Newark Airport makes TSA's top 10 list of most unusual finds of 2019

Jai-Leen James
Asbury Park Press

Some people have a more difficult time understanding what's allowed in a carry-on bag than others.

The Transportation Security Administration revealed its "Top Ten Most Unusual Finds" of 2019 on Twitter. And what's a top 10 list without the great state of New Jersey?

Traveler volume at Newark Liberty International Airport can reach over 80,000 in one day, according to TSA. Naturally, there ought to be a few oddities that make their way through the security conveyor belt. EWR came in ranked at No. 3 on TSA's esteemed list.

What prohibited item is Newark's claim to fame? An uninvited snake.

Watch TSA's video of its top 10 most unusual finds of 2019 below.

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Last August, a traveler seemed to have forgotten their ring-neck snake at a Newark Airport checkpoint. The 15-inch-long reptile was spotted by a young girl, who TSA said "heeded the advice 'if you see something, say something,'" and alerted a TSA officer.

“It’s common for travelers to accidentally leave items at the checkpoint,” TSA New Jersey Federal Security Director Tom Carter said at the time of the incident.

“Typically people leave items such as their keys, sunglasses, ID, hats and gloves, but this is the first time someone has left a snake behind. We have a fairly robust lost and found program that reunites passengers with their lost items, but this passenger doesn’t need to call us about his snake.”

The story continues after the gallery.

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If it's not too late (it is), we would like to recommend an honorable mention. Last October, a traveler at EWR tried to bring a boxed sword and scabbard through the security checkpoint in Terminal C. TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein shared the unusual find on Twitter.

For more information on what is and isn't allowed in your checked and carry-on luggage, check the TSA website for the complete list.

APP reporter Ilana Keller contributed to this story.

Jai-Leen James is a digital producer at the Asbury Park Press. She can be reached at jtjames@gannett.com or on Twitter @j_james17.