We're Begging You To Follow This WEIRD Airport Security Rule

Alright, time to go through airport security — you know the drill.

TSA lines!

Take off your jackets and shoes, remove your electronics from your carry-on, and make sure you don’t have any live animals in your pants. Wait, what? You might think we’re kidding, but apparently, there are some people who do need to be reminded that it’s against airport rules to smuggle reptiles by hiding them in your pants.

Just when we thought we’d heard it all, yet another airport security story comes along that really makes us scratch our heads. In early March 2025, a Pennsylvania man was caught with a turtle concealed in his pants when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) body scanner triggered an alarm.

MCO Airport (and this is a GOOD crowd)

The incident took place on March 7th at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey. After the alarm was triggered, a TSA officer administered a pat-down and determined that something was being concealed in the man’s groin area.

When the man was asked if there was something hidden in his pants, the East Stroudsburg, PA resident reached into his pants and pulled out a live turtle wrapped in a small blue towel.

via TSA

The man told the officials that the turtle — which was about 5 inches in length — that it was a red-ear slider turtle. Port Authority Police questioned the man before taking possession of the turtle and indicated they would be contacting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local animal control officials. The man was escorted out of the checkpoint by police and missed his flight.

Turtle!

Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, said “We have seen travelers try to conceal knives and other weapons on their person, in their shoes and in their luggage, however I believe this is the first time we have come across someone who was concealing a live animal down the front of his pants. As best as we could tell, the turtle was not harmed by the man’s actions.”

So, in case you need the reminder, sneaking animals through airport security is NOT allowed — especially in your pants.

©Google

We’ll be on the lookout for more strange airport security rules you need to know about ahead of your next trip. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney and travel news!