Idaho saw another record-setting year of weird, dangerous items seized at airports in 2023

Shaun Goodwin
·4 min read

For most people, getting stopped by airport security for a prohibited item means they’ve accidentally packed something mundane, like toothpaste too big to be a carry-on.

But for many travelers in Idaho last year, it means they’ve tried to carry on something more along the lines of a ninja throwing star, a replica rocket-propelled grenade, a hatchet or a gun.

The Transportation Security Administration confiscates weird and dangerous items from travelers going through one of Idaho’s several commercial airports yearly — such as a memorial sword in 2022 — but last year might take the cake. The just-released list of seized items in 2023 includes things like a cam shaft, inert ammunition and a hatchet.

Additionally, a record number of firearms were found at the Boise Airport during routine X-ray screenings last year.

Here’s a list of some of the most peculiar items passengers tried to get through Idaho airports in 2023.

A record number of firearms

Idahoans may love their guns, but the TSA not so much.

A total of 47 guns were confiscated across Idaho airports in 2023. While that isn’t a statewide record, 42 of those guns were confiscated at Boise Airport, a record for the airport.

Three firearms were confiscated at Idaho Falls Regional Airport and one apiece at Friedman Memorial Airport and Pocatello Regional Airport.

“I can’t say this more clearly: stop and empty each of your bags before you pack for your trip, just to make sure there is nothing in it that might cause a problem for you when you get to the airport,” Andy Coose, TSA Federal Security Director for Idaho, stated in a news release.

“You are responsible for whatever is in your bag when it arrives for TSA screening,” Coose continued, “and the fines can be in the thousands of dollars for an undeclared gun in your bag.”

In addition to a potential criminal referral for storing an undeclared, unloaded handgun in your carry-on, the TSA can also levy a fine that starts at $1,500 and can go into the thousands.

Firearms can be transported on a commercial aircraft only if they’re unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and transported in checked luggage.

Idaho’s weirdest airport confiscations

While guns were a common occurrence in Idaho airports last year, there was also a collection of even weirder items. Here’s the top 10, along with comments on each from the TSA:

10. Ninja throwing star - Boise Airport

“If you own one of these, pack it in checked luggage or leave it at home when traveling. This item can be used as a missile in some martial arts but has no place on a plane.”

A ninja throwing star confiscated at Boise Airport.
A ninja throwing star confiscated at Boise Airport.

9. Hatchet - Boise Airport

“TSA officers always ask passengers before a bag check if there is anything sharp in the carry-on. Hope the passenger said YES in response!”

A hatchet confiscated by the TSA in Idaho in 2023.
A hatchet confiscated by the TSA in Idaho in 2023.

8. Ulu Knife - Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport

“This Alaska native tool is used traditionally to skin animals. Guaranteed, you won’t need this post-security at any airport. The blade on this is what makes it a prohibited item.”

An ulu knife is a traditional Alaska native tool for skinning animals.
An ulu knife is a traditional Alaska native tool for skinning animals.

7. Grenade-shaped bottle of hot sauce - Idaho Falls Regional Airport

“Real, inert or full of hot sauce, anything that looks like a grenade is never allowed on a plane.”

It may only be hot sauce, but that doesn’t mean you can take it on a plane. This hot sauce from confiscated by the TSA in Idaho in 2023.
It may only be hot sauce, but that doesn’t mean you can take it on a plane. This hot sauce from confiscated by the TSA in Idaho in 2023.

6. Spanner wrench - Boise Airport

“This large, specialized tool is used to remove locking nuts. In case you missed the safety briefing, no in-flight maintenance is allowed.”

A spanner wrench is used for removing large locking nuts, backing it a big no-no for airplanes.
A spanner wrench is used for removing large locking nuts, backing it a big no-no for airplanes.

5. Camshaft and transmission gear - Boise Airport

“Which passenger thought it was a good idea to bring this engine part in carry-on luggage? Due to its size and bludgeoning potential, it is a perfect item to travel in checked luggage.”

A camshaft may not have much use on a plane, but it can be used as a weapon and is therefore not allowed.
A camshaft may not have much use on a plane, but it can be used as a weapon and is therefore not allowed.

4. Double-edged letter opener - Friedman Memorial Airport

“In a case of two wrongs don’t make a right, this double-edge letter opener can’t travel in carry-on luggage. Feel free to write home about it to let your friends and family know to place this item in checked luggage.”

The double-edged letter opener confiscated by the TSA in Idaho in 2023.
The double-edged letter opener confiscated by the TSA in Idaho in 2023.

3. Crow bar - Magic Valley Regional Airport

“What’s with the tools and car parts in Idaho? Rules for traveling with any tool: must be seven inches in length or shorter to make it post-security. And no blades or sharp ends, too.”

This crow bar is another item that has little use on a plane outside of its bludgeoning ability.
This crow bar is another item that has little use on a plane outside of its bludgeoning ability.

2. 20-millimeter inert ammunition - Boise Airport

“Ammunition of any type must travel in its original packaging in checked luggage. No exceptions! These were discovered in checked baggage.”

Even inert ammunition needs to be in its original packaging and declared to airport security.
Even inert ammunition needs to be in its original packaging and declared to airport security.

1. Realistic replica rocket-propelled grenade - Boise Airport

“While this item was discovered in checked baggage, it is still a no-fly. Helpful travel tip: if it looks like an explosive, don’t bring it anywhere near an airport.”

Even those this replica was declared in checked baggage, anything that looks like an explosive is not allowed through security.
Even those this replica was declared in checked baggage, anything that looks like an explosive is not allowed through security.