Sardo Michael/EyeEm
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was in for a big surprise when agents were screening bags at the Tampa International Airport in December. According to WFLA, agents spotted a 4-foot-long boa constrictor while watching an x-ray machine.
The four-foot-long boa constrictor was curled up inside a woman’s carry-on bag when it was spotted by agents. According to the outlet, the passenger told officers that the snake was her “emotional support pet.”
The agents then checked with the woman’s airline, who informed them that the snake would not be allowed on the plane.
According to the outlet, TSA informed the public that no airlines permit snakes in carry-on luggage. However, a few airlines actually allow for the scaly creatures to be carried in checked luggage — if packaged correctly.
A hand has to be given to the TSA’s official Instagram account. Earlier this week, the account shared a hilarious post recapping the bizarre event for its 1.1 million followers.
There’s a danger noodle in that bag…
Our officers at Tampa International Airport didn’t find this hyssssssterical! Coiled up in a passenger’s carry-on was a 4’ boa constrictor! We really have no adder-ation for discovering any pet going through an x-ray machine.
Do you have asp-irations of taking a snake on a plane? Don’t get upsetti spaghetti by not understanding your airline’s rules. For instance, airlines don’t allow nope ropes in carry-on bags and only a few allow them to slither around in checked bags, if packaged correctly.
Has all this left you wanting to squeeze out more travel answers? You can always mamba on over to our friends at AskTSA! They’ll rattle out responses to your questions 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (ET).
Instagram users immediately took to the post’s comment section to share their astonished reactions.
Whoever runs this account deserves an Oscar
And people thought the movie Snakes on a Plane was unrealistic…
Plot twist… the owner just wanted to save on vet bills. ‘Can I have a printout of that X-ray?’
Okay we’re gonna need the AMA with the TSA agent who saw this. Pls coordinate. 😂
Out of curiousity, what is the next protocol step here? Do you page the traveler over the airport comms and have them come back? Do they face any punishment like a fine for being this dumb? Do they need to cancel their flight until they work this out? Same with the cat one too.
Is my emotional support alligator still good to go if I buy him his own seat? He is only around 8 feet. I know my seeing eye kangaroo has caused delays in the past.
According to Travel + Leisure, the 4-foot boa constrictor is named Bartholomew. Neither the snake nor its owner was allowed to board their flight.
Roommates, what are your thoughts?
