The travel experts at luggage storage network Bounce.com have put together a list of the most unusual things that have been fished out of bags while passengers move through security
A live goldfish and a chainsaw are among the strangest items discovered by UK airport security.
It’s not just oversized liquids and uncharged phones that can get you stopped at security. There are plenty more unusual objects that can and have ended up with security staff raising their eyebrows and conducting an extra thorough search.
The travel experts at luggage storage network Bounce.com have put together a list of the most unusual things that have been fished out of bags while passengers move through security. Here are some of the strangest.
A sweet jar containing live goldfish at London Stansted Airport
Security officers were stunned to find a jar of sweets containing a pair of live goldfish swimming inside. Transporting live animals in hand luggage is strictly prohibited, especially in unconventional containers.
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A snow glo
Though it may seem silly, snow globes often exceed the liquid limit for carry-on luggage and are, therefore, not allowed through airport security. One passenger’s snow globe souvenir was flagged during screening, reminding travelers that even decorative items can violate airport rules.
A chainsaw at East Midlands International Airport
One traveler at East Midlands Airport thought it would be fine to pack a chainsaw in their hand luggage. It obviously didn’t make it past security, as tools and sharp equipment like this are forbidden in cabin bags. Remember – don’t try to bring a chainsaw with you in your hang luggage with you the next time you head on holiday.
A suitcase full of pork pies at Leeds Bradford Airport
Border staff were surprised when an entire suitcase was found packed exclusively with pork pies. Transporting large quantities of food, especially meat products, can raise questions from airport security officials, as bringing meat into Great Britain from the EU is illegal.
Pickled gherkins in vinegar (680g) at London City Airport
Pickled gherkins might be some travelers’ guilty pleasure, but it’s not something security staff will be happy to see if brought on in such large quantities. Hopefully they didn’t ask the passengers to down the errant liquid.
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Looking outside of the UK, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also confiscated some unusual items. Items such as a boa constrictor, antique cannon balls, and maggots in a suitcase are among the more uncommon things confiscated in US airports like Tampa International, Kahului, Regional, and LaGuardia
When it comes to airport security, most confiscated items are exactly what you’d expect. Despite the 100ml liquids rule being in place for almost 20 years, this is the number one offender of the most frequently seized belongings at UK airports.
The most binned items at UK airports include:
- Perfume, aftershave, and fragrance bottles that are more than 100ml
- Toiletries over 100ml, including toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner
- Drinks that are more than 100ml, such as bottles of water and energy drinks
- Condiments and spreads, including jam, peanut butter, and Marmite
- Makeup and skincare products that are classified as liquids, e.g., lip gloss, face masks, and sun cream
- Razors, scissors, and multi-tools, which are often left in carry-on luggage by accident
- Cigarette lighters often, passengers are unaware of the rule that you can only carry one per person. At East Midlands Airport, staff confiscate around 300 items a month, whereas Manchester Airport once seized almost 400 items in a single morning, including 284 cigarette lighters.
UK airport security officials aren’t permitted to take confiscated items home for personal use. UK airports have strict policies on this, and security areas are usually monitored.
Liquids, perishables, and anything that exceeds the 100ml rule are generally binned and destroyed on-site at the airport due to safety and hygiene reasons. These types of items are treated as waste and aren’t usually recycled due to the risk of contamination. They’re auctioned off or donated to charity.
Gadgets such as hair curlers, power bank chargers, and multi-use tools are often kept to be auctioned off or donated to charity if left unclaimed. For example, John Pye Auctions regularly lists confiscated airport items in bulk, such as electrical goods or even designer accessories.
Some third-party auction houses also group together these confiscated items into mystery bundles to sell to the public.
To ensure nonhazardous items are disposed of more sustainably, some UK airports have partnerships with recycling management companies. For example, London Gatwick and London Heathrow airports have a partnership with Grundon Waste Management. Also, Gatwick is home to the UK’s first airport-based waste plant.