The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has revealed its most unusual finds for the year 2024, detailing the array of prohibited items discovered in passengers’ luggage across American airports. The annual list, dubbed “top catches,” showcases the peculiar, dangerous, and downright bewildering objects that travelers have attempted to take on board their flights.
The TSA’s “top catches” is a stark reminder of the crucial role airport security plays in ensuring the safety of all passengers. It also serves as a guide for travelers, providing valuable lessons on what not to pack in their carry-on or checked luggage.
From DIY Flamethrowers to Live Tarantulas
Among the most startling finds in 2024 were homemade flamethrowers, meticulously concealed inside everyday items such as toiletries and water bottles. These dangerous devices were intercepted in multiple airports, highlighting the constant vigilance required by TSA agents. 
Another bizarre discovery was a sizable collection of live tarantulas found in a passenger’s carry-on luggage at Los Angeles International Airport. The spiders, each individually packaged in small containers, were confiscated and handed over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The incident underscored the importance of adherence to regulations regarding the transportation of live animals.
Other peculiar items found by TSA agents include a medieval flail weapon at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, a live python concealed within an external hard drive at Miami International Airport, and an antique cannonball discovered in a checked bag at Boston’s Logan International Airport. Each instance resulted in the confiscation of the item and, in some cases, criminal charges against the passengers.
The Role of TSA and Traveler Responsibility
The TSA’s primary mission is to “Protect the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce.” This mission is pursued with the utmost seriousness and professionalism, as evidenced by the diverse range of prohibited items discovered and confiscated by TSA agents in 2024.
However, the responsibility for safe travel does not rest solely with the TSA. Passengers have a crucial role to play in promoting safety by familiarizing themselves with the rules and regulations surrounding air travel. This includes understanding what items are prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage.
These bizarre discoveries underscore the importance of travelers thoroughly checking their luggage before heading to the airport. Items that may seem harmless, or that are legal to possess in one’s home, can often become safety hazards or violate regulations when brought into the high-pressure environment of air travel.
Lessons for Travelers
The TSA’s 2024 “top catches” list is more than just a catalog of the strange and unusual. It is an essential learning tool for travelers, offering clear examples of what not to pack when preparing for a flight.
For travelers unsure about whether an item is allowed, the TSA offers an online “Can I Bring?” tool on its website. This service allows passengers to type in the item in question and receive immediate feedback on whether it can be carried on, checked, both, or neither. The TSA also encourages passengers to reach out via social media for guidance on specific items.
As we look back on the TSA’s most bizarre discoveries at airport security in 2024, it is clear that the task of ensuring safe air travel is ongoing and evolving. It requires the vigilance of airport security personnel and the cooperation and understanding of travelers. The TSA’s “top catches” list serves as a stark reminder of this fact and offers valuable lessons for all who fly.
