Boise Airport tops TSA’s Top 10 list of most unusual finds at checkpoints in 2025

BOISE, Idaho - A replica pipe bomb discovered in a passenger's checked bag at Boise Airport (BOI) topped the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Top 10 list of most unusual items detected at U.S. airport security checkpoints in 2025.

TSA released the list in a videoposted on the agency's social media accounts.

The incident occurred in May 2025 when a checked bag at BOI was referred for additional officer screening because of an alarm. A TSA explosives specialist responded, assessed the image, and conducted a bag search, discovering PVC pipes and wooden blocks wrapped in paper, marked "C4" with protruding wires.

The explosives expert determined the items were replicas and not a threat. The passenger said the items were training aids and abandoned them.

"Realistic replicas of explosives are not allowed in checked or carry-on bags," TSA's Federal Security Director for Idaho James Spies said. "Our expertly trained officers take no risks when they screen a bag and see an image that could be an explosive. We're grateful that in this case, the items were not intended to harm anyone."

The full Top 10 list includes:

10. Bullets and knives in tinfoil, Ohio's Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
9. Firearm in a golf bag, Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
8. Bullets in Nesquik, Miami International Airport (MIA)
7. Knife in a car seat, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
6. Pills in a shampoo bottle, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
5. Knife in a knee brace, Illinois' Quad Cities International Airport (MLI)
4. Drugs in shoes, Hawaii's Kona International Airport (KOA)
3. Razor blades in clothes, Denver International Airport (DEN)
2. Turtles in pants and bra, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Miami International Airport (MIA)
1. Explosive replicas at Boise Airport (BOI)

TSA encourages travelers uncertain about specific items to use the "What Can I Bring" tool on TSA.govand the free MyTSA app, text "Travel" to AskTSA (275872), or message @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger.

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