Quad Cities Airport Lands on TSA's Top 10 Weirdest Items List for 2025

From a fake pipe bomb to turtles in a bra, the TSA reveals the most bizarre items found at airports across the U.S. last year.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:55pm

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has released its annual list of the weirdest items discovered at airport security checkpoints in 2025. The list includes a realistic-looking replica of a pipe bomb found at Boise Airport, as well as a woman caught smuggling live turtles in her bra at Newark Liberty International and Miami International Airports.

Why it matters

The TSA's annual roundup of bizarre airport discoveries highlights the challenges its agents face in keeping travelers safe, as well as the ingenuity (and sometimes absurdity) of passengers trying to circumvent security protocols. These incidents also underscore the need for continued vigilance and education around what items are and are not allowed on planes.

The details

Among the other strange items on the TSA's top 10 list were razor blades hidden in clothing at Denver International, drugs stashed in shoes at Kona International in Hawaii, and a knife concealed in a knee brace at Quad Cities International Airport in Illinois. The list also included firearms, ammunition, and knives found in unexpected places like golf bags, car seats, and tinfoil.

  • In May, TSA agents at Boise Airport discovered what appeared to be a pipe bomb in a passenger's bag.
  • Throughout the year, TSA officers found turtles hidden in the clothing of passengers at Newark Liberty International and Miami International Airports.

The players

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for security screening at U.S. airports.

James Spies

TSA's Federal Security Director for Idaho, who commented on the pipe bomb replica incident at Boise Airport.

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What they’re saying

“Realistic replicas of explosives are not allowed in checked or carry-on bags. Our expertly trained officers take no risks when they screen a bag and see an image that could be an explosive. We're grateful that in this case, the items were not intended to harm anyone.”

— James Spies, TSA's Federal Security Director for Idaho

What’s next

The TSA will continue to monitor airport security and educate travelers on prohibited items to ensure the safety of all passengers.

The takeaway

The TSA's annual list of weird airport discoveries underscores the importance of vigilance and compliance with security protocols, as even seemingly innocuous items can pose risks in the confined environment of an airplane. These incidents also highlight the creativity (and sometimes absurdity) of passengers trying to circumvent the rules.