
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) not only stops travelers from bringing dangerous and prohibited items onto airplanes, but it also tallies the finds.
And the agency shares information about some of the more unusual items that show up at the security checkpoints on social media.
For some reason, many travelers pack guns in their carry-on bags. And the number keeps going up.
In the first quarter of 2023, TSA officers found 1,508 guns at checkpoints. That’s 10.3% more than the same period in 2022.
BREAKING NEWS: The number of guns caught at checkpoints by @TSA officers in the first quarter of 2023 (1,508 guns) represents a 10.3% increase over the same period in 2022 when @TSA stopped 1,367 guns at airport security checkpoints.
— TSA Northeast (@TSA_Northeast) April 20, 2023
Fake guns and ammunition – even replica versions can’t fly either
This is not the fashion statement to make at a @TSA checkpoint. No ammunition (or replica ammo) is permitted through a checkpoint. The traveler was allowed to return the belt to his vehicle at @EWR this morning. Spoiler alert: His pants did not fall down. pic.twitter.com/pH6ACuoTxA
— TSA Northeast (@TSA_Northeast) April 18, 2023

Stop it with all those sharp things
It’s not just guns. Check out these sharp objects travelers tried to bring on airplanes, and TSA’s cutting remarks about them.
A TSA officer detected this sword concealed inside the staff of a cane at a TSA security checkpoint at @EWRairport yesterday. Unfortunately bringing swords to checkpoints just doesn't cut it. Good catch on the sharp eye of the @TSA officer who was clearly on point. pic.twitter.com/jIvOy2KQ1A
— TSA Northeast (@TSA_Northeast) April 26, 2023
A traveler flying out of @EWRairpot "axidentally" left his axe in his carry-on bag. @TSA officers performed an "axe" of kindness and worked with the man to place the axe in his checked bag, where it could safely be transported to the traveler's destination. pic.twitter.com/afJMnb9aGL
— TSA Northeast (@TSA_Northeast) April 24, 2023