If you thought your travel plans were chaotic, wait until you hear what Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers dealt with in 2025. From realistic fake bombs to reptiles concealed in intimate apparel, the TSA unusual finds 2025 list proves that truth is often stranger than fiction. Released this week in a viral video, the agency’s annual countdown of the most bizarre confiscated items has left travelers everywhere asking: Why?

The "Bomb" That Stopped Boise: A Training Aid Gone Wrong

Topping the list at number one is a discovery that likely stopped hearts at Boise Airport (BOI). In May 2025, a checked bag triggered alarms when scanners detected what appeared to be a textbook improvised explosive device. Officers found PVC pipes, wiring, and wooden blocks wrapped in paper clearly marked "C4."

While the item turned out to be a replica used for training, the incident wasn't a laughing matter for security teams. TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho, James Spies, emphasized the disruption caused by such items. "Realistic replicas of explosives are not allowed in checked or carry-on bags," Spies stated. "Our officers take no risks when they see an image that could be an explosive." The passenger chose to abandon the prop rather than miss their flight, but the scare easily secured the top spot on the TSA viral video 2026 list.

Shell-Shocking Smuggling: Turtles in Pants and Bras

Coming in at number two are the reptile-related incidents that generated headlines worldwide. The TSA highlighted two separate cases of turtles hidden in bra and pants, proving that smuggling attempts are getting bolder—and weirder.

The Miami Bra Incident

In July 2025, a woman at Miami International Airport (MIA) attempted to bypass security with two small turtles wrapped in black cloth and stuffed inside her bra. The discovery was made during a routine screening, but the outcome was tragic; officials reported that one of the turtles did not survive the ordeal. The surviving reptile was handed over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The Newark Pants Surprise

Earlier in the year, officers at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) encountered a man who appeared to be concealing a large object in his trousers. A pat-down revealed a live turtle hidden in his pants. The Newark airport turtle smuggling attempt ended with the animal being confiscated and the traveler facing potential civil penalties. The TSA took the opportunity to crack a few jokes on social media, reminding travelers that they "turtle-ly" can fly with pets if they follow proper procedures—which definitely don't involve stuffing them in underwear.

The Best of the Rest: Razors, Nesquik, and Knee Braces

The top two finds were just the tip of the iceberg for airport security weird news. The complete top 10 list showcases the creativity—and questionable judgment—of passengers across the nation.

At Denver International Airport, officers found razor blades painstakingly sewn into the lining of a passenger's clothing, earning the number three spot. Meanwhile, a traveler at Kona International Airport in Hawaii tried to smuggle drugs hidden inside their shoes, a classic but failed method that landed at number four.

Other notable mentions include:

  • #5: A knife concealed inside a knee brace at Quad Cities International Airport.
  • #6: Pills stuffed into a shampoo bottle in Anchorage, Alaska.
  • #8: Bullets hidden inside a container of Nesquik powder in Miami.
  • #9: A firearm tucked into a golf bag in Houston.

Smart Travel: Leave the Weird Stuff at Home

While these weird travel stories are entertaining, they serve as a serious reminder about airport safety. Bringing prohibited items, even as a joke or a training aid, can lead to significant delays, missed flights, and hefty fines. Civil penalties for weapon violations can reach nearly $15,000.

The TSA advises all travelers to double-check their bags before heading to the airport. If you're unsure about an item, use the "What Can I Bring?" tool on the TSA website or ask the agency directly on social media. And please, for the sake of the animals and the officers, keep your turtles in an approved carrier, not your clothing.