it out.
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"We understand it's #NationalPastryDay but this is a bit much to use for cutting open your holiday baked goods, don't you think? We're not trying to give you a splitting headache going over the same stuff so just remember, items like this with sharp edges to include blades and knives are only allowed in checked bags."