11 Weirdest Items Found In Hand Luggage

Many Brits are looking forward to jetting off across the world for a few weeks of well-earned rest and relaxation this summer.

Before you get to warmer pastures, however, you of course have to go through the travel ordeal of airport control and departure lounges. Anyone travelling by plane is wise to familiarise yourself with the items you can and can’t take on your hand luggage - unlike the unsuspecting people below who found themselves knee-deep in trouble…

The team at MoneyTransfers.com scoured the murky depths of multiple threads on Reddit to find 11 of the most weird and downright bizarre items found in hand luggage by airport staff around the world. Let’s hope you weren’t planning on bringing any of these items yourself!

1. Adult Toys

Airport security staff have reported an unusual trend of finding adult toys discreetly tucked away in passengers' carry-on bags. These buzzy items often raise eyebrows and prompt extra attention during screenings.

But what's more astonishing is that at least two instances have been reported where these adult toys were found filled with Class A drugs! A peculiar choice for drug concealment, to say the least.

2. Firecrackers

One traveller recounted their nail-biting experience when they forgot to remove live fireworks from their pockets before flying from a small domestic airport to a larger international one.

The unexpected explosive discovery caused quite a commotion, leaving the passenger covered in "gunshot residue" as they cautiously waited for security personnel.

Fortunately, they managed to avoid any serious consequences and boarded their flight without incident.

“A few Christmas' ago I flew from a small domestic airport to a much larger international yet domestic airport. I forgot we had gone on out for a fire the weekend prior and shot off some fireworks. So only after I put my hands in my pockets and felt live fireworks, explosives. Did it dawn on me I'm also covered in essentially Gunshot residue.

I already made it through security. I took my hands out of my pockets and waited. Nobody came for me.

On the way back my travel partner was called in because she forgot a full size tube of toothpaste in her bag. They weren't impressed with her.

That was a close one.”- Gnarbachy

3. A Live Cayman (Flight From Oz)

In a case that sounds like something out of a wildlife adventure, a passenger on a flight from Australia managed to carry a live Cayman on a commercial flight. Now that would have been a shock for the airport staff!

4. A Live Claymore

In another case, a military serviceman returned from the Middle East to the US and attempted to bring a live claymore (an explosive device!).

Apparently, he pleaded innocent and that he “didn’t know he was supposed to do that”! According to the redditor, the FBI took the unsuspecting passenger away for questioning.

“Military servicemen returning from the middle east managed to get a live claymore on a commercial flight, he "didn't know he wasn't supposed to do that." It shut down the whole terminal for 4 hours. The FBI was called and took him away for questioning.”

5. Bottle Of Snake Wine

A passenger raised eyebrows when they attempted to carry a bottle of snake wine in their hand luggage. In an effort to prove that it was indeed wine, the daring individual even volunteered to take a sip. Cheers to their bravery!

“Stopped a passenger with a bottle of snake wine. Passenger volunteered to drink some to prove it was really wine.”

6. Ears Of Fresh Corn And Half Frozen Bratwurst

One memorable airport security screening involved a suitcase filled with ears of fresh corn and half-frozen bratwurst. Apparently, someone had big plans for a family picnic in the southern lands.

“Half of the suitcase contained ears of fresh corn and half frozen bratwurst. Family picnic in the south, apparently.”- markko79

7. A Duffle Bag Full Of $1

A former college student, travelling for work, experienced a heart-stopping moment when airport staff discovered a duffle bag stuffed with $1 bills. Although it raised suspicions initially, the seasoned airport manager quickly recognized the innocence of the situation, saving the day from turning into a real-life crime drama.

“In college many years ago I had a part-time job demonstrating a dollar counting machine (they were relatively new then). Once I had to fly somewhere to give a demo, and took my duffle bag full of $1 bills. The guy searching that bag called for his boss to come over. The boss was experienced enough to figure out that real drug dealers don’t traffic in low-value currency and he kept me from being arrested.”- WillingPublic

8. A Ziplock Bag Of Sand (Looked Like A Bomb)

A child's innocent souvenir from a beach vacation turned into a bizarre airport incident when a Ziplock bag filled with sand raised suspicions on the X-ray scanner. The concoction of rotten seaweed and tiny sea creatures within the sand only added to the peculiar scene.

“My child once packed a Ziplock full of sand in her suitcase. Turns out on X-ray this looks like a bomb. Also turns out her sand was full of rotten seaweed and tiny little (dead) sea creatures. Opening that bag was like the bog of eternal stench. Three airports we hauled that damn bag through, and then I made her throw it away.” - PotsPansAmsterdam

9. A Human Skull

In an incident that seemed straight out of a thriller movie, a passenger, who happened to be a medical professional, was found transporting a genuine human skull.

“I worked at an airport as a line tech. A former baggage screener (pre-TSA) told me of the time he opened a bag and found a human skull. The passenger was an MD and had all the appropriate paperwork to transport the skull, but it was still surreal.” - Blokie_McBlokeface

10. Matcha Powder

One traveller's love for matcha powder took an unexpected turn when they decided to pack a massive suitcase solely filled with loose matcha powder, sans containers.

“Weirdest thing I remember was a massive suitcase packed to the brim with loose matcha powder. No container or anything. The bag was so overstuffed the zipper popped and it exploded on the belt loader while being downloaded. Green powder fucking everywhere.”

-EthanEpiale

11. A Morning Star (Weapon)

In an odd yet heartfelt gesture, a man tried to bring a genuine, full-size morning star (a mediaeval weapon with a spiked metal ball) onto a plane, claiming it had "sentimental value." Needless to say, this isn’t something you are allowed to take on a flight!

“My brother works in TSA, and he said that he had actually seen a man try to get a genuine, full size morningstar onto the plane, claiming that it had "sentimental value." - 60and80

Tips For Breezing Through Airport Security This Summer

Jonathan Merry, travel expert at MoneyTransfers.com, has offered these tips for passengers looking to simplify their travel days this summer.

“As we gear up for a summer of travel and adventure, it's crucial to ensure a smooth journey through airport security. The recent list of the 11 weirdest items found in hand luggage serves as a reminder to be vigilant about what we pack before heading to the airport.

Travel days don’t have to be a stressful experience - a bit of forethought and preparation means you can get from door to destination with zero hassle.”

• Pack Smart: Before packing, familiarise yourself with the airline's guidelines on prohibited items. Leave any questionable or restricted items out of your carry-on bags.

• Don’t bother with Ziploc bags: Airport security only allows you to use their own Ziploc bags (which you can grab just before you go through security), so don’t bother portioning out your liquids ahead of time. Just ensure they’re in an easily accessible place in your hand luggage.

• Double-Check Your Luggage: Always double-check your luggage before leaving for the airport - and of course, never carry something onboard for someone else.

• Use Secure Containers: If you must carry unusual items, such as liquids or powders, ensure they are securely packed in appropriate containers. You can only take liquids under 100ml in your carry-on so put any over this amount in your checked luggage.

• Organise Your Luggage: Keeping your luggage well-organised can speed up the screening process. Opt for clear compartments for liquids and toiletries, and ensure you know what items (such as laptops and batteries) need to be removed from your hand luggage to go through security more efficiently.

• Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time at the airport to navigate security procedures comfortably. Arriving early also allows you to address any issues or questions that may arise during the screening process.