Snakes, knives, grenades & ranch dressing: TSA would prefer if you don’t pack these items
byJESSICA A. BOTELHO | The National News Desk
Fri, July 31, 2026 at 6:00 PM
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Snakes, knives, grenades & ranch dressing: TSA would prefer if you don’t pack these items (Photo: TSA)
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) used humor to deliver a serious travel message after agents intercepted several unusual items hidden in airline passengers’ carry-on luggage, including a knife concealed inside a laptop and a live snake tucked inside a computer hard drive
The agency recently took to social media to joke about the discoveries, while also reminding travelers that certain items are prohibited in carry-on bags
“A laptop with a knife hidden inside it. (Can you spot it below?)” TSA wrote alongside an X-ray image of the computer.
Snakes, knives & ranch dressing: TSA would prefer if you don’t pack these items (Photo: TSA)
The post continued with a few other odd discoveries
“A computer hard drive with a snake hidden inside it. Knives and snakes. Please, no more snakes,” TSA noted.
The agency did not say where or when the items were discovered but shared the examples as part of its ongoing effort to educate travelers about airport security rules
In recent months, TSA said agents found an array of other “questionable” objects, including ranch dressing due to its popularity during the 2026 World Cup, as well as the following:
Fireworks
Cannonballs
Snakes, knives & ranch dressing: TSA would prefer if you don’t pack these items (Photo: TSA)
A Samurai Sword
An Inert Grenade
Live Smoke Grenades
Replicas of Explosives
While the tone of a majority of the posts was lighthearted, the TSA emphasized that concealed weapons and live animals can pose safety and security risks during air travel. Firearms, most knives and other dangerous weapons are prohibited in carry-on luggage, though some may be transported in checked baggage if they are properly declared and packaged. Animals also must comply with airline and federal transportation requirements
The TSA frequently uses social media to highlight unusual items intercepted at airport checkpoints, often mixing jokes with reminders about what passengers can and cannot bring through security
The agency encouraged travelers to review current screening guidelines before heading to the airport to help avoid delays at security checkpoints
