Wierdest thing you've taken as airline baggage?

[Paul]

In 2005 on the way back from Brisbane, QLD, we checked a bag with a bottle of Bundaberg Rum in it that was wrapped as a gift. The wife had just thrown it in one of her bags. We didn't declare it on the airline supplied form. In LA, the customs guy asked 3 times if we had anything to declare and since I didn't know it was there, I kept saying no. He grinned and left us go.

[patssle]

a propane camping stove (without the propane). my suitcase was 49.5 lbs and I did not want to pay a fee. went through TSA to new Zealand and back without a problem!

[newob]

Both of these times were carried on, not checked.

Pre 911 - 2 full sized pocket knives - I was 8 years old, and they let me walk past the metal detectors. I forgot I had them in my pocket. I distinctly remember showing my dad on the plane, and him quickly telling me to put them away.

Post 911 - A 14 foot long string hammock from Guatemala. Enough strong cord to... well.. do a lot of stuff. Interestingly enough they made me take the cord wrapping it up off because "It could be used as a strangulation device"... as if I couldn't have used any one of the 1000 strings that made it up.

second time I got a full search including the typical crotch grope...

[schnellman]

Carrying court reporting equipment into and out of various countries in W. Europe during the 80's used to get me special attention. The worst was in Athens when I was held at gun point while I explained what everything was and that I was not trying to smuggle equipment into the country. There's no mistaking the sound of an Uzi bolt falling into place.