The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a branch of the Department of Homeland Security in the United States, recently released a list of the most peculiar prohibited items discovered at airports last year. Topping the list was a replica bomb.
According to a press release issued by the TSA on January 22, the number one item on the list of the top ten most unusual items found during airport security screenings in 2025 was a suspicious item resembling a pipe bomb. This item was detected at Boise Airport in Idaho in May last year.
During the incident, a checked bag at the airport triggered an alarm, prompting additional screening. TSA explosives experts rushed to the scene, evaluated the images, and searched the luggage. It was found that the bag contained PVC pipes and wooden blocks wrapped in paper, labeled with “C4” and exposed wires.
The explosives experts determined that these items were replicas and posed no threat. The passenger who had the items claimed they were training props.
James Spies, the Federal Security Director for TSA in Idaho, stated, “Realistic explosive device replicas are not allowed in checked or carry-on baggage. Our well-trained security personnel will never take chances if they come across images resembling explosives during luggage checks. We are fortunate that this item did not have malicious intent.”
In the TSA’s list, the second spot was taken by turtles found in pants and bras, at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Miami International Airport in Florida, respectively.
Ranking third was razor blades hidden in clothing, discovered at Denver International Airport in Colorado. The fourth and fifth positions were occupied by knives concealed in knee braces at Quad Cities International Airport in Illinois and drugs hidden in shoes at Kona International Airport in Hawaii.
Other peculiar items on the list included pills in shampoo bottles, blades on car seats, bullets in Nesquik strawberry powder, firearms in golf ball backpacks, bullets and knives wrapped in foil, among others, ranking from sixth to tenth place.
TSA urges passengers unsure of what items they can carry to visit the agency’s website at TSA.gov or use the MyTSA app, which is available for free.