It’s amazing what some people try to sneak past security at facilities, especially airports! To highlight some of the bold, dangerous, and just plain old weird items travelers bring through airport checkpoints across the country, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) releases a Top 10 Best Catches list and related video annually. 
Earning the No. 1 spot on the new list for 2025 is a replica pipe bomb, which was discovered in a passenger’s checked bag at the Boise Airport (BOI) in Idaho. The incident occurred in May 2025 when the bag 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,” explained James Spies, the TSA’s federal security director for Idaho. “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.”
To see the full Top 10 list for 2025, watch the TSA’s fun, pun-filled video below: