1. A Fully Assembled Christmas Tree
Believe it or not, some travelers have actually brought fully assembled Christmas trees onto airplanes. As long as it fits within the airline’s carry-on size limits, it’s technically allowed, though that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Imagine trying to maneuver a six-foot tree through security, past the X-ray scanners, and into the overhead bin. TSA agents have been known to give some funny looks, but as long as there are no prohibited decorations—like glass ornaments or battery-operated lights—it’s fair game. Some travelers even check their trees as luggage, wrapping them up like a giant holiday burrito says MSN.
The real challenge is getting it to your destination in one piece, especially if there’s turbulence or rough handling by baggage crews. Some airlines don’t even have specific policies against it, meaning that, in theory, if you wanted to surprise your family by showing up with a fully decorated tree, you totally could. Just be prepared for some odd stares and possibly a lengthy conversation with airport security about your holiday spirit.
2. A Suitcase Full of Live Lobsters
Most people wouldn’t think to travel with live seafood, but some airlines actually allow passengers to bring live lobsters in the cabin. As long as they’re properly contained in a clear, spill-proof container, these crustaceans can fly with you like any other carry-on item. Some travelers, especially those from coastal areas, have taken full advantage of this rule by bringing an entire suitcase filled with lobsters. TSA agents have seen it all, from neatly packed crates of lobsters to plastic bins filled with the wriggling creatures explains TSA.
The strangest part? It’s often easier to bring a live lobster on a plane than a bottle of water. While your shampoo has to be under 3.4 ounces, you can waltz through security with a 10-pound lobster like it’s no big deal. Imagine the looks you’d get from fellow passengers if you had one chilling under your seat. Hopefully, it doesn’t get any ideas about escaping mid-flight.
3. A Kayak
Yes, people have actually managed to bring kayaks onto planes. If it fits within the airline’s oversized baggage policy, you can check it in like any other piece of luggage. Some adventurous travelers prefer this method over renting equipment at their destination, even though it’s a logistical nightmare. Some airlines have even been flexible enough to let passengers store smaller kayaks in the overhead compartment—though that’s pretty rare. The real challenge is getting it through the airport without knocking over a dozen people in the process shares GoRafting.
You can only imagine the chaos of trying to wheel a kayak through a crowded terminal. It’s bulky, awkward, and probably gets stuck in every doorway. But for those who refuse to travel without their personal watercraft, it’s worth the hassle. Hopefully, their seatmates don’t mind sacrificing a bit of legroom for the adventure.
4. A Full-Sized Car Tire
Airlines have surprisingly lax rules when it comes to checking in car tires. If it meets the airline’s size and weight restrictions, you can roll it right up to the baggage counter and send it through. Some travelers have even been spotted lugging their spare tire through security as a carry-on. It might not fit under the seat, but as long as it doesn’t contain fuel or other hazardous materials, it’s allowed. The sight of someone dragging a giant rubber tire through the terminal is bound to turn some heads.
The real question is: why? Maybe they found a great deal on tires in another city, or maybe they just don’t trust the ones available at their destination. Either way, it’s not something you expect to see rolling through security. Hopefully, they don’t try to store it in the overhead bin, or someone might get an unexpected surprise when opening it.
5. A Block of Solid Gold
If you’re wealthy enough to own a solid gold bar, you can actually bring it on a plane without much hassle. As long as it goes through the security screening, there’s no rule against carrying one. Some passengers have been spotted hauling heavy gold bricks through TSA checkpoints, casually tossing them into plastic bins like they’re just another carry-on item. The weight alone makes it a questionable travel choice, but technically, it’s not a problem.
The only real issue? Theft. Carrying a bar of gold worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars in a public space might not be the best idea. But for some reason, people have done it, treating their gold like an extra piece of luggage. Hopefully, they have a strong back and a solid plan for keeping it safe.
6. A Full Thanksgiving Turkey (Cooked or Raw)
TSA has confirmed that passengers can bring a full Thanksgiving turkey onto a plane. Whether it’s raw or fully cooked, as long as it fits in your carry-on or checked bag, it’s allowed. Some travelers have taken this as an opportunity to hand-deliver their Thanksgiving meal to relatives across the country. It’s not unusual for people to show up at security with a giant bird wrapped in foil or stuffed in a cooler.
The funniest part is that while the turkey is fine, certain side dishes—like gravy or cranberry sauce—might get confiscated if they’re over the liquid limit. So, you can bring the main course, but you might have to rethink the fixings. Hopefully, it doesn’t get too squished under the seat.
7. A Life-Size Mannequin
For reasons unknown, some people have attempted to fly with full-size mannequins as part of their luggage. If it’s properly packed or secured in a seat (yes, some people buy extra tickets for them), airlines often allow it. TSA agents have reported seeing everything from headless mannequins in suitcases to fully dressed figures strapped into airplane seats. It’s unclear whether they’re being used for fashion, pranks, or something much weirder.
The reactions from other passengers must be priceless, especially if the mannequin is realistic enough to look like a person. It might be a joke, a work-related necessity, or just a bizarre personal choice, but one thing’s for sure—it makes for an unforgettable flight. Hopefully, the flight attendants don’t accidentally try to serve it a drink.
8. A Bag of Eels
If lobsters aren’t weird enough, some passengers have attempted to bring live eels onto planes. TSA once stopped a traveler trying to check a plastic bag filled with hundreds of live eels. The slippery creatures were wriggling around in their container, making it one of the strangest discoveries at a security checkpoint. While it’s technically allowed if packed properly, most people would probably prefer not to sit next to it.
The real challenge is making sure they don’t escape mid-flight. Nobody wants to be trapped in a flying metal tube with loose eels slithering around. But for some reason, people keep trying to bring them along, as if they’re just another piece of luggage.
9. A Giant Wheel of Cheese
Some people take their love of cheese to the next level by flying with massive wheels of it in their luggage. If it’s solid, it’s TSA-approved, and certain travelers—especially those coming from Europe—are known for bringing home entire wheels of specialty cheeses. The smell alone must be an experience for anyone nearby, especially if it’s an aged variety.
What’s funny is that while a giant block of cheese is perfectly fine, a soft cheese over 3.4 ounces might be confiscated as a liquid. So, if you’re planning to travel with dairy, you might want to double-check the TSA rules before you get stuck at security arguing about brie.
10. A Taxidermy Alligator
Believe it or not, a fully taxidermied alligator once made it through airport security. TSA has no specific rule against preserved animals, as long as they don’t contain any restricted materials like liquids or hazardous chemicals. That means someone could, in theory, casually stroll through the airport with a stuffed gator under their arm. Airport security has reported seeing everything from small mounted animal heads to full-sized, glassy-eyed creatures.
The weirdest part? It doesn’t even have to go in checked baggage. Some travelers have been known to bring their taxidermy as carry-ons, tucking them into the overhead bin like a backpack. One can only imagine the flight attendant’s reaction when opening a compartment and finding a frozen, toothy grin staring back. Hopefully, it’s wrapped up well enough to avoid terrifying an unsuspecting passenger.
11. A Set of Bowling Balls
Bowling enthusiasts don’t always want to rent gear at their destination, so some take their own bowling balls on flights. TSA has confirmed that solid bowling balls are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, though carrying them in a backpack sounds like a terrible idea for your shoulders. Imagine the chaos if one were to roll loose during turbulence.
Some travelers have even been spotted bringing an entire set of bowling balls, packed neatly in their rolling bags. The weight alone makes it a questionable travel choice, but if you’re serious about your game, it makes sense. Hopefully, baggage handlers are careful enough not to send them bouncing down the conveyor belt.
12. A Samurai Sword
Yes, you can legally bring a samurai sword onto a plane—as long as it’s checked baggage. While weapons are obviously not allowed in carry-ons, properly packed swords are surprisingly permitted in the cargo hold. TSA agents have seen everything from antique katanas to modern replica blades wrapped up and sent through security. Some travelers even take them home as souvenirs from trips to Japan or other places known for their sword-making traditions.
The real challenge is making sure it’s secured properly so it doesn’t get damaged—or raise too many questions at baggage claim. Can you imagine waiting at the carousel and seeing a long, sword-shaped package rolling toward you? Hopefully, whoever’s picking it up isn’t in too much of a hurry, or things could get awkward fast.